Engine: V12-cylinder 7.3 litre overhead valve | Transmission: 4-speed manual | Bodystyle: Sedanca deVille

Marque and model history: Nobody else but Rolls-Royce can lay claim to the term ‘The Best Car in the World’. The superior engineering and design was the brainchild of Sir Henry Royce. He insisted that their cars display their capabilities by winning major and grueling reliability trials regularly. Once the Silver Ghost was launched in 1906, owning a Rolls-Royce was seen as the ultimate status symbol, and a sign that one has arrived. Subsequently it was the car of choice for royalty and aristocrats across the world, naturally with India being no exception. In 1936 Rolls-Royce introduced an all new V12 powered chassis, the Phantom III. Considered an engineering marvel, the Phantom III was the final of the large horsepower cars before WW2 broke out. Just over 700 cars were built, and most of them survive – a testimony to their build.

During the days of the British Raj, many large and small royal states and principalities flourished, and everyone wanted a Rolls-Royce in their garages. The first to do so was Gwalior in 1907, and soon others followed, ordering bespoke customized cars.

Provenance: This grand Phantom III was bodied by renowned coachbuilders Hooper & Co. to wear a unique Sedanca deVille style body, with the driver section being openable. It was delivered new to Rani Jasmer Kaur, the Dowager Maharani of Nabha.