The world of vintage automobiles often yields tales of exquisite craftsmanship and bold design, but few cars capture the imagination quite like the 1947 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Labourdette Vutotal Cabriolet. Reimagined by the renowned Parisian coachbuilder Labourdette, this particular Phantom III represents the designer’s final and arguably most audacious creation, commissioned by the flamboyant Louis Ritter. The sheer extravagance of the project is underscored by the body alone, which commanded a price of $44,000 – an astounding sum equivalent to approximately $375,000 in 2003, making it one of the most expensive automobiles of its era.
A Chassis with a Rich History
Before its radical transformation, the Phantom III chassis had already graced prestigious stages. Originally fitted with a Hooper Sedanca de Ville body, it was showcased at prominent motor shows in Brussels, Geneva, and London. Its journey then took it across the Atlantic, where it featured on the Rolls-Royce stand at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. It was after this international exposure that Louis Ritter acquired the chassis, possessing the daring vision to entrust Labourdette with a complete rebodying, resulting in a vehicle unlike any other.
Labourdette’s Visionary Execution
Leveraging the virtually unlimited financial resources provided by Ritter, Labourdette dedicated significant effort to incorporating unique and luxurious features. Among these were intricate brass inserts, meticulously integrated into the body to accentuate the fenders, windscreen supports, and the extremities of the interior. A particularly innovative element was the inclusion of vacuum-powered windows, capable of retracting and extending with remarkable speed.
Further enhancing the car’s distinct character, Labourdette utilized a novel Vutotal patent. This allowed for the mounting of the unusually thick windshield directly to the firewall with substantial bolts, offering occupants an expansive and unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape.
A Color Transformation and Notable Appearances
The car’s initial appearance in a metallic red-orange hue did little to flatter Labourdette’s daring design. However, following its acquisition from the Blackhawk Collection, it underwent a meticulous restoration. The result was a magnificent dark, two-tone finish, now gracing the John W. Rich Auto Museum. This stunning automobile made a memorable, albeit brief, appearance at the 2006 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance. Although technical difficulties prevented its display at the main show, Pebble Beach extended a gracious invitation for its return in 2007, a testament to its unique allure.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Alloy 60 Degree V12 |
| Position | Front Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Displacement | 7338 cc / 447.8 in³ |
| Bore | 82.5 mm / 3.25 in |
| Stroke | 114.3 mm / 4.5 in |
| Power | 89.5 kW / 120 bhp |
| Specific Output | 16.35 bhp per litre |
| Body / Frame | Body over Steel Chassis |
| Driven Wheels | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Front Brakes | Drums with Servo Assist |
| Rear Brakes | Drums with Servo Assist |
| Steering | Worm & Nut |
| Front Suspension | Wishbones with Semi-Elliptic Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Live Axle with Semi-Elliptic Springs |
| Wheelbase | 3607 mm / 142.0 in |
| Front Track | 1537 mm / 60.5 in |
| Rear Track | 1588 mm / 62.5 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | Approximately 150 kph / 93.2 mph |
This 1947 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Labourdette Vutotal Cabriolet stands as a remarkable example of bespoke automotive artistry, a testament to the creative freedom afforded by a discerning owner and a visionary coachbuilder. Its unique design and rich history continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. What are your thoughts on this extraordinary Rolls-Royce? Share your opinions in the comments below.