1931 marked a watershed year for Rolls-Royce. Sales of Springfield Phantoms fell so precipitously that production of Phantoms at the factory in Springfield, MA ceased. Consequently, the chassis for the Phantom II on display was manufactured in England and exported to the United States were it was fit with a Brewster Savoy Town Car body.
The Phantom II was a completely redesigned vehicle and had very little in common with its predecessor, the Phantom I.
The Phantom II was equipped with a Straight 6, 43.4hp, 7,668cc aluminum head engine capable of accelerating from 0-60 in 19.6 seconds. The engine was unitary with a 4-speed manual transmission. Semi-elliptical springs suspended the front and, in a change from its predecessor, the rear. 4-wheel servo-assisted brakes were also specified.
This Phantom II was ordered by its original owner in the height of the Great Depression. Given the fact that thousands of Americans were in bread lines, this vehicle proves that not everyone was destitute. The coachwork is quite luxurious, and features a liquor cabinet. The passenger compartment, center cabinet and inside door panels are trimmed in burled walnut.
Fred Buess and Harry Nicks collaborated in the completion of a complete frame off restoration of 212AJS that was started in August 2003 and completed in February 2007. The PII was exhibited at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance where it won third place in Class H.
212AJS is purported to be one of six Brewster bodied Savoy Town Car Sedanca De Ville built.