Here at Classic Auto Insurance, we specialize in protecting breathtaking classic and luxury cars that have stood the test of time. Recently, five absolutely stunning cars were sold at auction, and these cars exemplify the remarkable craftsmanship and engineering we’ve come to expect and appreciate from classic vehicles.
These five vehicles were the 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine de Ville, the 1937 Delage D8-100 Coupé Chauffeur, the 1954 Fiat 8V Berlinetta Series II, the 1947 Chrysler Town and Country Convertible, and the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster. Here’s what you need to know about these historic vehicles.
1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine de Ville by James Young
The first entry on our tour of remarkable historic vehicles is the 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine de Ville by James Young. The particular unit that was recently sold is especially remarkable because it won the bronze medal at the 1965 Earls Court Motor Show.
Iconic coachbuilder James Young created 11 “open drive” Sedanca de Ville bodies for the Phantom V chassis, and this unit is the only PV15 limousine that boasted James Young’s Sedanca de Ville body. The car was likely first produced as a standard limousine, with James Young later converting it to a Limousine de Ville. Its exterior features stunning ivory-white and royal blue “sham cane” panels. Additionally, the car’s exterior and interior paintwork have both been patinaed handsomely. It brought in $134,400 at its sale.
The limousine’s interior holds seven passengers, and it features a leather-upholstered rear compartment with power-adjustable seats. It also boasts a lighted bar, Motorola tape deck, dual front and rear air conditioning systems, and a Mazal clock.
This remarkable limousine changed hands quite a few times through the years. After being featured at the 1965 Earls Court Motor Show, it was obtained by its original owner B.P. Jenks of Bridgnorth, England. The car later made it to the United States and was featured in the New York Times in 1972. Shortly after, renowned car collector Dr. Earle M. Health purchased the vehicle, and it quickly changed hands to Brass Era automobile enthusiast Dr. Samuel Scher. In 1987, the Behring Collection obtained ownership of the car, and years later, the last owner purchased the car for their private museum.
1937 Delage D8-100 Coupé Chauffeur by Franay
The next car on our list is far older than the 1965 Rolls-Royce: the 1937 Delage D8-100 Coupé Chauffeur by Franay. The D8-100s were the first Delage automobiles built by the company’s former competitors Delahaye. The cars’ bodies were constructed by some of the most famous and luxurious European coachbuilders, and this particular unit features a coach built by Carrosserie Franay of Paris, France, a coachbuilder known for his top-of-the-line, beautiful designs.
This particular unit sold for $179,200 and features chassis number 50770 and was the fifth D8-100 produced, and it’s also the oldest known survivor. Additionally, this is likely one of only five units that features the Franay-designed coupé chauffeur body, and it’s likely the only one that’s survived through the years.
This remarkable car is also exceptional because Franay exhibited the car at the Concours d’Elegance at Deauville on 14 July 1936, and it may have also been featured at the Paris Salon later that year.
The car boasts an enlarged engine that’s mated to its Cotal pre-selector transmission, and the engine produces around 100 brake horsepower.
This D8-100 has undergone some cosmetic and functional updates through the years, and it’s now been restored to its original formal black color. The car’s interior was also restored with black leather and pinstriped, soft-gray cloth upholstery. It also features additional remarkable details, such as its inlaid wood cabinetry in its rear compartment and its stunning marker and courtesy lights.
1954 Fiat 8V Berlinetta Series II
Fiat first introduced this remarkable supercar at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show, and it became an immediate hit. The car quickly became known as one of the most impressive and legendary cars that Fiat ever released, and it’s no surprise that it sold for an astounding $555,000 at auction.
This particular unit is incredibly notable because it’s one of only 29 second-series cars featuring iconic “stacked” double headlamps. The car also features fine additions, including a Les Leston steering wheel and two split chrome bumperettes.
The vehicle’s powertrain originally featured a 121.8 cu in narrow-angle V8 engine that could reach up to 120 miles per hour. Since then, it’s been upgraded to a Tipo 104 all-aluminum engine that was developed by Dante Giacoa. It sports a finned sump, polished intakes and ports, a forged crankshaft, and tubular stainless-steel exhaust manifolds. The car boasts incredibly impressive handling thanks to its light weight of 2,200 pounds. It also features a stressed unibody, tubular chassis, and independent suspension.
Tony Adraensens’ 2006 book Otto Vù reveals that this particular unit was constructed in March 1954 and was transported to a Fiat dealership in Rome owned by Vincenzo Orsini. Antonio Triglia bought the car in 1955, and he raced the vehicle in local road rallies, including Bologna-San Luca’s point-to-point race in April 1957.
1947 Chrysler Town and Country Convertible
The 1947 Chrysler Town and Country Convertible earned the much-desired status of a Classic Car Club of America Full Classic, an especially prestigious honor considering that the vehicle was constructed after World War II — the majority of CCCA cars were constructed before 1940.
Chrysler only produced a limited number of these breathtaking convertibles from 1946 to 1948, and out of the 4,332 units that Chrysler produced, only a few can be found today. It’s no wonder it sold for an impressive $140,000.
This car showcases the easy-going and luxurious design of classic Chrysler vehicles, with eye-catching woodwork and a complementing dark-blue exterior. The vehicle also features a tan convertible top that retracts and becomes obscured beneath its blue top boot. It also boasts period-appropriate wide whitewall tires. The car’s stunning exterior goes great with its blue and tan interior.
The 1947 convertible features a 127.5-inch wheelbase and sports an impressive powertrain. It boasts an inline-eight engine with a three-speed Fluid Drive automatic transmission that’s rated at 135 horsepower.
Although there’s much unknown about this rare unit, the vehicle was obtained by the Oklahoma car collector Karl Blade. The car’s remarkable woodwork was refinished by David Henderson in 2008. Finally, the vehicle changed hands to its most recent owner in 2012. Today, the car continues showcasing its classic, unforgettable style.
1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster
Jaguar debuted this E-Type road model after learning from their racetrack C- and D-types. The E-Type featured a forward-tilting engine cover, monocoque passenger compartment, tail section, and a tube-framed engine bay.
This specific unit is one of the last “flat-four” roadsters Jaguar produced in 1962 and sold for $173,600. It features a tremendously iconic design with sweeping lines created by William Lyons and Malcolm Sayers.
Back when the vehicle debuted, the car offered much more than just style — it outperformed Ferrari and Maserati with its powerful 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine. Although it was a powerhouse speed-wise, the car was also much more affordable than competing European sports cars. Unsurprisingly, the car sold exceedingly well thanks to its impressive performance and affordability.
This particular roadster features a numbers-matching inline six-cylinder engine and cylinder head along with an appropriate Moss non-synchromesh four-speed gearbox.
The vehicle first featured a cream-colored exterior and a black convertible top that complements its red-leather upholstery. It’s now been refinished in an attractive black coat, but its interior remains true to the original.
The vehicle also comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trace Certificate that states the unit was originally transported to the New York-based Max Hoffman Jaguar distributorship in January 1962.
With its iconic style and thrilling performance, this classic Jaguar is truly a force to be reckoned with.
Get the Best Insurance for a 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom and Other Classics
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***Photos used in this blog courtesy of Sotheby’s***
