Registration No: IOM Registered
Chassis No: PRH4818
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 374 Phantom VIs manufactured
• First owned by the Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi and only two subsequent keepers
• Less than 18,000 recorded miles
• Modelled on the 1973 Earls Court Motor Show car and the only other Phantom VI to have been originally finished in Peacock over Silver Mink
• Offered at ‘No Reserve’ from the late Robert Riding’s Estate, the vast majority of which has been left to charity with the RNLI as the predominant beneficiary

By far the most expensive car that money could buy when launched in 1968, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI remained in production for twelve years (albeit the final few examples were not finished until 1991/1992 due to the model’s handbuilt nature). Notable as the last Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the majority were bodied by Mulliner Park Ward as seven-seater limousines. Though, a hearse and even convertible versions were constructed (the latter conceived by the Italian Carrozzeria, Frua). Equipped with independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung back axle and four-wheel drum brakes, the Phantom VI was all about passenger comfort and boasted the world’s first dual zone air-conditioning system. Powered by a 6230cc (later 6750cc) OHV V8 engine allied to automatic transmission, gearing was chosen such that it could be driven at anything from walking pace to 100mph. Customers were encouraged to tax the ingenuity of Rolls-Royce’s in-house craftsmen to the extent that very few, if any, of the 374 completed were to standard specification.

Modelled on the 1973 Earl’s Court Motor Show car, chassis PRH4818 is reportedly the only other Phantom VI to have been originally finished in Peacock over Silver Mink. Initially earmarked for a Gloucestershire property developer who informed S.P. Broughton & Co Ltd of Cheltenham that he intended to replace his Phantom VIs every two years, the Rolls-Royce was in fact supplied new via Jack Barclay of London to Adnan Mohamed Khashoggi and first registered as ‘1 AMK’ on April 1st 1975. Among the richest men in the world, the Saudi businessman and arms dealer’s assets encompassed: twelve homes, fully staffed at all times, including a 10,000-acre ranch in Kenya, an estate in Marbella and houses in London, Paris, Cannes, Madrid, Monte Carlo and Manhattan. He had a stable of Arabian horses and 200 exotic animals, 100 limousines, a personal airline of three jets and a fleet of three superyachts, including the $75m Nabila (named after his daughter) which was used in the James Bond film, ‘Never Say Never Again’. The nature of the business conducted inside the Phantom VI was doubtless facilitated by its rear and side window curtains, electric rear seats and cocktail cabinet.

Having exchanged his personalised numberplate ‘1 AMK’ for the age related one ‘LGF 609N’, Mr Khashoggi sold the Rolls-Royce to Martin Bromley of the gaming giant SEGA SA on October 16th 1981 with a V5 Registration Document being issued to Mr Bromley’s solicitors, CSI of Pump Court, Temple London. The late Robert Furniss Riding became the Phantom VI’s third (and current) registered keeper on May 5th 2003 at which time its odometer showed just 16,000 miles with supporting maintenance invoices from the likes of Michael Hibberd, Hadley Green Garage, Jack Barclay and J & M Bentley and Partners. Sparingly used by Mr Riding as part of an impressive Rolls-Royce and Bentley collection up until his death last year, he also loaned the Limousine to the Manx Motor Museum for a time. Indeed, the most recent bill on file is from January 2021 and concerns some light recommissioning / servicing work following the seven-seater’s return to Mr Riding’s stable. Displaying a highly credible 17,789 miles at the time of consignment and previously valued for insurance purposes at £300,000, this storied Phantom VI is surely worthy of a place in another museum or collection? Running and driving whilst in our care, we would nonetheless suggest a proper check over prior to sustained usage. Offered for sale at ‘No Reserve’ from the late Robert Riding’s Estate, the vast majority of which has been left to charity with the RNLI as the predominant beneficiary, accompanying documentation comprises a book pack, Phantom VI literature (brochure, press release), RREC copy chassis records, correspondence between Mr Khashoggi and Mr Bromley, copy V5 Registration Documents, numerous bills / invoices and sundry newspaper articles about the first owner.

Please note: We have been advised that vehicles registered on, and imported from, the Isle of Man are not subject to Import Duty. Nor is a NOVA application required for their re-registration in the United Kingdom.

About Robert Furniss Riding:

Born in 1940, the only child of only children parents, Bob was educated at Stockport Grammar School then read natural sciences at Christ Church, Oxford. He joined William Deacon’s Bank, and had a stellar ascent through it and its subsequent iterations ending up as Group Treasurer of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He grasped the opportunity of early retirement in 1990 and moved to the Isle of Man where he had been left a house by an aunt. But Bob was far from being inactive, throwing himself into the local community and taking on the turnaround of a local private bank as its Executive Chairman.

Sailing had been a preoccupation during his time in the City, but on coming to the Isle of Man, Bob switched his energies and focus to collecting “quality cars” – principally the products of Cricklewood, Derby and Crewe, but with some maverick exceptions such as Maserati and Caterham. Daimlers and Lanchesters also featured, and he had to move to a large country house to find garaging for the ever-growing collection. His cars were regularly campaigned at rallies for the appropriate marque and were often deserved winners of various trophies. He also got involved in the relevant enthusiast clubs, usually ending up as Chairman – and his list of appointments included the Chairmanship of the Manx Classic Car Club and the Manx Motor Racing Club.

Bob was always a keen supporter of local charities, particularly maritime and those involving young people, and many will have cause to remember with gratitude his generosity and his apparently bottomless well of technical knowledge on “quality cars”, so freely shared. Bob left his Estate predominantly to Charity with the RNLI being the Residuary Beneficiary. Thus, in effect, the entire proceeds of the car collection sale will be received by the RNLI.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452