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A writeup to accompany these pictures can be found here: blog.neonmonster.com/gallery/last-gasp-40th-anniversary-l...
1971 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Frua All-Weather Cabriolet
From RM Sotheby's Monterey 2017
The listing's chassis number PRH4643 matches that in the Pebble Car Guide, confirming the listing writeup is for the same car.
1971 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI All-Weather Cabriolet by Frua
$385,000 USD | Sold
o The final Rolls-Royce Phantom VI completed
o The 1993 Geneva Motor Show car
o One of two Frua-bodied Phantom VIs built, and a unique one-off design
o Virtually new condition; 133 actual miles
o Documented with factory build correspondence
THE FINAL PHANTOM VI COMPLETED
Of the 374 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI chassis produced between 1968 and 1991, only two were produced with truly bespoke coachwork, both to very modern designs by the renowned Pietro Frua of Turin. The story of these cars’ construction is full of fascinating characters and high drama, largely related to Frua not speaking English, and no one at Rolls-Royce speaking Italian, and neither bothering to hire an interpreter. Work on the first car, a two-door cabriolet, took three full years!
Frua then began work on the second, this car, chassis number PRH4643, for the British real estate developer Robert “Bobby” Buchanan-Michaelson. The car was still in-process four years later, in 1977, when it was sold to the passionate American Rolls-Royce collector, James Leake, for whom work was continued, assisted by Rolls-Royce and with new drawings by Frua. Frua’s retirement shortly thereafter and death in 1983 seemed likely to doom continued work, but thanks to the perseverance and patience of its owners, the spectacular Frua Phantom VI was finally completed in 1993. It was then displayed at that year’s Geneva Motor Show, marking the debut of what was the final Phantom VI completed for a customer.
STILL A NEW CAR
Preserved by collectors ever since, the unique Frua Phantom VI remains remarkably original and in fact is still in virtually “new” condition, with 133 actual miles at the time of cataloguing. It is filled with elaborate fine detail throughout, including an elaborate multi-position convertible top allowing the car to be configured as a sedanca de ville, landaulet, or fully open convertible. The rear compartment is trimmed in burled walnut with intricate sterling silver inlays, and features a silk-lined lady’s vanity, a portable Davidoff cigar humidor, television, VCR, radio, and cocktail cabinet.
The last word in modern opulence, this is a remarkably significant Rolls, as a “brand new” Phantom VI of bespoke design by one of Italy’s greatest stylists, and a bookend to nine decades of unique coachbuilt Rolls-Royces.
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It's the big day we've been waiting for - the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance!
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We saw so many great vehicles and sights during Monterey Car Week!
Writeup about Ben Brookhart's accident. He was traveling with his wife's parents, on his way to see his son Guy. Guy ended up being the one to discover his body at the scene.
Here's our entry. Kristina's 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
It was a small three-car class but we took Blue! We were thrilled!
The Silver 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 at the opposite end of our row did not compete. The owner was here primarily to seek a buyer, which is very frowned upon (disallowed).
Here's the entry writeup we provided for the Concours:
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350
We purchased this all-original 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 in March 2024. This model year belongs to the third-generation (R172; 2011–2020) of the SLK-Class (includes 250, 350 and 55 AMG). The "SLK" moniker was derived from sportlich (sporty), leicht (lightweight), and kurz (short).
This car was delivered new to Colorado from an Ohio dealer and has remained in Colorado since. The odometer shows less than 35k miles. The car is finished in Silver Mist Metallic over Sahara Beige leather upholstery and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, which is factory-rated at 302 HP and paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Features include a one-touch power-retractable hardtop, Halogen headlights, 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, heated power-adjustable seats, AIRSCARF (provides neck-level heating and ventilation), Harman Kardon 11-speaker premium-sound AM/FM CD stereo with SiriusXM, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Burl Walnut trim on the center console, doors, and steering wheel.
The car is enjoyed for errands around town as well as weekend getaways. The trunk easily accommodates a pair of standard-sized suitcases. This car is beautiful and fun to drive!
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Here's what Atlanta saleswoman, Jesse Cannon-Wallaces said about the Silver Mist Metallic color in 2011 in her blog describing their new shipments of 2012 SLK cars. See her blog for great pics identical to Kristina's car. I can't believe the blog link still works.
"Silver Mist! It’s blue. I know the color would imply that it is silver, but that is not the case. It is more blue than Diamond Silver, less bright than Quartz Blue. Maybe a slate blue kind of color? It is so hard to describe…but I loved it immediately."
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Had a wonderful day at the 2024 Colorado Concours d’Elegance & Exotic Sports Car Show! This was my third time attending the event. This time was a very different, but exciting, experience because we entered Kristina's car, which we had picked up only a few months prior. My friend Fred helped me detail the car. It was a full day waiting to be judged, so I wasn't able to photograph as many cars as I usually would have.