During the Classic Era, the world’s aristocrats tended to be faithful to products of their own countries; the French owned Hispano-Suizas, the Germans owned Mercedes-Benzes, and so forth. Among European manufacturers, only Rolls-Royce enjoyed a truly international following, which speaks volumes to the renowned excellence of its engineering. It was still rare, however, for a Rolls-Royce to be delivered outside of England with British coachwork, foreign buyers still preferring to have bodies built by local carrozzeria.

Thus, it was an interesting choice that for the 1929 automobile show in Milano, a Rolls-Royce Phantom II was exhibited with coachwork by Hooper & Co., the famed London coachbuilders favoured by the Royal Family. Hooper was highly regarded both for the craftsmanship of their work and the brilliance of their designs, which were often forward thinking and more attractive than that of their competitors. Their body for chassis 189 XJ, the Milano showpiece, displays the influence of Castagna of Milano and of Hibbard & Darrin of Paris, with its wide beltline moulding. The lack of side-mounted spares frees up the lines of the front fenders, giving an appearance of length and power to the car’s front end.

Following its presentation at the show, chassis number 189 XJ was delivered new to attorney and Italian Liberal Party politician Dino Philipson at his home, Villa de Fontane, near Pistoia in the Tuscany region of Italy. The car has remained in Italy since; its first documented change of ownership is in 1960 to Mario Chiti, also of Pistoia, with the car being acquired for the Quattroruote Collection from Mr Chiti the following year. An attractive older restoration, it was refinished some years ago in two-tone grey with tan leather upholstery to the driver’s seat, which remains in good condition. The division glass is original with significant delamination. The rear compartment is lavishly appointed, with plush velvet cushions and accents of inlaid woodwork and ivory. The car is accompanied by a collection of Italian registration and inspection documentation from over the years, as well as by Rolls-Royce Foundation documentation, including copies of the build sheets (identifying it as being for the “Milan show”) and selections from Rolls-Royce books in which the car is cited.

One of the standout examples of the collection, this fascinating Phantom II bears attractive coachwork, excellent purity, and wonderful known long-term history, making it ideal for any collection of whisper-quiet motorcars.