Rolls-Royce Phantom VI All Weather Cabriolet

Vehicle Overview

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Cabriolet Frua All Weather is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that exemplifies the height of bespoke automotive craftsmanship. Out of the 374 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI chassis produced between 1968 and 1991, only two received truly custom coachwork, both designed by the legendary Pietro Frua of Turin. The construction of these cars is a tale filled with fascinating characters and high drama, primarily stemming from a language barrier—Frua did not speak English, and no one at Rolls-Royce spoke Italian, nor did either party hire an interpreter. The project began with the first car, a two-door cabriolet, which took three years to complete. Frua then started work on the second car, chassis number PRH4643, commissioned by British real estate developer Robert “Bobby” Buchanan-Michaelson. However, the process dragged on, and four years later, in 1977, the car was still unfinished when it was sold to American Rolls-Royce collector James Leake. Leake, a passionate aficionado, continued the work with assistance from Rolls-Royce and new drawings by Frua. The project’s continuation faced another significant hurdle when Frua retired and subsequently passed away in 1983. Despite these setbacks, the perseverance and patience of the car’s owners ensured its completion. Finally, in 1993, the spectacular Frua Phantom VI was finished, marking the end of an era as the last Phantom VI ever completed for a customer. It made its debut at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing its unique design and craftsmanship. This one-off creation features modern and sleek design elements, a testament to Frua’s vision and expertise. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Cabriolet Frua stands as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, blending Rolls-Royce’s engineering excellence with Frua’s artistic genius. Its story of creation is not just about a car but about overcoming challenges and the relentless pursuit of perfection, making it a true collector’s gem and a significant piece of automotive history.