1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Frua Cabriolet (bespoke coachwork by Pietro Frua)
Chassis PRH4643 is the last Phantom VI completed for a customer, one of only two examples bodied with wholly bespoke coachwork by Pietro Frua of Turin. Originally commissioned by British developer Robert Buchanan-Michaelson, the car passed to American collector James Leake in 1977 before reaching completion in 1993 after roughly two decades of intermittent construction. Debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, it retains a multi-configuration convertible top, sterling silver-inlaid walnut interior, and only 133 miles from new.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$385,000
- → 1977Factory deliveryRobert Buchanan-Michaelsonpartial documentation
British property developer who commissioned this bespoke Frua-bodied Phantom VI; sold the unfinished car after several years of protracted coachwork construction.
- 1977 →Private saleJames Leakepartial documentation
Dedicated American Rolls-Royce enthusiast who acquired the car while bodywork was still underway; persisted through Frua's retirement and death to see the project completed in 1993.
Competition
- 19931993 Geneva Motor ShowPublic debut appearance
The completed car was exhibited at the Geneva show as its first public presentation, marking the delivery of the last customer Phantom VI ever finished.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1993Restoration
Project brought to full completion, producing a finished convertible with multi-position hood, burled walnut and sterling silver interior, and bespoke fittings including a Davidoff humidor, television, VCR, and cocktail cabinet.
Frua's retirement and death in 1983 had threatened to halt the project permanently; it was ultimately finished through the perseverance of successive owners with Rolls-Royce assistance.
- —RestorationPietro Frua
Initial bespoke coachbuilding commenced by Pietro Frua in Turin; work proceeded over several years with involvement from Rolls-Royce and revised drawings supplied by Frua.
Construction was complicated by language barriers between Frua's studio and Rolls-Royce; the project stalled at various points across roughly two decades.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.