Chassis number LCSC98 was sold new in Palm Beach, FL, to first owner B.A. Whittemore, Esq. Originally finished in Shell Grey with blue coach lines over blue leather, Baroda Blue cloth headliner and Ambassador Blue carpets, optional equipment included Hirschmann electric aerial, Van Gerbig quarter lights and panel, power windows, Sundym glass, lambswool rugs in the rear, rear radio speakers and air conditioning. A copy of the original purchase order indicates that the cost of the options alone was nearly enough to buy a new Ford Mustang, and the whole car came to $28,109, including delivery. Delivered to the shippers in June of 1965, it wasn’t registered until the next year.
It appears the Rolls would remain in Florida for much of its life, with three further owners all before 1972. The interim history is not recorded, but the current owner acquired it through a dealer from a Coral Gables collector in late January 2002.
Described at the time of sale by the dealer as being in “excellent condition” and that it “starts, runs and drives,” it was noted to have 55,784 miles. The odometer now reads 55,831 — a mere 47 miles in all that time. Today the older-looking repaint still shows well while the interior appears to be largely original, if somewhat faded from decades of Florida sunshine. When purchased, the radio and speakers were described as being later units — and they have been retained as such. Additional updates in the present ownership include a newer Moto-Lita chrome-and-wood-rimmed steering wheel, power mirrors that appear to have been sourced from a late-model Chevy, and an updated air-conditioning system. All that being said, the under 50 miles driven over the past two decades was done shortly after purchase, so mechanical recommissioning is strongly recommended prior to active use.
