SHRF Car Collection

Entrusted to the Foundation is a 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, chassis number 5VF159, a former Australian Government car which has transported visiting royalty and Governors-General. It was donated in 2002 by Dr John Matheson through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program. And now a second ex vice-regal Phantom V used in Australia, chassis number 5VF155.

John Matheson and Jeanne Eve successfully completed the 1997 ‘Peking to Paris Motor Challenge’ in this car. Their ‘adventure’ has been chronicled in the book by Jeanne Eve, described as a ‘personal account’ and titled ‘Rallying in a Royal Rolls-Royce: Preparation, Pitfalls and Passion on the 1997 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge’.

Click here for an extended brief history of chassis number 5VF159.

Both 5VF159 and 5VF155 regularly tour State based Clubs of the RROCA throughout Australia. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation has undertaken to conserve these magnificent examples of a Rolls-Royce Phantom V which has been entrusted to the able custodianship of the RROCA NSW and RROCA QLD on behalf of the Foundation. Consequently, it is often seen in and around cities and States where they reside.

The Car: Rolls-Royce Phantom V
Year:  1967
Registration:  ZSF 571
Chassis No:  5VF159
Engine:  6.2 Litre Compression: 8:1 for slow procession work

Weight:  3 tonne
Coach Work: Mulliner Park Ward
Lineage:  Australian Commonwealth Ex Vice Regal car

Special Features:  blue police light, three flag poles, cocktail cabinet, silk blinds, intercom system, glass interior partition
Of special note:  This car completed the 1997 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge.  45 days. 16,000 kilometres across snow capped Himalayas at 5,000 metres and three deserts under scorching sun. Owner/Drivers on the rally:  John Matheson & Jeanne Eve.
For further detailed specifications click here.
 

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** Click on the photos below to view the full gallery of photos.
Acknowledgement to Brian Carson for allowing the Foundation to use his photography.

Below that is a wonderful video of one of our SHRF Trustees talking about the Phantom V.

Click HERE for a fabulous film on the Vice Regal Rolls-Royce. 
Sincere thanks to the National Film & Sound Archives of Australia for permitting the link.

Click HERE for Driving the Royals
Acknowledgement to National Archives of Australia - by Patrick Ferry.

Click HERE for Going the extra mile: 100 Years of the Commonwealth Car Service
Acknowledgement to Australian Department of Finance

Click HERE for the program of the Royal Visit to Australia - 7 to 30 March 1977
Acknowledgement to the TROVE database of Magazines & Newsletters