The Forgotten Engine
A Manual of Maintenance and Overhaul Procedures for the Rolls-Royce Phantom III V12 Engine
by Stephe Boddice
Privately published in 2004 in a limited edition of 600 this book about a “forgotten’ engine—it was the firm’s first and for decades only automotive V12—is itself in danger of becoming forgotten. If you own or service this uncommonly complex model (1936–1939) of Rolls-Royce, find a copy while you can because it is full of practical step-by-step instructions not found anywhere else.
For the decade following its publication you could have even availed yourself of the author’s restoration services in person; he had founded Phantom Engineering Limited in Worcestershire, UK and while the firm still has a website in 2026 it has not been updated since 2015.
Faced with the need to rebuild the engine of his own Rolls-Royce Phantom III (chassis 3CP196), the author researched the available resources and realized that both information and specialists were scarce. For the benefit of other enthusiasts he therefore documented the rebuild—some 200 hours over 2 years— of his engine in step-by-step form as a web diary, which was then expanded and organized into this book. One caveat: while the book covers issues that are typical of P III engines it does not cover every single P III problem known to man. There are many, although that says more about chauffeur/owner ineptitude than design or manufacturing problems, the aluminum-alloy V12 engine and its ancillary components being an extreme expression of Rolls-Royce’s over-the-top approach to engineering. That the author fixed his own engine properly is evident in the fact that 3CP196 won 1st place in the P III class at the British Rolls-Royce club’s (RREC) Annual Rally on its first appearance.
Details of the crankshaft sludge traps.
Teardown and rebuild are laid out in logical sequence. It is assumed that the owner possesses a modicum of mechanical ability but will not do any actual machining work. The advanced hobbyist may well be able to perform a rebuild using this book (and utilizing some of the resources listed) but most will use it as a reference for communicating with their engine rebuilder.
Color photos show the various assemblies with clear instructions, including appropriate warnings. If one were to want for more it would be for larger pictures, but they serve adequately as is.
Details of the complicated lubrication system for the timing chest (or cam case).
Although the title refers to “maintenance,” such procedures are not discussed per se. However, removal and restoration of individual components are covered in each section and there is a listing of fluids and their specifications in one of the very helpful
sections at the end of the book which cover everything from specs of various fasteners to the “In service Modifications” recommended by the factory with reference to the actual depot sheets.
For P III owners this book is absolutely essential, and anyone who is drawn to the fine mechanical work of Royce will appreciate this inside look at an interesting engine.
Boddice also curated the authoritative Boddice Index Page, a comprehensive online repository (not updated since 2013 but still operational) detailing historical records, mechanical guides, and restoration details for prewar Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and DFP automobiles.
Copyright 2026, Sabu Advani (speedreaders.info)
Phone / Mail / Email
RSS Feed
Facebook
Twitter