7,672cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Dual-Throat Carburetor
108bhp at 2,300rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Exquisite Hibbard et Darrin Transformal Phaeton coachwork
*One of only 35 Rolls-Royce chassis bodied by the exclusive Parisian Carrosserie
*Beautifully restored and maintained in stunning condition
*Suitable for concours and touring events worldwide

THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM

America in the first third of the twentieth century was a wide-open, fast-growing economic colossus. Its vast area yielded riches both mineral and agricultural. Exploitation of seemingly endless resources created fortunes for daring entrepreneurs, capital that soon was redeployed to support growing industries, compounding wealth upon wealth.

Like its natural resources, an epic stream of immigrants created synergies as the expanding and industrious population consumed food, news, entertainment and dwelling space. Roads, which at the turning of the twentieth century were nearly non-existent outside America's cities, expanded with the advent of the automobile, a means of transportation singularly adapted to the largely dispersed, rural character of America.

Not surprisingly, then, America became the most significant foreign market for Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce automobiles appealed to newly wealthy American financiers and industrialists with their quality, luxury and reliability. A newly wealthy society appreciated the cachet of Rolls-Royce's reputation. Production of Rolls-Royce aircraft engines in America during World War I introduced the company to the skills, resources and suppliers rapidly turning America into a manufacturing power. Claude Johnson recognized the potential for building Rolls-Royce automobiles there soon after the war and in 1919 arranged to purchase the former American Wire Wheel factory in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Springfield was located along the axis of America's industrial development, in an area famed for its armories and machine tool industry. It had a workforce trained in precision manufacturing and was easily accessible to a network of suppliers from Boston to Buffalo. Manufacturing began in 1920 using components imported from Rolls-Royce in Great Britain but soon began to incorporate domestically produced content, particularly electrical, that was readily available, easily serviced and found to be as good as, if not better than, that sourced from Derby. Eventually, some of the finest automobiles built by Rolls-Royce came from the Springfield factory.

The "New Phantom", now known as the Phantom I, represented an incremental approach to the evolution of Rolls-Royce's premier model. At its core was a significantly new engine. Still a straight six, at 7,672cc displacement it was slightly larger than the Silver Ghost that preceded it. Rolls-Royce's years of experience, particularly with aero engines, resulted in a pushrod operated overhead valve head with significantly better cross-flow breathing. Real output increased from 86bhp in the Silver Ghost to 108bhp in the Phantom. The new overhead valve engine rested in a developed but largely unchanged chassis with semi-elliptical leaf springs and four-wheel drum brakes with mechanical servo assist. Springfield Rolls-Royces had the U.S. pattern 3-speed center shift gearbox and left-hand drive.

New Phantom production in Springfield persisted from 1926 until 1931, but only about 1,240 were built as the world descended into the Great Depression. Most were bodied by Brewster in Long Island City, New York, a Rolls-Royce subsidiary since 1926.

A few Springfield Rolls-Royce chassis received coachwork from a rapidly declining cadre of custom coachbuilders. Executed with nearly unique style, they are the ultimate New Phantoms, including this Hibbard et Darrin bodied Transformal Phaeton created for Hollywood movie mogul Jack L. Warner.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Hibbard et Darrin's signature elegance radiates in this car, officially called the Torpedo Transformal Phaeton, built on a Springfield Phantom I chassis, number S 267 FP. Characterized by its low roofline, trapezoidal side windows, and unique B-pillar treatment, this patented design was personally drawn by Darrin. With the top in place, a flap fills the space between the windows to create a B-pillar of sorts, allowing for a weather-tight cabin and a distinct low-slung profile. Lowering the top and side windows gives the car the appearance of a sporting dual-cowl phaeton. The unique styling was by advanced construction techniques. Traditional coachbuilders crafted wooden frames which were then skinned in steel or aluminum. However, Hibbard et Darrin utilized a patented procedure they called "Sylentlite" (silent-light) to build the major body components. The doors, for instance, are one-piece alloy castings, which were not only light but rattle resistant and allowed for tighter tolerances. The remainder of the body is skinned in aluminum alloy to reduce weight.

Chassis number S 267 FP is one of fewer than five known Phantom 1 chassis to wear this stylish Hibbard et Darrin coachwork. Subtle differences distinguish them, and this car is considered the sister to a similar example once owned by Marlene Dietrich, gifted to her by Paramount Studios and featured in her 1930 film Morocco. This car share's the same split, opening windshield design with the Dietrich car, as well as the distinct roof treatment. The ownership history of S 267 FP is well-documented through accompanying Rolls-Royce Owner's Club records. Sold new in 1928 to A.H. Chapin, it changed hands less than a year later to Bud A. Lipman of New York, New York. Subsequent owners include Clifton Carr and Franklin Lee. In approximately 1945, Mr. Lee sold it for $200 to Hans Hinrichs of St. Louis, MO. Mr. Hinrichs became the first long-term owner, enjoying the beautiful Rolls-Royce with his family for many years. He displayed it at the National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, which he co-founded. Toward the end of nearly 40 years in the Hinrichs family, it fell into a state of disrepair and required restoration. It then passed to another St. Louis collector and restorer, David Weber in 1982. Both Weber and Mr. Hinrichs' son still remember the car fondly from its days in St. Louis.

It then joined the famed collection at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, who commissioned a restoration, which it wears proudly today. Since the late 1990s, it has been lovingly maintained in a significant collection of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars. Finished in the striking livery of black over red hides and accented with a red-piped black top, this is a stunning example of Hibbard et Darrin's talent. The beautiful restoration has aged exceptionally well, with exquisite paintwork, high-quality plating and beautiful detailing. The interior is trimmed in the finest materials and opulently appointed in the tradition of the great European coachbuilders. Gorgeous red leather shows a bit of character from occasional use, while the carpets and door panels remain in excellent order. Stunning inlaid woodwork features on the door caps, dash, and division panel. Details include a Swiza clock for the rear compartment and restored instruments and switches in the fascia. The doors have roll-up glass windows to make for a cozy, weather tight driving compartment with the canvas roof in place.

Under-bonnet detailing is up to the same exceptional standards, with the engine number 22677 corresponding with the documents provided by the Rolls-Royce Foundation. The 7.7-liter inline six is a beautiful piece of engineering, presented with finely finished castings and black porcelain fittings. Wiring, plumbing, and fixtures are period correct and presented in beautiful condition, revealing the quality of care it has received in the time since the restoration.

Only a small percentage of Springfield Phantom I chassis went to anyone other than Brewster, and this marvelous Transformal Torpedo Phaeton is one of only 35 Rolls-Royces bodied by the masters at Carrosserie Hibbard et Darrin. A unique amalgamation of British engineering, American craftsmanship, and Parisian style, this distinguished motorcar is suitable for use in tours or concours events. One of the most desirable open Rolls-Royces of the era, this exquisite example will surely satisfy even the most discerning collector.