1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Sedanca De Ville

Coachwork by Derham Registration no. SV 4712 Chassis no. 104TC

Footnotes

Its accompanying copy build sheet shows that Rolls-Royce Phantom '104TC' was ordered new by Mrs J Kearsley Mitchell of the Hotel Crillon, Paris. The chassis was off test on 13th August 1926, and it should be noted that the intended body style is listed as 'cabriolet'. Rather than use a British coachbuilder, Mrs Kearsley Mitchell chose to have her Phantom fitted with coachwork by the famous Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, and to this end it left the London Docks on 27th August 1926. Founded in 1907, Derham soon established a reputation for quality and would prove to be one of the USA's most successful coachbuilders, surviving not only the Great Depression but also WW2. Derham's other clients at various times included Joseph Stalin, Pope Pius XII, King Farouk of Egypt, General Eisenhower, Gary Cooper, and Raymond Loewy.

Resident in Paris during 1927, the Phantom was treated to a new tappet; an Autovac restriction elbow; and servo damper unit that summer. It subsequently returned to New York where it was fitted with a new 18-gallon fuel tank and distributor brush by Rolls-Royce of America in October 1928 and December 1930 respectively. Sometime thereafter the Phantom was acquired by Mr Walter Spickard of Tuckerton, New Jersey. He had the car extensively restored by Henry's Antique Car Shop of Oceanville, New Jersey between 1974 and 1976. The detailed work completed is documented on 25 monthly invoices in the current owner's possession. The history file also contains numerous progress reports; a V5C registration Certificate; and a set of R-REC copy chassis cards.

Imported into the UK, the Rolls-Royce was bought by a Mr Brotherton from dealer Ivor Bleaney on 20th July 1995. Described at that time as a 'rare Sedanca de Ville Town Car' with 'coachwork by Derham', it has been regularly maintained since then by expert Rolls-Royce mechanics.

The car is finished in Ivory over black, its external appearance enhanced by twin side-mounted spare wheels; a rear luggage trunk; and a fabric roof. Trimmed in black leather to the front compartment and grey velvet to the rear, the sumptuous interior boasts such niceties as a wind-up glass division; an intercom system; window blinds; footrests; and occasional seats, while the woodwork is Macassar ebony of the highest quality.

The present owner purchased the Phantom in 2015 and has kept it well maintained with frequent check-ups to ensure the running gear remains in first class condition. He describes the car as in excellent condition, as can be seen in the photographs, and tells us that it drives very well and is a joy to use on the roads, attracting much attention wherever it goes.