The ex-Gladys Swarthout, rare left hand drive 'AMS Series'

1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca De Ville

Coachwork by Gurney Nutting

7,668cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
120bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension with Single-Shot Chassis Lubrication
4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Drum Brakes

*Owned by Metropolitan Opera star Gladys Swarthout
*Rare left-hand drive 'AMS Series'
*Long, well-known ownership history
*Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic®

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Chassis 220 AMS had a varied history before getting its present Gurney Nutting Sedanca deVille coachwork as the elegant, formal transportation for Metropolitan Opera star Gladys Swarthout. Originally powered by engine U65J which is still with the chassis today, it was one of the last recorded lefthand drive AMS series chassis dispatched from Derby in 1933 and was bodied in the United States with Brewster Keswick town car coachwork delivered to Dr. J. Bentley Squier of New York City and Scarsdale. When next recorded with new owner Frank M. Chapman, Jr. in October of 1941 it was with this Gurney Nutting Sedanca deVille coachwork, the change happening at an unknown time.

Mr. Chapman was the husband of Metropolitan Opera star Gladys Swarthout. An accomplished singer in his own right he abandoned his own career upon marrying the diva and devoted the rest of his life to managing her career. It was no small challenge as she diversified her appearances from the opera stage to film as the Thirties ended and then further into radio and television. Highly regarded for her voice, beauty and work ethic, Gladys Swarthout was plucked from her opera career in 1935 by Paramount.

This Springfield Rolls-Royce Phantom II with its Gurney Nutting Sedanca deVille coachwork was ideal. The coachwork was first fitted to Phantom II 17 TA, a short chassis Continental delivered December 12, 1934 directly to Gurney Nutting on an order from H.R. Owen where it was fitted with Sedanca deVille coachwork in early 1935. The bonnet was specially ordered with the distinctive 11° raked louvers. The first owner, Sir McPherson Robertson, took delivery on April 8, 1935. How the coachwork came to be in the United States, or why it was substituted for the attractive and similarly functional Brewster Keswick body, is not known but it is clear from Rolls-Royce records that the present body and chassis have been together since they were delivered to Frank M. Chapman, Jr. in 1941.

In May 1947 J. Wynne Paris of Newton, Massachusetts purchased 220 AMS from the McNear-Nash Company in Brookline, only to re-sell it in September to Alden G. Handy from whom Ted Leonard is believed to have bought it in January of 1978. Following Mr. Leonard's passing the car was sold by Bonhams in June of 2009 and shortly thereafter acquired by the current owner.

It is an unusually handsome and attractively outfitted automobile even by Rolls-Royce Phantom II standards, with sweeping, crowned fenders, dual sidemounted spares and wide whitewall tires on painted wire wheels. Its subtle black livery enhances the formal nature of the design, the perfect accoutrement for a famed artist's arrival at the theatre, studio or function. Its left-hand drive makes it particularly attractive to American collectors and commend it to a very small subset of the luxurious Rolls-Royce motor cars of the era. It is outfitted with beautiful, large Marchal headlights supplied through Trilux of New York and has synchromesh on the top two gears in its four-speed box. A separate luggage trunk adapts it for formal work in town, for touring and for frequent excursions between the New York residence and the Connecticut retreat. The tool kit resides under the driver's seat which is protected from the elements by a cloth tendelet which folds into a compartment in the roof.

The occupant of the left rear seat, presumably Mr. Chapman, had a smoker's kit while the passenger on the right was provided with a more elaborate combination smoker's kit and vanity. Two additional passengers could be accommodated in occasional seats. There is a rollup divider and a radio in the rear for entertainment as well as a footrest for comfort. Trafficators are located on the body's B-pillar to help negotiate New York traffic safely, although few others on the streets even of "The City" would be bold enough to challenge this imposing Rolls-Royce and its privileged passengers for right of way.

It appears to be largely original with just an old repaint. The front seat's grey leather is cracked and stiff but not split and may respond well to sympathetic attention. Similarly, the beige broadcloth upholstering the rear compartment is aged and tender but sound and complete. Other interior appointments are sensitively aged and sound. On static display for the last decade, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to active enjoyment and heading out for an evening at the opera.

A great example of Gurney Nutting's mastery of the art of formal coachwork and Rolls-Royce's successful perpetuation of its position as the finest automobile in the world, Gladys Swarthout's Phantom II Sedanca deVille also has the provenance of ownership by a genuine star of opera, recordings, film and radio, a lady who was accomplished and sufficiently recognized to be a Mystery Guest on What's My Line. It is a thoroughly deserved reward for the girl from Deepwater, Missouri who made good as George Bizet's beautiful gypsy, Carmen, and a monument to her accomplishments.