7,668 OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
120bhp at 2,500rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes


*A Phantom I with period-updated Brewster coachwork
*Well known American history
*Quality built motorcar of the Classic era
*Accompanied by copies of RROC records

THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I

Introduced by Rolls-Royce in 1925 to replace the Silver Ghost, the New Phantom (retrospectively known as the Phantom I) boasted an entirely new overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 7,668cc and, like the contemporary 20hp model, adopted a disc-type clutch and adjustable radiator shutters. Its chassis though, remained essentially the same as that of the later, four-wheel-braked Silver Ghost and would continue fundamentally unchanged until the arrival of the Phantom II in 1929 brought with it an entirely new frame.

Like its 'Ghost predecessor, the New Phantom was also produced by Rolls-Royce of America Incorporated, a subsidiary set up in December 1919 when the parent company purchased the American Wire Wheel Company's plant in Springfield, Massachusetts. Springfield commenced manufacture of the New Phantom in 1926 and by the second half of 1929 production had risen to 12 cars per week. This would prove to be the high point of Rolls-Royce of America's fortunes, the October '29 Wall Street Crash and the introduction of the Phantom II - re-tooling for which the US company could not afford - signaling the beginning of its decline. The Phantom I was in production for only five years and the Derby-built models ran parallel with the Springfield cars but ended in 1929, whereas the Americans continued until 1931.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This left-hand drive Phantom I was delivered new to L E Mallory Esq, of Bradford, Pennsylvania on May 29, 1928. Originally bodied by Brewster as a Salamanca De Ville it was re-bodied with its current 'Special Dover' (five-passenger sport sedan) coachwork, again by Brewster, in 1936. Rolls-Royce Owner's Club records indicate a series of owners—largely in the Midwest. Restored in 1980-1982, the car was exported to Sweden about a decade later and owned there initially by Erland Stenbrott in the south of the country. The Phantom's second owner in Sweden has used it only for historic motoring events and special occasions, carefully maintaining the car. The Rolls would eventually make its way to Switzerland, and in 2008 would be acquired by the present owner.

Elegantly presented and uniquely fitted with a division separating the ox blood leather front seats from the well-preserved beige broadcloth rear compartment, this Rolls has clearly benefitted from prior cosmetic restoration work – largely on the exterior. Mechanically, the car has been on static display for the past 14 years but was recently started by a Bonhams specialist after some very brief fettling. Nonetheless, given its long-term limited use, more thorough mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to active use.

A lovely machine for tours or local drives, it is now ready for its next, lucky owner.