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LOT 103

1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer Coachwork in the style of Brewster Chassis no. S401MR Engine no. 22019

Estimate: US$240,000 - US$340,000
Lot 103

1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer

1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer
Coachwork in the style of Brewster

Chassis no. S401MR
Engine no. 22019

7,668cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Rolls-Royce Carburetor
113bhp at 2,300rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Nut & Bolt restoration with no expense Spared
*Known history from new
*Concours Winning Example
*Beautifully made Ascot Tourer-style coachwork


THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I

Introduced by Rolls-Royce in 1925 to replace the revolutionary 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. 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.

Could be ordered with 'factory' bodywork, usually by renowned coachbuilders Brewster & Company. As well as manufacturing coachwork of the highest quality, Brewster had built its own automobiles from 1915 up to the time of its acquisition by Rolls-Royce. With the introduction of the Phantom I, Rolls-Royce and Brewster introduced a series of new and up-to-date designs which have become some of the most attractive and eagerly sought examples of classic Rolls-Royce coachwork. Designed with input from sales manager J.S. Inskip, the elegant, flowing, classic lines of the Ascot sport phaeton, the jaunty York roadster and Regent convertible coupe with their side entrance rumble seat doors, and the luxurious closed Avon sedan established a precedent for quality, comfort and luxury which persists to this day in Rolls-Royce's reputation.

THE CAR OFFERED

Built in Springfield, Massachusetts, S401MR started its life as a Huntington Limousine and was sold new to a Margaret Wallin from New York in 1930. She kept the car until 1957 when she sold it to a Mr Matthews, also in New York. In 1976, Drew Anderson acquired the car from Mr. Matthews.

Forgotten after Mr Anderson's passing, it remained in the Anderson family for over three decades. Residing in a barn for many years, patiently waiting for its renaissance, it was acquired by the seller in June 2009. The current owner, along with his father Giuseppe Fusco, had long shared a passion for restoring classic Rolls-Royce automobiles. The car was then transported to Germany where it underwent a nut & bolt restauration with no expense spared at a Rolls-Royce specialist.

The utmost attention to detail and no expense spared approach was employed, resulting in a meticulous frame-off restoration. Every component of the vehicle was disassembled, processed, and carefully documented in a comprehensive restoration.

The extensive restoration work encompassed the complete overhaul of the engine and drivetrain, undertaken in-house with great care. The engine received a new cylinder head, pistons, and wearing parts, while the electrical system was entirely renewed. The bodywork was masterfully crafted in Italy, drawing upon original documents and measurements from other Ascot Phaeton Tourers. Simultaneously, the woodwork underwent an extensive restoration, with only a new rear section crafted. The original doors were modified, and the roof was expertly removed. The main body retains its originality, with matching numbers evident in the stamped body number beneath the rear seat.

Beautifully repainted in an original Midnight Blue Rolls-Royce color, this vehicle's exterior exudes elegance and grace. The interior and roof were newly crafted, featuring luxurious Chesterfield design leatherwork. Custom-made side windows and a trunk for storage in front of the rear luggage compartment were added, while the 1930s-style trunk itself was reupholsted and restored. All these newly created parts exemplify superior quality, surpassing the standards of Rolls-Royce at the time. The chrome wire-spoke wheels, all six of them, were newly made in England and fully chromed, complemented by new tires. Additionally, all chrome parts underwent rechroming.

Following exacting assembly and finishing in the workshop, this exceptional vehicle made its debut appearance at the international Concours in Schwetzingen, where it claimed victory in Class C. In 2017, it triumphed once more at the Schwetzingen Concours, securing not only the Class C award but also second place in the Best of Show category, along with the prestigious Classic Gala Trophy, representing a total of three coveted accolades.

Undoubtedly, S401MR stands as one of the finest example available. Accompanied by a USB stick containing a complete photographic record of the restoration, a German registration document, an original title from Pennsylvania (marked 'export', for reference only), and its complete original toolkit, this extraordinary vehicle awaits its new owner.

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