1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer

The Rolls-Royce automobiles were often used by maharajas of the pre-war era. One of Rolls-Royce's clients was Sri Raja Rao Venkata Kumara Mahipati Suryarao Bahadur Garu, His Highness the Maharaja of Pithapuram. H.H Maharaja of Pithapuram placed an order with Rolls-Royce of Bombay Ltd. for a new Phantom I with Hooper & Co. coachwork. The Tourer was built with an ash frame and paneling entirely of aluminum. The domed wings and running boards were also constructed of aluminum. The windshield was of the sloping type, divided vertically and horizontally with opening capability. Two horn-shaped vents were installed on the scuttle in addition to the standard-type scuttle vent, which offered improved air circulation. The instrument panel was aluminum, and the instruments were given nickel-silver faces with black characters. The steering wheel was finished in ivory to match the ivory switches and handles specified throughout. The chassis was given a louvered bonnet with bonnet locks and a nickel radiator with polished nickel shutters. The remaining hardware - including the luggage rack - was finished in nickel. The interior was finished in leather and there were folding armrests in both the front and rear.

In the back was a wooden cases outfitted with bottles, a card case, a mirror and a clock. A case in the front compartment between the seats was included to hold a revolver. Automatic running-board lights were included, illuminating when the doors were opened. A Barker dipping system was included to which Stephen Grebel headlamps were mounted to match the spotlight mounted to the scuttle.

The Rolls-Royce was completed in August and loaded aboard the S.S. Ranpura bound for Bombay in September.

Little is known of the car's existence after it arrived in India. In 1964, the maharaja passed away and the Rolls-Royce eventually made its way to America. Charles Howard purchased the car in 1989. The car returned to England where it was restored and subsequently displayed at the 1993 World Classic Auto Exposition in Pebble Beach, California. The car later passed to Thomas Barrett III of Scottsdale, Arizona, before being sold again and returned to England. A noted Rolls-Royce connoisseur in California purchased the car in 2011. An extensive restoration immediately began and upon completion, it was finished in Phthalo Green paint with a polished aluminum upper bonnet, scuttle and door tops. The car rides on polished aluminum wheel discs. Between the front seats holds the revolver - a Webley .455 Royal Irish Constabulary that was sold new by R.B. Rodda and Company of Dalhousie Square, Calcutta, India.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $500,000 - $700,000. Unfortunately, a buyer willing to satisfy the car's reserve was not found and it would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012