1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Imperial Cabriolet

After World War II, Thomas Hibbard and Howard Darrin found their way to Paris where they created designs for marques such as Mercedes-Benz, Packard, Stutz, Hispano-Suiza and Rolls-Royce. In total, they created 35 bodies for the Rolls-Royce Phantom I chassis that were built at the company's then-active American factory in Springfield, Massachusetts. These bodies were built 'in the white,' finished without paint or trim, and completed by Brewster & Company, of Long Island City, New York, for Rolls-Royce's Custom Coach Work program. The final finish was selected by the original purchaser of the vehicle. The result was a car with European lines, American ingenuity, and British craftsmanship.

This car wears an Imperial Cabriolet body and was a near twin to the coachwork built for William Randolph Hearst's Duesenberg. It was similar to the Hibbard & Darrin design, which Brewster appropriated for its own Trouville. The body was originally built in France in 1928 for another chassis, which was returned nearly four years later. It was later removed, modified with a fixed convertible roof, and installed on this Phantom I chassis. The original owner of S112PR was Reed A. Albee who took delivery in New York City on June 28th of 1932. It would remain in his care for eight years. it was eventually acquired from Rolls-Royce mechanic Frank Cooke by Mr. Watson, who, between 1973 and 1983, exhaustively restored it to its original condition.

The current caretakers have re-freshened the restoration. The car is finished in two-tone lavender and mauve. The chauffeur's compartment and padded top have been newly re-upholstered in leather. The car retains its original, luxe cloth rear compartment upholstery.

In 2006, the car was shown on the lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2013