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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

2013 RM Auctions - St John's

Sale Price :
USD $126,500

2001 Kruse Auction - Scottsdale Arizona

High Bid (Lot was not sold)
USD $87,500

1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I

(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Regent Convertible Coupé
Chassis#: S107PR
Sold for USD$232,259
  2023 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris
 
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Marlborough Town Car Landaulet by Brewster
Chassis#: S449MR
Sold for USD$95,200
  2020 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona
 
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Town Car Coachwork by Brewster & Co.
Chassis#: S203PR
Sold for USD$91,840
  2018 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours
 
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Regent Convertible Coupe
Chassis#: S460MR
Sold for USD$112,000
  2018 Bonhams : Greenwich Concours
 
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newport Town Car by Brewster
Chassis#: S209PR
Sold for USD$126,000
  2018 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale, Az.
 
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Regent Convertible Coupe
Chassis#: S109PR
Sold for USD$236,500
  2018 Bonhams : Scottsdale
 
1931 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I PLAYBOY ROADSTER
Chassis#: S186PR
Sold for USD$370,105
  2015 Bonhams : The Frederiksen Auction
 
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Imperial Cabriolet by Hibbard & Darrin
Chassis#: S112PR
Sold for USD$126,500
  2013 RM Auctions - St John's
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I image  1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I image  
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Seven-Passenger Tourer by Brewster
Chassis#: S199PR
Sold for USD$286,000
  2013 RM Auctions - Arizona
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I image  1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I image  
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I
Sold for USD$360,000
  2007 Bonhams, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I image  1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I image  
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Skiff Boattail Speedster
Chassis#: S155PR
Sold for USD$115,500
  2007 RM Auctions The Ponder Collection
 

Rolls-Royce Phantom Is That Failed To Sell At Auction

1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1931 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I RIVIERA TOWN CARS188PR2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach $600,000$950,000
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newport 2019 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall   
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Convertible 2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction$260,000  
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newport Town Car 2019 Mecum : Phoenix Auction$115,000  
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I RegentS109PR2019 Gooding & Company : Scottsdale Arizona $250,000$325,000
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newport Town CarS209PR2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, Arizona $175,000$225,000
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Seven PassengerS199PR2010 Mecum Kissimee Auction$162,500  
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom IS199PR2009 Mecum St. Charles Auction$220,000  
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom IS199PR2009 Mecum Monterey Auction$275,000  
1931 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I 2003 Bonhams MOTOR CARS $150,000$170,000
1931 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I TOWN CAR 2001 Kruse Auction Scottsdale Arizona$87,500  

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1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
Image gallery
Other Rolls-Royce Phantom I model years

1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Vehicle Profiles

1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I vehicle information
Riviera Town Car
Coachwork: Brewster
Chassis #: S188PR
Engine #: 30880
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I vehicle information
Convertible Coupe
Coachwork: Brewster
Chassis #: S137PR
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I vehicle information
Imperial Cabriolet
Coachwork: Hibbard and Darrin
Chassis #: S112PR
Engine #: 30120
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I vehicle information
Derby Tourer
Coachwork: Brewster
Chassis #: S199PR
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I vehicle information
St. Andrews Limousine
Coachwork: Brewster
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I vehicle information
Derby Tourer
Coachwork: Brewster
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I vehicle information
Regent
Coachwork: Brewster
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I vehicle information
Regent
Coachwork: Brewster
Chassis #: S163PR

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.