 1927 Phantom I | 1929 Phantom I  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |
1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
 |  |  | All Weather Touring Landaulet Coachwork: Caffyns Chassis Num: 49FH Engine Num: VH35 |
| Sold for $77,000 at 2006 RM Auctions. | |||
The Phantom I was a continuation of the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. It was launched in May of 1925 and introduced many technical improvements using many of the mechanics of its predecessor. Keeping to the tradition of Sir Henry Royce, it was an evolution rather than a revolution. The Phantom I was available in two sizes, a 143.5-inch or 150.5-inch wheelbase. The transmission was nearly identical except for a new, single dry plate clutch which proved to be easier to operate, quieter, and smoother. Production of the Phantom I continued until 1931.
This rare Caffyn bodied vehicle can be driven as either a Landaulet or all-weather Touring Sedan. It is finished in primrose cream with black wings and trim. The fitted luggage cases in the trunk are original.
It was created for a London banker named R. Foster, Esq., and was accompanied by a price tag of 1689 pounds. In 1934 it was sold to Montagne D. Bannister of Staplefield, Sussex.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008
 |  |  | Boattail Tourer Coachwork: FLM Panelcraft Chassis Num: 99EH |
| Sold for $110,000 at 2008 RM Auctions. Sold for $110,000 at 2009 Worldwide Auctioneers. | |||
This Phantom I originally wore a Faux Cabriolet body by Thrupp & Maberly. It was delivered to either Prince David Mdivani, who married actress Mae Murray, or to his brother, Prince Serge, who was married to actress Pola Negri.
It was driven around the Hollywood area for many years. It was later purchased by S. Prestley Blake, a Rolls-Royce collecting and the founder of the Friendly Ice Cream restaurants. By this point in history, it had been rebodied by FLM Panelcraft with this 4-seat Boattail Tourer coachwork. It is in the style of Barker. The hood is polished aluminum and there are flared clamshell fenders, sloping boattail body, and rear aeroscreens. It is painted in Burgundy with Black fenders and tan leather upholstery. There is side and top curtains for the front seat and a removable tonneau cover for the rear section.
It has several modern amenities such as a Mitchell overdrive and a rebuilt carburetor and piston rings. Other features include four-wheel servo-assisted brakes, wire wheels, and a polished aluminum bonnet.
In 2008, this car was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' auction presented by RM Auctions. It had an estimated value of $110,000 - $130,000 and carried a reserve. A high bid of $110,000 including buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.
In 2009, this Boattail Tourer was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers and held in Seabrook, Texas. The lot was estimates to sell for $150,000 - $200,000. The lot was sold for $100,000 not including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009
 |  |  | Derby Speedster Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: S 245 FP Engine Num: 22457 |
| Sold for $183,000 at 2008 Bonhams. Sold for $183,000 at 2008 Bonhams. | |||
Between 1926 and 1931, there were 1,235 Springfield built Rolls-Royce Phantom I's created. The American Rolls-Royce unit was in business until 1934. Many were given coachwork by the legendary coach-building firm, Brewster & Company.
This 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I wears a Brewster Derby Speedster body. This particular style was produced in very limited series, had four-doors, and seating for 4-passenger. This example is a left-hand drive vehicle that left the Brewster factory with a Lonsdale Limousine body. The original owner was a Chicago customer named T.M. Howell. It was later fitted with its Derby Speedster body later in its life, sometime prior to 1950. This was not an uncommon practice for body's to be switched around on lightly-used luxury-car chassis.
The current owner's father purchased the car in either 1949 or 1951 from 'Smitty's Garage' in Miami, Florida. It was used as a daily driver for many years and taken on several long-distance trips. It was painted black when it was purchased in Florida. It now is finished in off-white and brown tones. The paint job was done in the early 1970s and now shows signs of its age. The interior was re-done in a dark red synthetic leather material.
The car was put into storage where it resided for the next seventeen years. In 2008, the car was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonhams Auction. Currently, the car has a non-standard electric fuel pump, un-repaired damage to one of the rear fenders, the factory tool kit is missing, radiator shutters are missing, and two pistons on the engine are currently seized. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, the lot had been sold for $183,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008
 |  |  | Riviera Town Car Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: S184PM Engine Num: 21846 |
| Sold for $687,500 at 2011 Gooding & Company. | |||
 |  |  | Town Car Coachwork: Hibbard and Darrin Chassis Num: S275FP |
| High bid of $235,000 at 2011 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
The body was designed and built by Hibbard and Darrin, a Paris-based coachbuilder operated by two expatriate Americans, Thomas Hibbard and Howard 'Dutch' Darrin who maintained offices there from 1923 to 1931 (and in New York City in 1929). In Paris they became agents for Rolls-Royce as well as their official coachbuilder.
The car is powered by the legendary Rolls-Royce 7688cc, inline six that develops 100 horsepower. This automobile has been owned by one family since new until acquired by the current owners, who restored the car.
 |  |  | Sedanca DeVille Coachwork: Hibbard and Darrin Chassis Num: S187RP Engine Num: 21877 |
| Sold for $137,500 at 2011 Gooding & Company. | |||
The current owner has retained the car for nearly 30 years. The engine was rebuilt in 1984 and recently the servo braking system and clutch were renewed and a valve job was completed in the late 2000s.
In 2010, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Az. where it was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $210,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $137,500 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2011
 |  |  | Newmarket Convertible Sedan Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: S393KP Engine Num: 20938 Vin Num: 5521 |
| High bid of $130,000 at 2012 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
The car has been treated to a re-commissioning after a long period of storage, including full flushing and cleaning of the fuel, grease and oiling systems, rebuilding the carburetor and sorting the electrics. Many of the mechanical components were overhauled and adjusted where necessary.
In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge presented by Bonhams auction. It was estimated to sell for $200,000 - $250,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and it would leave the auction unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011
 |  |  | Sports Tourer Chassis Num: 17 EX |
 |  | Tilbury Saloon Chassis Num: S123RP |
| Sold for $60,500 at 2012 RM Auctions. | ||
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $70,000 - $90,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $60,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012
 |  |  | Derby Speedster Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: S185FR Engine Num: 21858 |
| Sold for $687,500 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
This example was one of the five original Derby Speedsters built by Brewster & Co., of which just four are known to exist. It was completed at the Springfield, Massachusetts Rolls-Royce works sometime between late 1928 and early 1929. It was fitted with engine number 21858, and then sent off to Brewster & Co. to be fitted with the Derby Speedster coachwork. It is believed the car remained unsold until 1932 when, according to records supplied by the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club, the car was sold to Robert D. Lay of Chicago, Illinois.
The Petit family discovered the Rolls-Royce between 1949 and 1950 in Lake Wales, Florida. It has remained in their care for 60 years.
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 - $650,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $687,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012
 |  | Special Roadster Coachwork: Hibbard and Darrin Chassis Num: S297FP Engine Num: 22977 |
| Sold for $308,000 at 2013 Gooding & Company. | ||
The car wears a restoration that was completed three decades ago (early 1980s). It has been fitted with new blackwall tires and a black convertible top. It is finished in red and burgundy. There are brass-rimmed gauges insert within the burl walnut dash along with inlaid veneers extending to both doors. In the front is a split windshield. On both sides of the car are sidemount tires, chrome-plate wire wheels, accessory trunk, and period-correct tubular bumpers.
Power comes from a 7688cc overhead valve six-cylinder engine fitted with a Rolls-Royce 2-Jet Type carburetor and offers a stated 40/50 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical brakes with servo assist.
In 2013, the vehicle was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale, Arizona auction. It was estimated to sell for $450,000 - $550,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, it had been sold for the sum of $308,000 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013
Although the Silver Ghost had been constantly improved over its life span, by the 1920's other manufacturers had begun to close the performance gap, and the decision was made to produce a new car.
By 1925, the New Phantom (retrospectively called the Phantom I when the Phantom II was introduced in 1929) was ready.
A new chassis had not been built so the car used the Ghost chassis. This meant that initially the only difference between the Ghost and the New Phantom was the method of mounting the §teering column on the chassis and the new power unit. The six-cylinder overhead valve engine was similar in many ways to the Twenty, but was of 7,668cc. This was over twice the capacity of the little Twenty at 3,127cc.
The Phantom had been prepared in great secrecy, as would its namesake be, 70 years later. During its development the car was codenamed EAC, which stood for Easter Armored Car. Pieces of armor plating were even left around the factory to lend credence to this cover-up story.
Two chassis lengths were offered, the standard being 190.25 inches (4.83m) wîth a 196.75 inches (4.99m) version for more formal coachwork.
A special open sporting body was fitted to the fourth experimental chassis and even though the New Phantom's engine performed better than that of the Silver Ghost, the New Phantom was found to have a slightly lower top speed. This led to Rolls-Royce testing at Brooklands to investigate the effect of weight and, more importantly, of aerodynamics in relation to performance. With completely redesigned bodywork, this car subsequently ran at around 100 mph.Source - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd.
By 1925, the New Phantom (retrospectively called the Phantom I when the Phantom II was introduced in 1929) was ready.
A new chassis had not been built so the car used the Ghost chassis. This meant that initially the only difference between the Ghost and the New Phantom was the method of mounting the §teering column on the chassis and the new power unit. The six-cylinder overhead valve engine was similar in many ways to the Twenty, but was of 7,668cc. This was over twice the capacity of the little Twenty at 3,127cc.
The Phantom had been prepared in great secrecy, as would its namesake be, 70 years later. During its development the car was codenamed EAC, which stood for Easter Armored Car. Pieces of armor plating were even left around the factory to lend credence to this cover-up story.
Two chassis lengths were offered, the standard being 190.25 inches (4.83m) wîth a 196.75 inches (4.99m) version for more formal coachwork. A special open sporting body was fitted to the fourth experimental chassis and even though the New Phantom's engine performed better than that of the Silver Ghost, the New Phantom was found to have a slightly lower top speed. This led to Rolls-Royce testing at Brooklands to investigate the effect of weight and, more importantly, of aerodynamics in relation to performance. With completely redesigned bodywork, this car subsequently ran at around 100 mph.Source - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd.
Rolls Royce launched the new Phantom in May of 1925. Rolls-Royce's replacement for the original Silver Ghost, the Phantom was built in both the U.K. and the U.S. following a year later in introduction and two years in replacement. Usually listed as Phantom I, it featured a new pushrod-OHV straight- 6 engine, which was a vast improvement over the Silver Ghost. The engine was constructed with three groups of two cylinders with detachable heads, and produced impressive power that could pull the large, very heavy vehicle. This engine utilized a '4¼ in (107.9 mm) bore and long 5½ in (139.7 mm) stroke for a total of 7.7 L (7668 cc/467 in³) of displacement'. In 1928, aluminum was substituted for cast iron in the cylinder heads.
The front was suspended by semi-elliptical springs while cantilever springs were utilized in the rear. Though some original U.S. models lacked front brakes, 4-wheel servo-assisted brakes were also specified.
UK models featured a long-wheelbase model that was longer at 3822.7 mm than the American version at 3721.1 mm. Other differences between the two models included the transmission, while the UK models used a 4-speed while US models used a 3-speed transmission, both with a single dry-plate clutch. The US Phantoms were constructed in Springfield, Massachusetts while UK models were built at Rolls' Derby factory.
A total of 226 Rolls-Royce Phantom I's were produced during its production span.By Jessica Donaldson
The front was suspended by semi-elliptical springs while cantilever springs were utilized in the rear. Though some original U.S. models lacked front brakes, 4-wheel servo-assisted brakes were also specified.
UK models featured a long-wheelbase model that was longer at 3822.7 mm than the American version at 3721.1 mm. Other differences between the two models included the transmission, while the UK models used a 4-speed while US models used a 3-speed transmission, both with a single dry-plate clutch. The US Phantoms were constructed in Springfield, Massachusetts while UK models were built at Rolls' Derby factory.
A total of 226 Rolls-Royce Phantom I's were produced during its production span.By Jessica Donaldson
Background
Frederick Henry Royce was an engineer and the Honorable Charles Stewart Rolls was a man with many talents. He was an aviator, driver, and automobile enthusiasts. In the world of business, he excelled at marketing.The Rolls-Royce Company began its distinguished career in the early 1900's, focusing on quality and performance. During 1905 and 1906, forty vehicles were produced, all with four-cylinder engines producing 20 horsepower.
1906 was a big year for the young company, with Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce officially registering the Rolls-Royce Limited Company. The legendary 40/50 six-cylinder Silver Ghost was introduced with much acclaim. During the same year, Rolls and Royce entered the Tourist Trophy Race, one of the most prestigious events of the time. Their powerful and durable car outran the rest of pack, beating the nearest competitor by 27 minutes. In 1907 the company further showcased their vehicles durability by participating in a 15,000 mile reliability event.
In a time when maintenance and durability were on the minds of every consumer, Rolls-Royce left their buyers with peace of mind. To add even more prestige to their vehicles, the vehicles were marketed to the most elite and well-to-do in society. By supplying their vehicles to British royalty, the Rolls-Royce Company concreted their reputation in history. The cars durability was matched by its comfort; they were outfitted with luxurious bodies by some of the top coachbuilders in the industry. The engines were powerful and provided a rather smooth and comfortable ride. The engines were engineering marvels, constructed of an aluminum alloy crankcase. Instead of chains, the timing and ignition drive were both run by gears. The parts were hand polished and constructed to a high degree of accuracy. The sturdy construction meant that conversation were possible, even while the vehicle was at top speed.
The 40/50 HP Silver Ghost models were sold for a period of fifteen years as the companies only offering. By 1922, the Rolls-Royce Company began offering the Twenty which was offered to a larger market, though still very exclusive. Competition such as Hispano Suiza had caught up with Rolls-Royce by 1925; Rolls-Royce responded. Development began on a more modern version of its Silver Ghost engine that would be more powerful and durable. The stroke was enlarged providing a greater increase in horsepower. The resulting vehicle was named the '40/50 New Phantom'. When the Phantom II was introduced in 1929, the '40/50 New Phantom' was retrospectively named the Phantom I.
Phantom I
The Phantom was built in secrecy, using the code name EAC which stood for Easter Armored Car. To reinforce the code name, pieces of armor plating was intentially left around the factory. The Phantom I was the successor to the Silver Ghost and produced for only four years. Though the engine had been modified to produce more horsepower and torque, the chassis was only slightly updated. This would prove to be a major drawback for the Phantom I.
In 1921 a Rolls-Royce factory had been opened in Springfield Massachusetts with the purpose of producing Silver Ghosts that were built with traditional Rolls-Royce quality but catered to the American customer. These vehicles were known as the 'Springfield' Silver Ghosts.
A year after the Phantom was introduced, the 'Springfield' Phantom became available. The late arrival was attributed to necessary modifications, such as converting to left hand drive. The Springfield plant continued Rolls-Royce production until 1931, when the American factory was closed.
| GMC PICKUPS 101: BUSTING MYTHS OF TRUCK AERODYNAMICS | |
 | • 2014 Sierra gains fuel economy, quietness from time in wind tunnel DETROIT – The all-new 2014 Sierra full-size pickup truck spent more development time in a wind tunnel than any GMC pickup before it, resulting in design changes that benefit both fuel efficiency and interior quietness. To achieve improved airflow, aerodynamic engineers like Diane Bloch examined every millimeter of the truck to find areas of improvement, debunking some popular myths along the way. To study...[Read more...] |
| RM Offers Distinguished Don Davis Collection Without Reserve | |
 | • Final countdown underway to RM Auctions' Don Davis Collection sale, April 27, in Fort Worth, Texas • Single-day auction features 64 motor cars without reserve • Offering comprises diverse roster of European sports and GT cars and American horsepower, including superb series of Porsche and Corvette automobiles • Complete digital catalogue now available online at rmauctions.com Following its record-setting sale of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum earlier this year, RM Auctions is proud to c...[Read more...] |
| Duesenberg Model SJ Sells For $4.51 Million and Records Tumble At RM'S Amelia Island Sale | |
 | • RM Auctions continues strong track record at Amelia Island, Florida posting more than $26.8 million in sales with 92 percent of all lots sold • Top seller: stunning 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Walker-LaGrande Convertible Coupe realizes a spectacular $4,510,000 to claim the title as the most valuable automobile sold during this year's Amelia Island weekend • Five lots achieve individual million-dollar-plus results • Packed auction room sees bidders hail from 14 countries around the world [...[Read more...] |
| Edsel Ford's Speedster Stars at 'The Amelia' | |
 | Edsel Ford's 'continental car', a custom boattail speedster, will take its rightful place in the Sports Car Class of the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. In the shape of Edsel's seminal speedster is the genesis of Ford's legendary design department. Edsel Ford was hardly 'a chip off the old block'. The acorn fell well away from the mighty oak that was Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. Edsel was not just the President of Ford, he was a car guy to his core. His ta...[Read more...] |
| CHRYSLER GROUP LLC AND FIAT S.P.A. ANNOUNCE MOST ACCESSORIZED VEHICLES AND TOP-SELLING ACCESSORIES | |
 | Mopar Offers More Than 25,000 Accessories Worldwide •Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Challenger are most accessorized vehicles in North America •Side steps, Jeep Wrangler tops and floor mats are best-selling accessories in North America •Fiat 500, Fiat 500L and Jeep Grand Cherokee among most accessorized vehicles in other global regions •Top-selling accessories announced for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America February 11, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich....[Read more...] |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Aston Martin | Bentley |
| Bugatti | Devon |
| Ferrari | GTA |
| Koenigsegg | Lamborghini |
| Lotus | Maserati |
| Maybach | McLaren |
| Porsche | Spyker |
| Tesla | |
| Rolls-Royce: 1921-1930 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Rolls-Royce |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1927 Phantom I | 1929 Phantom I |
