1928 Phantom I | 1930 Phantom I ![]() |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I news, pictures, and information | ||
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![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Derby Speedster Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: S158FR Engine Num: 21588 |
| Sold for $1,980,000 at 2013 Gooding & Company. | |||
One of those of the Brewster body designs that would stand above the rest would be the Derby Speedster. Considered by Rolls-Royce authority John Webb de Campi as, 'the handsomest bodies ever put on a Rolls-Royce chassis', the Derby Speedster would be a compelling design tailored for the dashing and most spirited of influential society.
Truly remarkable with their upswept fenders and overall stylish design, the Derby Speedster would be quite an investment, even in its day. Due to the extremely-limited numbers ever produced, just five in total, the Derby would be extremely expensive. But, with the high-quality design and construction and a look that fit the attitude of the time, it was not hard for the five examples to find a buyer.
One particular chassis, S158FR, would be completed and rolled out of the Springfield facility in 1929 and would be quickly taken and fitted with its Brewster body. Herbert Farrell of Nashville, who just so happened to be the son-in-law of Joel Cheek (founder of Maxwell House Coffee) would be the first owner of this Phantom I Derby Speedster.
Despite the sporty look and the quality of the build, Mr. Farrell would not be terribly excited about his new purchase. Despite being promised the car could reach 85 mph, the large 7.7-liter inline 6-cylinder engine would not be capable of reaching that top speed. Determined to find the missing speed, Farrell would express his dissatisfaction. This would lead to mechanics coming to tweak and tune the engine all the more to be able to achieve the promised top speed.
Over the course of the next two decades the car would remain in Nashville. However, in 1953, the car would be sent to Indianapolis and the Rolls-Royce dealers, Schaler & Wade for its first restoration. By now, the car had come to be the property of Neil McDade.
McDade would own the car for a little more than half a decade before it would be purchased by William Maxwell Davis in 1959. Davis owned nearly every model Rolls-Royce ever made, and yet, would be quoted as saying the Derby Speedster was, 'the standard by which all my other cars were judged.'
A quarter of a century the car would remain with Davis. But then, in 1984, Mr. Davis would agree to part company with the car and it would end up in the hands of Rick Carroll, who would immediately contract Clay Cook to perform a complete, no expense spared, restoration. Unfortunately, Carroll would never see the car completed before he passed away.
William Lassiter Jr. would then come to own the car in 1990. He would go back to Mr. Cook to have the restoration completed. When finished, the car would be chosen, on behalf of the Collier Automotive Museum, to represent the ultimate example of a Phantom I in a special exhibit. In 1993, one year later, the Derby Speedster would win First Prize from the Classic Car Club of America. It would also come away with a National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America.
In 1999, the awards and accolades would keep coming when it would earn Second in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. At this time, the current owner would come to own the car having purchased it from the Lassiter Collection sale in 1999.
Still considered to be in outstanding cosmetic condition, Cook's meticulous work throughout the restoration process is undeniable. Touched with chrome brightwork, the black finish is striking on the Derby. Similarly, the interior's dark red leather and rich wood trim are certainly inviting and absolutely stunning to behold, especially with the silver inlays.
Being one of just five ever produced, the 1929 Phantom I Derby Speedster is certainly a priceless piece of Rolls-Royce lineage. An award winner and absolutely stunning inside and out, the Derby Speedster just urges one to exclaim, 'Thank you, you Yanks!'
Due to the rarity of the example and the multiple awards earned throughout its lifetime, the 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Derby Speedster would be garnering estimates from between $650,000 and $850,000 prior to heading to auction at the Gooding & Company event held on Amelia Island in March of 2013.
Sources:
'Lot No. 23: 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Derby Speedster', (http://www.goodingco.com/car/1929-rolls-royce-phantom-i-derby-speedster). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/car/1929-rolls-royce-phantom-i-derby-speedster. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
'1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I News, Pictures and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11374/Rolls-Royce-Phantom-I.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11374/Rolls-Royce-Phantom-I.aspx. Retrieved 7 March 2013.By Jeremy McMullen
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Henley Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: S182PM Engine Num: B6004 |
| Sold for $238,000 at 2006 Bonhams. | |||
Rolls-Royce of America had been established in December of 1919 after Rolls-Royce of England purchased the American Wire Wheel Company's plant in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1926, the Springfield location began production of the Phantom I, and within three years, production had risen to 12 cars per week.
As the beginning of the 1930s came into sight, the fortunes of the Springfield plant began to dissipate. The onset of The Great Depression was beginning to cripple many luxury brand marques, and reek havoc on businesses, leaving many out-of-production in its wake. The Springfield's future was sealed when the high-expenses of re-tooling for Phantom II production was too great for the company.
Though the British and American plants produced the same product, there were many differences between the two. The American version could be ordered with 'factory' bodywork, mostly by Brewster which had been taken over by Rolls-Royce in December of 1925.
This 1929 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Henley Convertible Coupe has chassis number S182PM and body number B6004. It is in right-hand drive configuration and was constructed in December of 1926 - January of 1927. When it emerged from the factory, it wore a Brewster body in Chatsworth town-car configuration. It is believed that it was on display in Rolls-Royce showrooms during its early life. The car was later fitted with a Brewster Henley body and is believed to be one of two prototype Henleys constructed. The other prototype car carries body number B6003 and now rides on chassis number S303LR. It was originally on chassis S140FR. Only two Henleys were ever built on the Phantom I chassis and nine were built on the Phantom II chassis.
Since this car has roll-up windows, it is really a convertible coupe, though it is referred to as a roadster. The body was created by Brewster at the Queensboro Plaza works in Long Island City. The body is very versatile, offering both open and closed configuration. It is in mostly original condition and wears the dents, scares, and rust of a car many decades old. This car was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where it was estimated to sell between $100,000 - $150,000. There are many attractive features about this car, such as the rarity of its body configuration and the ambiance of the Rolls-Royce marque. The wheel fenders gracefully flow from the front to the rear, and serve multiple duties as a spare tire holder and a running board. At auction, this car was very popular. The cars potential was evident as bidding was driven well above the estimated value and settled at $238,000. With a complete restoration, this car will be a top contender at many major concours and will be an excellent candidate for driving tours.
In 2007, this Phantom I Henley Convertible Coupe was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was estimated to sell for $225,000-$275,000. The car is still considered to be one of the most desirable bodies ever to be placed on the early Rolls-Royce chassis. It was built by Brewster at its Long Island-based Queensboro Plaza Works and given a Henley Convertible Coupe body. It is a very original and unmolested version of the Phantom I Rolls. At auction, the car failed to find a buyer willing to satisfy the cars reserve; it left the auction unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
![]() | ![]() | Lonsdale Limousine Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: 5290 KR Engine Num: 20909 |
This vehicle is a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Lonsdale Limousine with coachwork by Brewster. The original owner of this car was Edward Bausch. Mr. Bausch was the son of German-American optician John J. Bausch, who began producing eyeglasses in Rochester NY in 1853. By 1855, the elder Bausch's friend Henry Lomb had become his business partner as well. Bausch & Lomb's first significant success came with a line of eyeglass frames made from a hard rubber-like material called 'Vulcanite.'
When Edward Bausch passed away in 1944, an American Army Captain named Melvin Hooper acquired the Rolls-Royce. His busy travel schedule coupled with wartime gas rationing meant he did not keep it for very long.
The Captain sold 1,900 changes at a $1.00 each for a chance to own the Rolls-Royce. The winner was a young sailor stationed at Norfolk, Virginia. The car was delivered to him there, and it would remain at Norfolk until his discharge in 1946. The veteran then drove it cross-country to California, where his wife and baby awaited. Maintaining an aging Rolls-Royce was a challenge for the young family and the car soon changed hands again.
The fourth owner attempted a restoration, but failing health meant the project was put on hold. In 1975, it was purchased by its present (and sixth) owner. Since that time, the car has been treated to a professional restoration bringing it back to its former glory. It retains its original leather-covered trunk on the rear platform. The original clock is present in the division partition and the owner's manual and tool kit are still intact. The odometer reads just 57,000 miles since new.
In 2008, Lonsdale Limousine was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonhams Auction. The lot was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $140,000 but would leave the auction unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | York Roadster Coachwork: Brewster |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Ascot Phantom Coachwork: Ascot Chassis Num: S364LR Engine Num: 21649 |
| Sold for $330,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. Sold for $385,000 at 2010 Gooding & Company. Sold for $363,000 at 2011 RM Auctions. | |||
Rolls-Royce offered standard coachwork with the bodies ordered from several independent coachbuilders and built in quantities of up to twenty at a time. These were badged as 'Rolls-Royce Custom Coach Work' and were built by Brewster, as well as Smith Springfield, New Haven, Merrimack, Willoughby and Biddle and Smart. Soon, business was very strong and Rolls-Royce established its own coachworks in Springfield. The Custom Coach Work bodies and later Rolls-Royce cataloged coachwork from Brewster - which it acquired in 1926 - were among the most elite bodies produced in the world.
In 1926, Rolls-Royce introduced the Phantom I and the addition of several new bodies including the open Ascot, Derby and Speedster. Further changes continued throughout the years, including the use of aluminum cylinder heads, chrome-plated exterior bright work, flat bar bumpers, servo-assisted four-wheel brakes, thermostatically-controlled radiator shutters and conical headlamp housings in 1929. These changes were well liked by the American public, resulting in sales reaching 350 automobiles for 1929.
This Ascot Sport Phaeton was delivered to Alphonzo E. Bell, a California entrepreneur and developer. This car has a raked single piece windscreen and graceful flowing fenders. Its appearance is very similar to the rear fender Speedster and the rare York Roadster.
After leaving Bell's care, the history of the car is not fully known. By 1946, it was owned by radio announcer Dave Garroway and would later be given a complete restoration. It was purchased by Detroit collector Richard Kughn where it would reside for many years. It was sold in the early 1990s to Canadian collector Grant Burton, who enjoyed it for many years, selling it to the present owner in 2000 via Ohio collector Richard Scott. The car was given a refresher by RM Auction Restorations in the mid-2000s which included the fitting of a new top, comprehensive detailing, tune-up, and repainting the fenders.
The car is painted in black and has tan leather upholstery and black cloth top. It rides on chrome wire wheels and wide whitewall tires. There are dual sidemounts with black metal enclosures with chrome bands and mirrors. Above the flat chrome front ribbon bumpers are a pair of small Pilot-Ray driving lights. Other features to this car are matching wind wings, a black cloth-covered luggage trunk, and varnished wood molding caps.
In 2009, this Phantom I Ascot Sport Phaeton was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $450,000. The lot was sold for a high bid of $330,000 including buyer's premium.
In 2010, it was brought to Gooding & Company's Scottsdale Auction where it was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $350,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $385,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010
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The lap robe (draped over the rear seat) was donated to the Canton Classic Car Museum courtesy of Steve and Gretchen Dinin of Brunswick, Ohio. The lap robe was once owned by Gertrude Mann of Newton, Massachusetts and was used in the family owned 1937 Pierce Arrow automobile.Source - Canton Classic Museum
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | St Andrew Town Car Coachwork: Brewster |
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2009
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Limousine Sedan Coachwork: Brewster |
The Silver Ghost put the Rolls-Royce Company on the map, earning a reputation with a highly reliable and virtually silent six cylinder engine. In 1910, Rolls became the first British subject to perish in an airplane crash, but the company continued on and prospered.
The production of the Silver Ghost began in 1921 and was officially known as the 40/50. It was produced in Springfield, Massachusetts in order to reduce manufacturing costs and void hefty import duties. The Phantom I was introduced in 1925 in Britain and a year later in the United States. The car was very similar to the Silver Ghost but had a modern long stroke, OHV engine. When production ceased in 1931, a total of 1,240 United States built cars were produced.
This particular car features a Kenilworth body built by Brewster for an owner who was chauffeur-driven yet sometimes preferred to drive himself. The current owner is the second owner, having purchased the car 37 years ago.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Ascot Tourer Coachwork: Brewster |
This Phantom was delivered new to W.C. Trabold in New York (Long Island), NY, on August 5, 1929. Since then, it has had 12 other owners until purchased by the current owner on August 5, 2005.
This Ascot Tourer is powered by a water-cooled, overhead valve, 6-cylinder, 7.67 liter engine, developing 100 horsepower, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 80 mph.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Ascot Tourer Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: S178FR Engine Num: 21788 |
| Sold for $172,000 at 2010 Bonhams. | |||
Heaton kept the car until 1946 when it was offered on consignment with Elliot Hawley and in February the following year it was sold to Peter Franz of Brooklyn.
Other owners include Henry Wing, who restored the car while in his ownership between 1953 and 1956. The next was William O'Connor, a prominent Veteran Motor Car Club of America member who used the car regularly. From O'Conner the car went to Paul Stern, whose business was the original Manheim Auto Auction, based in his hometown of Manheim, Pennsylvania. While in his ownership, the car was illustrated in the Rolls-Royce in American book by John Webb de Campi. Stern sold the car to Wally Rank of Wisconsin and he in turn sold the car to the current owner in the mid-1980s.
It has spent many recent years in storage.
In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia auction presented by Bonhams. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $172,000 inclusive of Buyer's Premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010
![]() | ![]() | Sport Phaeton Coachwork: Murphy Chassis Num: S 287 FP Engine Num: 22877 |
| Sold for $293,000 at 2010 Bonhams. | ||
The car was sold new by W.C. Darling to Albert Wallerstein of Los Angeles. The car was delivered new on September 4th of 1929.
A few months after the purchase, the car changed hands and became the property of Howard W. McCarger who retained the car until October of 1954. K.G. Stalder purchased the car in 1956 and in January of 1959 was sold to Marvin W. Bridges of Omaha, NE. It remained in his care until November of 1984 when it was sold to Jack L. Keown. It was offered for sale in 1988. The car resurfaced in 2002 when it was at Christie's in Paris, as part of the Hans Luscher Collection.
The car was sent to Canada and into the care of its current owner. In 2010, this Murphy bodied Sport Phaeton was offered for sale at the Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia auction presented by Bonhams. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $293,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010
![]() | Springfield Tourer Coachwork: Brewster |
In 1925 Rolls-Royce of America purchased the renowned Brewster & Company coachworks, of New York, who had been prominent carriage makers since 1810.
In September of 1929, Rolls-Royce of America, Inc. proudly announced it was experiencing its best year ever. The Wall Street crash that triggered the 'Great Depression' occurred the following month and the Springfield firm was bankrupt by 1935.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Ascot Tourer Coachwork: Brewster Chassis Num: S346KP Engine Num: 20468 |
| Sold for $374,000 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
This particular Ascot Tourer has hidden door hinges and is one of just five built.
It is believed that the original owner of this car was Mr. T.F. Scholl of New York City who took possession of the car in April of 1929. In the late 1935, ownership passed to Mr. Scholl's son-in-law Mr. J.E. Connelly Jr. also of Manhattan. The following owner, a Naval officer, purchased the car and proceeded to drive it on a transcontinental trip to San Diego, CA.
The next owner was Mr. Pentney. In 1950, the car was sold to Mr. Fred Buess Sr., founder of the Horseless Carriage Club. Mr. Buess retained the car for five decades. The present owner treated the car to cosmetic work. At the time, the car displayed just 48,000 original miles. After the work was completed, the car was finished in dark blue paint over saddle leather upholstery.
This car is one of a total run of just 28 Ascot Tourers built.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, AZ. It was estimated to sell for $375,000 - $450,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had sold for the sum of $374,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Convertible Coupe Coachwork: Murphy Chassis Num: S293FP Engine Num: 22937 |
Upon completion, it was presented to Mrs. Chapin, near the family Christmas tree. This involved removing a wall in their home.
Log missing, the car was discovered in La Jolla, California in 2010, it has been cared for and preserved its entire life. It is shown now in the original shade of Chrome Yellow, suiting the flamboyant taste of Ms. Gloria Chapin, just as it did 80 years ago.
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.
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1929
Rolls-Royce
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| Rolls-Royce Phantom II |
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| Rolls-Royce: 1921-1930 |
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1928 Phantom I | 1930 Phantom I ![]() |


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