1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Henley Convertible Coupe

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 configurations. 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 car's 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 car's reserve; it left the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019