1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sport Saloon

This Rolls-Royce is believed to be one of only 113 left-hand-drive, British-built, American-bodied Phantom IIs, and appears to be one of only seven Brewster Sport Sedans. The close-coupled, balanced body design is almost coupe-like, yet offers passengers the convenience of a four-door sedan.

Brewster & Co. was located on Long Island, New York. They were the favored body supplier for the American Rolls-Royce Works in Springfield, Massachusetts. Design cues include its rear-hinged front doors, raked windshields, 'Trilin' taillamps, mahogany running boards, double-flat bar bumpers, and straightforward instrument panels (Brewster hallmarks that were widely copied by coachbuilders in the 1930s).

Mr. Ruger purchased this 4-door Sport Saloon in the early-2000s. A previous owner was Mr. Paul Zimmer cira 1948-52 and later went to Jack Frost of Detroit, who owned it for nearly 30 years and won a class award at an RROC meet in 1976, along with a series of Best in Class and Best in Show trophies. It then went to the Atwell Collection in Texas before joining the Ruger Collection. As-acquired, it had modernized front fenders with side-mounted spare tires. While in Mr. Ruger's care, John Abrahamson of Enfield Auto Restorations was commissioned to return the fenders to their prewar specification, which eliminated the spares. The work included the development of a rear spare tire mount in accordance with Rolls-Royce practice of the era.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $200,000 - $250,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $192,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014