1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Henley Roadster

Rolls-Royce of America was launched in Springfield, Massachusetts on October 18th of 1919 and produced 2,944 Silver Ghost and New Phantom cars between 1921 and 1931. When production of the Phantom II came to a close in England, Springfield was left with a sparse inventory of Phantom I's and a few imported Phantom II's. The Derby factory then completed a series of 'Americanized' Phantom II chassis and sent them to Springfield. The chassis numbers on these cars ended with either 'AJS' or 'AMS'. The 'A' signified a car modified for the American market.

The American cars were converted from right-hand to left-hand drive. They were given an American-type central gearshift which replaced the British style side lever. The radiator shutters were thermostatically controlled to open or shut depending upon engine temperature, and manual control of extra cylinder lubrication was fitted for cold starts. Other changes included wider brake shoes, heavier rear brake drums, front and rear bumper supports, and higher gear ratios for high-speed touring. Upon completion, the cars were tested in Derby, England, and then shipped to the United States Customs at the Port of New York. The cars, by request of Rolls-Royce of America, were shipped without a tool kit, tires, horn, chassis lubrication fittings, spring gaiters, spark plugs, and hood locks. The purpose was the trim Atlantic-crossing shipping costs. American-sourced parts were fitted once the cars arrived in the US.

The cars with the Rolls-Royce Custom Coachwork were given a small plaque fitted to each car. All body builders for Rolls-Royce cars supplied their designs to Rolls-Royce for approval. Once the body was fitted to the chassis, the coachbuilder returned the car back to Rolls-Royce to be tested before final inspection and delivery.

The Phantom II cars were distinguished from the Phantom I's by their sweeping hood that measured half the length of the car.

The most famous and well known supplier for American Rolls-Royce was Brewster & Company, located on Long Island, New York and founded in 1810. They built their first motor body in 1905 and in 1908, mounted a landaulette on a Silver Ghost chassis. Rolls-Royce of American purchased Brewster in 1925. By 1931, the firm was designing and fitted bodies to the left-hand drive Phantom II's imported from England. During the final five years of Springfield production, nearly all Springfield Rolls' were Brewster-bodied.

This car, chassis number 255AJS, was first owned by Mr. Walton, who was one of only nine clients to order the Henley roadster. The original engine, number E95B, is still with this car. Currently, the car has been owned by the same family for the last four decades. Anthony Preston, of Riverdale and North White Plains, New York, acquired the car in October of 1971.

In 1978, it was given a complete mechanical restoration. When Mr. Preston passed away in 1985, the car remained in the family's possession, stored in a heated garage on jacks and kept dry until 2008, when his family had it mechanically re-commissioned. Since then, the car has traveled just 800 miles; the odometer currently reads 54,800.

This Henley Roadster has a split windshield and a rumble seat. Its period-correct paint scheme, in brown and tan, is executed in glossy lacquer.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Monterey sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $750,000 - $950,000 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 | Oct 2012