1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Derby Speedster

Of all the classic Rolls Royce body styles ever offered, one of the most infectious and appealing would have a touch of Yankee blood in it. At a time in Western society when the affluent were beginning to take to the wheel of luxuriously-appointed, sporty automobiles, the Brewster-bodied Rolls-Royce's captured the sensations and the spirit being birthed throughout the 1920s.

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