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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
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
2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,000,000-USD $1,300,000
Sale Price :
USD $885,000
2013 Gooding and Company - The Amelia Island Auction
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $650,000-USD $850,000
Sale Price :
USD $1,980,000
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I
(Data based on Model Year 1929 sales)
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Dual Cowl Phaeton Chassis#: S205KR Sold for USD$196,000 2024 Worldwide Auctioneers : Auburn Auction | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Barker & Co. Tourer Chassis#: 61OR Sold for USD$106,400 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer by Brewster Chassis#: S346KP Sold for USD$246,400 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1933 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I RIVIERA TOWN CAR Chassis#: S268KR Sold for USD$201,600 2023 Gooding & Company : Estate of Mark Smith Auction | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Derby Speedster by Brewster Chassis#: S158FR Sold for USD$885,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Newmarket All-Weather Tourer Chassis#: S339LR Sold for USD$90,622 2022 Bonhams : Goodwood Revival | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Avon Touring Sedan Chassis#: S320LR Sold for USD$26,880 2022 Bonhams : Amelia Island Concours | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformable Phaeton by Hibbard and Darrin Chassis#: S302LR Sold for USD$170,500 2021 RM Sothebys : Hershey | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer Chassis#: S368LR Sold for USD$302,000 2021 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours Auction | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Convertible Sedan Sold for USD$154,000 2020 Mecum : Las Vegas | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newmarket Tourer Chassis#: S253KR Sold for USD$191,865 2019 Bonhams : The Beaulieu Sale | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Huntington Sedanca de Ville Chassis#: S324LR Sold for USD$63,955 2019 Bonhams : The Beaulieu Sale | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer by Brewster Chassis#: S398KP Sold for USD$280,000 2019 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer Chassis#: S203KR Sold for USD$660,000 2018 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer by Barker Chassis#: 82OR Sold for USD$247,172 2018 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer by Brewster Chassis#: S178FR Sold for USD$274,400 2018 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale, Az. | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Riviera Town Car by Brewster Chassis#: S390LR Sold for USD$825,000 2017 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Stratford Coupé Coachwork by Brewster Chassis#: S285FP Sold for USD$130,433 2017 Bonhams : Goodwood Members Meeting | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Henley Roadster by Brewster Chassis#: S303LR Sold for USD$682,000 2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island | |
1929 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I ASCOT SPORT PHAETON Chassis#: S368LR Sold for USD$275,000 2017 Bonhams : Scottsdale, AZ |
Rolls-Royce Phantom Is That Failed To Sell At Auction
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1929 ROLLS-ROYCE 40/50HP PHANTOM I LIMOUSINE | 42KR | 2021 Bonhams : Goodwood Festival of Speed | $65,000 | $75,000 | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Sports Phaeton | 2020 Bonhams : Amelia Island Concours | $220,000 | $280,000 | ||
1929 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I ASCOT TOURER | S178FR | 2015 BarrettJackson Scottsdale | |||
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer by Merrimac | S368LR | 2014 Motor City Auction by RM Auctions | $400,000 | $500,000 | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer | S203KR | 2013 Coys Athena, Greece | |||
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer | S178FR | 2013 Gooding and Company The Scottsdale Auction | $350,000 | $450,000 | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Phaeton | S346 KP | 2011 Coys Auction Blenheim Palace | $150,000 | $170,000 | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I | 2008 Bonhams & Butterfields Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia | $100,000 | $140,000 | ||
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Regent Convertible Coupe | 2008 Leake Auctions Tulsa 36th Annual QuikTrip Center | $300,000 | |||
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I | 2007 Gooding & Company | $225,000 | $275,000 | ||
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newmarket Convertible Sedan | S216KR | 2005 Bonhams Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia | $130,000 | $150,000 | |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newmarket Convertible Sedan | 2004 Bonhams MOTOR CARS | $140,000 | $160,000 | ||
1929 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I PHAETON | 2002 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $20,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $303,202 range.
1957 AC Ace Roadster Chassis#:AE220 Sold for $302,038 2024 Bonhams : Goodwood Revival | |
2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster Chassis#:ZHWURIZD2ELA02142 Sold for $302,000 2024 Worldwide Auctioneers : Auburn Auction | |
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster Chassis#:WDDAK76F78M001790 Sold for $302,000 2024 Broad Arrow : Monterey | |
2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia Chassis#:ZFFKW64A980161294 Sold for $302,000 2024 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe Chassis#:30837s103415 Sold for $302,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1963 Bentley S3 Continental Drophead Coupé by Mulliner Park Ward Chassis#:BC102LXA Sold for $302,292 2024 RM Sothebys : Monaco | |
1993 Porsche 911 RS America Sold for $302,000 2024 Broad Arrow : Porsche Air|Water | |
1931 BUGATTI TYPE 40A ROADSTER Chassis#:40902 Sold for $302,000 2024 Gooding & Co: Selections From The Mullin Collection Auction | |
1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:194676S123944 Sold for $302,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1961 Chevrolet Impala Convertible Chassis#:11867l200172 Sold for $302,500 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1954 Porsche 356 1500 Speedster Chassis#:80159 Sold for $302,000 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Spider2009 ALFA ROMEO 8C SPIDER Chassis#:ZARJA281990049811 Sold for $302,000 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island | |
1967 Lamborghini 400 GT Spyder conversion par Jerry Fandytis Chassis#:01267 Sold for $302,121 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1933 PACKARD 1001 STANDARD EIGHT COUPE ROADSTER Chassis#:60928 Sold for $302,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS Z28 Chassis#:124377n216227 Sold for $302,500 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1965 Buick Riviera GS Chassis#:494475h909883 Sold for $302,500 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1996 Lamborghini Diablo Chassis#:za9du07pxtla12421 Sold for $302,500 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1958 Porsche 356A T2 1600 Speedster Coachwork by Reutter Chassis#:84882 Sold for $302,000 2023 Bonhams : Audrain Concours Auction | |
1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster Sold for $302,000 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1931 PACKARD 845 DELUXE EIGHT CONVERTIBLE COUPE Chassis#:845-91 Sold for $302,000 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach |
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
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• Other Rolls-Royce Phantom I model years