1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Convertible Sedan

The chassis of S 359M was constructed in Springfield, MA in the summer of 1927. Rolls-Royce of America had purchased the Brewster Body Co., of Long Island City, and the chassis was fitted with a temporary seat and protection and driven from Springfield to their Long Island body facility for completion. With the ownership of Brewster, Rolls-Royce offered 28 standardized body styles.

Rolls-Royce debuted new body styles in their dealer showrooms in London. The first roadster was first shown at Piccadilly Square and called the Piccadilly Roadster. This convertible sedan debuted in the New Market section of London which predicated the name and this body style.

The engine is the 40/50 horsepower series as continued from the Silver Ghost, with a displacement of 7,668cc. The dual ignition includes two spark plugs per cylinder and each set of six has a separate coil and distributor. This example rides on a 146.5-inch wheelbase frame with semi-elliptical springs suspending the front axle and cantilever springs suspending the rear axle. The four-wheel brakes are servo-assisted as Rolls-Royce advertised endurance, speed, and the stopping power of the Phantom I series.

Driven less than one thousand miles per year in 86 years, this pale yellow convertible sedan represents the epitome of style, power, elegance, and class in the year 1927.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2013