1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer

The Rolls-Royce New Phantom was introduced in 1925 as a replacement for the long-lived Silver Ghost. At its heart, a new overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displaced 7,668cc.

The New Phantom could be ordered with 'factory' bodywork, usually by coachbuilders Brewster & Company. Brewster had built its own automobiles from 1915 up to the time of its acquisition by Rolls-Royce. With design input from sales manager J.S. Inskip, the list of bodies included the Ascot sport phaeton, the New York roadster, the Regent convertible coupe, and the closed Avon sedan.

This particular New Phantom was built in Springfield, Massachusetts, and originally wore a Huntington Limousine body. It was sold new to a Margaret Wallin from New York in 1930, who kept it until 1957 when it was sold to a Mr. Matthews, also from New York. In 1976, Drew Anderson acquired the car from Mr. Matthews.

The Rolls-Royce remained in the Anderson family for over three decades, long after Mr. Anderson's passing. It rested patiently in a barn for many years until it was acquired by the current caretaker in June 2009. The current owner, along with his father Giuseppe Fusco, had a passion for restoring classic Rolls-Royce automobiles. The car was then transported to Germany, where it underwent a nut & bolt restoration with no expense spared by a Rolls-Royce specialist. The bodywork was crafted in Italy, drawing upon original documents and measurements from other Ascot Phaeton Tourers. It was given an original Midnight Blue Rolls-Royce color, and the interior and roof were crafted from Chesterfield design leatherwork. Custom-made side windows and a trunk for storage in front of the rear luggage compartment were added, and the 1930s-style trunk was reupholstered and restored. The six chrome wire-spoke wheels were made in England and wrapped with new tires.

Upon its restoration competition, the car was shown at the international Concours in Schwetzingen, where it claimed victory in Class C. In 2017, it won again at the Schwetzingen Concours, securing not only the Class C award but also second place in the Best of Show category, along with the Classic Gala Trophy.

This 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer is powered by a 7,668cc overhead valve inline six-cylinder engine breathing through a single Rolls-Royce carburetor. It produces 113 horsepower at 2,300 RPM and has a three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drum brakes, and a leaf spring suspension.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023