1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Henley Roadster

In October of 1929, Rolls-Royce, along with New York-based coachbuilder Brewster and Co., debuted the new Phantom II at the London Olympia Motor Show. Just nine of these stunning cars were built. This chassis, the Henley Roadster (#291), is just one of seven remaining and is perhaps the most beautiful of all Brewster bodies.

The Phantom II's six-cylinder engine was the same size as that of the Phantom I but different in design, with two banks of three cylinders topped by a common head. The chassis was set lower than that of Phantom I. It retained its predecessor's long hood, but the radiator was higher and the suspension was by half-elliptic rather than cantilevered springs. The chassis was often driven straight from the shop to the chosen custom coachbuilder.

The Phantom II, a very rugged and reliable auto that was the much faster than previous Rolls-Royces, was the last model designed by Henry Royce. Whether it was a sedan, limousine, coupe, convertible or tourer, almost all had superbly proportioned coachwork. Rolls-Royce provided full service and spare parts for the Phantom II even after World War II.

By 1931, the Derby factory produced their first series of left-hand-drive chassis, though the Rolls-Royce Company was nearing the brink of extinction. The Great Depression had caused many fortunes to shrink; those who were still able to afford an elegant Rolls-Royce were not willing to part with the small fortune that a new Brewster-bodied Phantom commanded.

200 examples of the new AMS and AJS series Phantom IIs were initially planned, but only 125 were dispatched over a three-year period. Even though the Great Depression had compelled other business to go other new markets, Brewster maintained its unwavering standards of excellence and fashion.

The Rolls-Royce Springfield Ghost had the Piccadilly, the Phantom I had the York, and the Phantom II had the Henley. The Henley was an open two-seater that was a perfect balance between traditional Rolls-Royce demeanor and American flair, offering both style and grace. It had a raked and V'd windshield, a streamlined look, belt molding that narrowed under the cockpit, and a gracefully tapered tail.

The Henley made its first public appearance at the New York Auto Show of 1931. If it's elegant design and mechanical prowess did not take the onlookers breath away, the staggering $21,500 asking price surly did. It was the second most expensive car on display, eclipsed only by another Brewster-bodied Phantom.

In total, just eight Henley roadsters and a single, one-off Henley coupe were built on the Phantom II chassis.

This Rolls-Royce, chassis number 291 AJS, was shipped to New York aboard the SS Antonia. Upon its arrival in the United States, the chassis was sent to Brewster & Co., where it was fitted with Henley Roadster coachwork and prepared for its first owner.

The car sold new in August of 1933 to banker Ernest Leroy King of Winona, Minnesota and subsequently spent more than 25 years as a centerpiece of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI, before passing to noted collector Rick Carroll. It was restored by Stone Barn Inc. of Vienna, NJ.

Early in the cars life, presumably while in the care of its first owner, the Henley Roadster was fitted with skirts on the front fenders and more modern headlamps. When Mr. King passed away in 1949, the car joined the Henry Ford Museum collection in Dearborn, Michigan. The car remained there for 25 years before being sold to Rick Carroll of Palm Beach, Florida. Under Mr. Carroll's care, the car was treated to a restoration and then selectively displayed at several concours events, earning a First Prize at a 1983 CCCA Grand Classic.

After Mr. Carroll's death, his collection was dispersed through a stand-alone auction in May of 1990. The Imperial Palace of Las Vegas acquired the Henley Roadster, and it remained on display in the collection for nearly a decade. From there, ownership passed to collector Mark Smith. In August 2002, after a brief period in his ownership, Mr. Smith sold the car to the current caretaker. The new owner commissioned a comprehensive cosmetic restoration.

In August of 2003, the freshly restored car was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concurs d'Elegance. It later won First in Class at the 2005 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and the 2007 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.

The car has mirror-like black paintwork, wheel discs, and contrasting beltline. The interior is finished in cognac leather and wood veneers.