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Frederick Henry Royce was an engineer and the Honorable Charles Stewart Rolls was a man with many talents. He was an aviator, driver, and automobile enthusiasts. In the world of business, he excelled at marketing.
The Rolls-Royce Company began its distinguished career in the early 1900's, focusing on quality and performance. During 1905 and 1906, forty vehicles were produced, all with four-cylinder engines producing 20 horsepower.
1906 was a big year for the young company, with Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce officially registering the Rolls-Royce Limited Company. The legendary 40/50 six-cylinder Silver Ghost was introduced with much acclaim. During the same year, Rolls and Royce entered the Tourist Trophy Race, one of the most prestigious events of the time. Their powerful and durable car outran the rest of pack, beating the nearest competitor by 27 minutes. In 1907 the company further showcased their vehicles durability by participating in a 15,000 mile reliability event.
In a time when maintenance and durability were on the minds of every consumer, Rolls-Royce left their buyers with peace of mind. To add even more prestige to their vehicles, the vehicles were marketed to the most elite and well-to-do in society. By supplying their vehicles to British royalty, the Rolls-Royce Company concreted their reputation in history. The cars durability was matched by its comfort; they were outfitted with luxurious bodies by some of the top coachbuilders in the industry. The engines were powerful and provided a rather smooth and comfortable ride. The engines were engineering marvels, constructed of an aluminum alloy crankcase. Instead of chains, the timing and ignition drive were both run by gears. The parts were hand polished and constructed to a high degree of accuracy. The sturdy construction meant that conversation were possible, even while the vehicle was at top speed.
The 40/50 HP Silver Ghost models were sold for a period of fifteen years as the companies only offering. By 1922, the Rolls-Royce Company began offering the Twenty which was offered to a larger market, though still very exclusive. Competition such as Hispano Suiza had caught up with Rolls-Royce by 1925; Rolls-Royce responded. Development began on a more modern version of its Silver Ghost engine that would be more powerful and durable. The stroke was enlarged providing a greater increase in horsepower. The resulting vehicle was named the '40/50 New Phantom'. When the Phantom II was introduced in 1929, the '40/50 New Phantom' was retrospectively named the Phantom I. There were two wheelbases offered on the Phantom I, a 143.5 and a 150.5 inch. Many of the mechanical components stayed the same as the Silver Ghost. The gearbox was the same but the clutch was replaced with a single dry plate unit. This provided a smoother and quieter ride.
During a speed test at Brookland, the Phantom did not live up to expectations. It was unable to achieve a top speed that had been met by a 1911 Silver Ghost. There were many ideas on how to resolve this problem, such as tuning the engine or reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. A lightweight Barker touring body was created and placed on a Phantom chassis. Again, the Phantom failed to achieve the desired speeds during testing.
Ivan Evernden, a Rolls-Royce designer, proposed strict guidelines on a new tourer body. Amazingly, the quality was not sacrificed and the desired reduction was achieved. Tests at Brooklands proved the vehicles capabilities and traveled more than 89 mph.
S197PM
The example shown with chassis number S197PM is one of only five built with coachwork by Rolls-Royce Custom Coachworks and built by Merrimack. There are only two examples that have survived. Three of the five are believed to have been re-bodied. This example has retained its original body, chassis, and engine.
On November 26, 1927, Mrs. Anita Baldwin of Santa Anita, California took delivery of the vehicle.
The vehicle is powered by a 7668 cc overhead valve six-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower. A three-speed manual transmission is fitted, along with servo-assisted two-wheel drum brakes. It sits atop the longer wheelbase, measuring at a staggering 150.5 inches. It is suspended in place by leaf spring solid axle front suspension and a longitudinal leaf spring live axle rear suspension.
It was estimated to fetch between $150,000 - $200,000 at the RM Auctions in Meadow Brook of 2006, but sold for $121,000.By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007
The Rolls-Royce Company began its distinguished career in the early 1900's, focusing on quality and performance. During 1905 and 1906, forty vehicles were produced, all with four-cylinder engines producing 20 horsepower.
1906 was a big year for the young company, with Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce officially registering the Rolls-Royce Limited Company. The legendary 40/50 six-cylinder Silver Ghost was introduced with much acclaim. During the same year, Rolls and Royce entered the Tourist Trophy Race, one of the most prestigious events of the time. Their powerful and durable car outran the rest of pack, beating the nearest competitor by 27 minutes. In 1907 the company further showcased their vehicles durability by participating in a 15,000 mile reliability event.
In a time when maintenance and durability were on the minds of every consumer, Rolls-Royce left their buyers with peace of mind. To add even more prestige to their vehicles, the vehicles were marketed to the most elite and well-to-do in society. By supplying their vehicles to British royalty, the Rolls-Royce Company concreted their reputation in history. The cars durability was matched by its comfort; they were outfitted with luxurious bodies by some of the top coachbuilders in the industry. The engines were powerful and provided a rather smooth and comfortable ride. The engines were engineering marvels, constructed of an aluminum alloy crankcase. Instead of chains, the timing and ignition drive were both run by gears. The parts were hand polished and constructed to a high degree of accuracy. The sturdy construction meant that conversation were possible, even while the vehicle was at top speed.
The 40/50 HP Silver Ghost models were sold for a period of fifteen years as the companies only offering. By 1922, the Rolls-Royce Company began offering the Twenty which was offered to a larger market, though still very exclusive. Competition such as Hispano Suiza had caught up with Rolls-Royce by 1925; Rolls-Royce responded. Development began on a more modern version of its Silver Ghost engine that would be more powerful and durable. The stroke was enlarged providing a greater increase in horsepower. The resulting vehicle was named the '40/50 New Phantom'. When the Phantom II was introduced in 1929, the '40/50 New Phantom' was retrospectively named the Phantom I. There were two wheelbases offered on the Phantom I, a 143.5 and a 150.5 inch. Many of the mechanical components stayed the same as the Silver Ghost. The gearbox was the same but the clutch was replaced with a single dry plate unit. This provided a smoother and quieter ride.
During a speed test at Brookland, the Phantom did not live up to expectations. It was unable to achieve a top speed that had been met by a 1911 Silver Ghost. There were many ideas on how to resolve this problem, such as tuning the engine or reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. A lightweight Barker touring body was created and placed on a Phantom chassis. Again, the Phantom failed to achieve the desired speeds during testing.
Ivan Evernden, a Rolls-Royce designer, proposed strict guidelines on a new tourer body. Amazingly, the quality was not sacrificed and the desired reduction was achieved. Tests at Brooklands proved the vehicles capabilities and traveled more than 89 mph.
S197PM
The example shown with chassis number S197PM is one of only five built with coachwork by Rolls-Royce Custom Coachworks and built by Merrimack. There are only two examples that have survived. Three of the five are believed to have been re-bodied. This example has retained its original body, chassis, and engine.
On November 26, 1927, Mrs. Anita Baldwin of Santa Anita, California took delivery of the vehicle.
The vehicle is powered by a 7668 cc overhead valve six-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower. A three-speed manual transmission is fitted, along with servo-assisted two-wheel drum brakes. It sits atop the longer wheelbase, measuring at a staggering 150.5 inches. It is suspended in place by leaf spring solid axle front suspension and a longitudinal leaf spring live axle rear suspension.
It was estimated to fetch between $150,000 - $200,000 at the RM Auctions in Meadow Brook of 2006, but sold for $121,000.By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007
2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $150,000-USD $200,000
Sale Price :
USD $121,000
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I
(Data based on Model Year 1927 sales)
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newmarket Convertible Sedan by Brewster Chassis#: S359FM Sold for USD$134,400 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I KENILWORTH SEDAN Chassis#: S329FM Sold for USD$67,200 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Dover Special Limousine Chassis#: S311FM Sold for USD$42,560 2022 Bonhams : The Greenwich Auction | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Pall Mall Tourer Chassis#: S211RM Sold for USD$106,400 2022 Bonhams : The Greenwich Auction | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Piccadilly Roadster Chassis#: S285RM Sold for USD$280,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1927 Roll s-Royce Phantom 1 Open Tourer Chassis#: 82EF Sold for USD$73,519 2021 Silverstone Auctions : The Classic Sale at Silverstone | |
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I TOWNCAR Chassis#: S154PM Sold for USD$100,800 2021 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Avon Sedan by Brewster Chassis#: S69PM Sold for USD$75,600 2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster by Brewster Chassis#: S162PM Sold for USD$346,000 2019 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I All-Weather Cabriolet by Murphy Chassis#: S342FM Sold for USD$163,366 2019 H & H Classics - Imperial War Museum, Duxford | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I St. Alban Town Car by Brewster Chassis#: 73RF Sold for USD$81,400 2019 RM Sothebys : Fort Lauderdale | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Limousine Sold for USD$95,000 2018 Shannons - Melbourne Summer Classic | |
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I PICCADILLY ROADSTER Chassis#: S285RM Sold for USD$253,000 2018 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale | |
1927 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom I Chassis Chassis#: S454FL Sold for USD$56,100 2017 Bonhams : Philadelphia Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Regent Convertible Coupe Chassis#: S82PM Sold for USD$253,000 2017 Bonhams : Quail Lodge | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer by Brewster Chassis#: S337FM Sold for USD$357,500 2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island | |
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I TOURER Chassis#: S168PM Sold for USD$101,779 2015 Bonhams : The Frederiksen Auction | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster by Brewster Chassis#: S162PM Sold for USD$302,500 2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newmarket Convertible Sedan by Brewster Chassis#: S359FM Sold for USD$198,000 2015 RM Sotheby's : Amelia Island | |
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I PALL MALL PHAETON Chassis#: S 286 RM Sold for USD$192,500 2014 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction |
Rolls-Royce Phantom Is That Failed To Sell At Auction
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I TRANSFORMAL PHAETON | S355FM | 2021 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | $450,000 | $550,000 | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Brewster Regent Convertible Coupe | S284RM | 2020 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |||
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Fabric Bodied Saloon | 14RF | 2019 Bonhams : The Beaulieu Sale | $150,000 | $200,000 | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer by Brewster | S337FM | 2019 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona | $375,000 | $425,000 | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster Harwick | 2018 Leake Auction : Oklahoma City | $68,000 | |||
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Limousine | 2017 Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic | $90,000 | $100,000 | ||
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I PICCADILLY ROADSTER | S285RM | 2016 Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | $225,000 | $300,000 | |
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I TOWN CAR | S178PM | 2015 Bonhams : The Frederiksen Auction | $950,000 | $1,250,000 | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Piccadilly Roadster by Rolls-Royce Custom Coach Work | S285RM | 2014 RM Auctions London | $150,000 | ||
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Huntington | 2013 Coys Athena, Greece | ||||
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer | 57-EF | 2012 Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auction | $500,000 | $700,000 | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer | S413FL | 2012 H & H Auctions Rockingham Castle | |||
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Sedanca De Ville | 16LF | 2012 H & H Auctions Rockingham Castle | |||
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I 40/50hp Tourer | 57EF | 2012 Bonhams Paris, La Halle Freyssinet Motocars | $180,000 | $220,000 | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Open Tourer by Hooper & Co | 57 EF | 2011 Coys Auction Blenheim Palace | $140,000 | $170,000 | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Coupe | 2008 Leake Auctions Tulsa 36th Annual QuikTrip Center | $125,000 | |||
1927 Rolls Royce Phantom I Springfield Town Car | 2006 The Florida Collector Car Auction | $90,000 | |||
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Salamanca De Ville | S311FM | 2004 Bonhams The Beaulieu Autojumble | $35,000 | $45,000 | |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Limousine | 91EF | 2003 Bonhams Important Collectors' Motor Cars | $50,000 | $60,000 | |
1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I UNKNOWN | 2001 Kruse Auction Scottsdale Arizona | $63,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $148,714 range.
1990 FERRARI TESTAROSSA Chassis#:ZFFSG17A2L0084384 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1969 PONTIAC GTO JUDGE RAM AIR IV Chassis#:242379B176476 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1970 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:124870L514021 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1954 BUICK SKYLARK CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:7A1130071 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Chassis#:124379n693711 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1969 Dodge Charger Chassis#:xp29h9b244418 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1934 Cadillac Custom Convertible Chassis#:3103793 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
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1963 Citroën DS 19 Cabriolet Chassis#:4272038 Sold for $147,847 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1995 Aston Martin Vantage V600 Coupé Chassis#:SCFDAM2S2SBL70153 Sold for $149,939 2024 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde a Paris | |
2004 Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary Saloon Chassis#:SCA1S68074UX00304 Sold for $149,939 2024 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde a Paris | |
1972 CHEVROLET C30 CUSTOM PICKUP Chassis#:CKE242Z157549 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
2022 FORD SHELBY GT500 Chassis#:1FA6P8SJ7N5500747 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1970 CHEVROLET K10 CHEYENNE SUPER CUSTOM PICKUP Chassis#:CE140F114844 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
TOM SELLECKS 1953 DODGE POWER WAGON PICKUP Chassis#:83931301 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1965 SHELBY COBRA CSX 4000 ROADSTER Chassis#:CSX4768 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1967 MERCURY COMET CAPRI R-CODE Chassis#:7H07R563052 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ |
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I
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