Lot 230: 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I 40/50hp Dual Cowl Tourer
Coachwork by in the style of Hooper

�There is not a single minor component of the chassis which has not its interest and is not carried out in a manner suggesting that the designers were able to deal with every problem, great or small, unhampered by the possible cost of solution, intent on making the best mechanism for the job in hand.�
How succinctly the British magazine, The Autocar, reviewed �The New Phantom� in May 1925.

Later called the Phantom I, the new car was developed by Rolls-Royce over a four year period and announced in 1925 as a successor to the universally acclaimed �Silver Ghost� which had already won for Rolls-Royce the accolade of �The Best Car in the World�. Chassis detail for �The New Phantom� was similar in many respects to the �Silver Ghost� and, although there was a trend for unit construction of engine and gearbox, Royce retained separate units for the new model. True to tradition, Rolls-Royce never quoted the power output of the car although it has been variously calculated at around 100bhp and under test The Autocar recorded a top speed of approximately 80mph.

Factory records confirm that chassis no. 80 YC was sold on 30th July 1926 to T H Gill & Son Ltd., for their customer C A Nunn who was resident in Paris. The chassis was delivered to Gills on 18th October 1926 and fitted with cabriolet coachwork by Barker, it being noted that the car was to be used �for extensive Continental touring�. The guarantee was issued by Rolls-Royce in December 1926 and the car first registered on 19th January 1927.

The full history of the car is not recorded, although in 1938 it was registered with the Southport and Birkdale Motor & Carriage Co. Ltd. of Southport. Some thirty-two years ago the present owner discovered the chassis in the basement of a garage in Thaxted, Essex. A new lightweight, narrow, sporting dual cowl tourer body was commissioned in the style of Hooper, using traditional coachbuilding methods with ash frame and aluminium panelling, this panelling being completed by a craftsman who assisted with construction of Concorde nose cones. The new coachwork was upholstered in blue hide and full weather equipment including hood, tonneau cover, hoodbag and side screens were fitted. Mechanical restoration included a major engine rebuild, the crankshaft was rebuilt, cylinder blocks relined and new standard pistons fitted. Further restoration included a complete re-wire using period conduit, new nickel plating of all fittings and a stainless steel exhaust system was fitted. The car is well furnished for touring, carrying a Stephen Grebel �tiger-hunting� lamp, an Auster rear screen and a luggage trunk with fitted suitcases. Twin side-mounted spares provide for the longer motor tour and the radiator carries a traditional Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

This handsome and most sporting Phantom I is offered with a Swansea registration document, old style buff log book, current licence and MoT certificate valid to May 2008, together with a copy of the original factory order sheet. The Rolls-Royce motorist is of course superbly catered for by the excellent facilities provided by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts� Club.