Lot 252: 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Open Tourer

The new Phantom took over from the Silver Ghost in 1925, though the latter continued to survive as an alternative for some while. There was no great difference in the two cars other than the engine; the new chassis followed the lines of the old. The Phantom I was the shortest lived of all Rolls-Royce models, but was very well received at the time. The new 7,668cc engine led the Autocar to report in May 1925 'that the much improved acceleration and maximum speed of 80mph has not been brought about at the expense of the traditional Rolls-Royce silence and smoothness'. Braking, steering and suspension were described as being above reproach. A complete car weighed just under 3 tons unladen, despite which the top speed was not exceeded by many luxury cars of the day. Some 2,200 chassis were built in this country between 1925 and 1929, and the model was also being produced at the American factory in Springfield, Massachusetts, where 1,140 were made; the top coachbuilders took a great fancy to this chassis, some really spectacular cars being the result. On offer today is one of those cars. Chassis number 43 LC was manufactured in 1925 where it was then delivered to coachbuilders Marshalsea Bros. Ltd of Taunton and Ilminster. YB 4985 is presented in excellent condition and resplendent in sable with brown wings and running boards. This matching numbers car (engine number EN 85) was restored between 1981 and 1984 by Camfix and renowned specialists P & A Wood. The interior is finished in brown leather. The carpets and woodwork is as you would expect, in very good condition. The hood, Auster screen, full wet weather gear are all in excellent order. YB 4985 is supplied with the original 'New Phantom' instruction book, copies of the Rolls-Royce build sheets, Phantom I service sheets and a V5 document. This grand 4 door tourer is on the button and with the smooth 3699cc engine and more than adequate seating for the family; it is the perfect car for summer drives.