Lot 325: 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I

The new Rolls-Royce 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 three 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. Ordered new from Rolls-Royce by a Mr C E A Hartridge of Findon Place, Findon, Sussex this extremely sporting dual cowl Phaeton offers splendid open pre-war touring motoring at its finest. Recently this fine motor car has undergone an extensive cosmetic restoration, bringing it up to its current superb finish. Handsomely restored in the Rolls-Royce colours of two-tone Sage and Brewster Green, the interior features fine wood cappings and a new tan hide interior and there is also a complementary green leather hood bag. A rare opportunity, indeed, to acquire a sporting Rolls-Royce motor car.