Lot 27: 1926 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I 4-DOOR TOURER

Black, tan canvas top with tan leather interior Engine: six-cylinder in line, overhead valves, 7668cc; Gearbox: three speed, rear wheel drive; Suspension, front: semi-elliptic leaf springs, rear: cantilever leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum, servo-assisted; Left hand drive. The reputation of the Rolls-Royce company, which lasts through today, was established in large measure by the Silver Ghost. In launching a successor to this legendary model, it's not surprising that Rolls-Royce chose to build on the proven formula of the outgoing car. The engine remained a six-cylinder 7.6 liter inline, but with overhead valves and a detachable cylinder head in alloy. With the increased horsepower now on tap, four wheel assisted brakes were added to the chassis to ensure that the New Phantom would be able to stop as well as it went. Such as specification was superior to the contemporary competition and well positioned Rolls-Royce for the future. In recognition of its large and growing American market, a factory had been established in Springfield, Massachusetts to build cars for their U.S. customers in 1921. In 1926, to further enhance their marketing, Rolls-Royce bought Brewster & Company of New York, a well-established coachbuilding firm, to supply "factory" bodies for the Massachusetts-built cars. Brewster & Co, founded in New Haven, Connecticut and later based in New York, had its roots in the horse-drawn era. The company was internationally noted by the time they bodied their first Rolls-Royce chassis in 1908. They enhanced their relationship with the marque in 1914 when they became sales agents for Rolls-Royce in New York City. They quickly became the leading supplier of bodywork for Rolls-Royce in the United States and it was not surprising that Rolls-Royce took a controlling interest in the company to assure a steady supply of top quality coachwork. The important experience Brewster had in building lightweight bodies also made their cars not only some of the most attractive fitted to Rolls-Royce chassis but also some of the best performing as well. A year after the introduction of the New Phantom in the UK, U.S. versions began to come out of the Springfield factory. Some of the earliest American Phantoms lacked the front brakes of their British counterparts, but they were soon added to the standard specification. For the duration of production however, the U.S. cars made do with a three-speed transmission in place of the four-speed with which the UK-built cars were equipped. It made little difference in practical performance, as the engine was flexible enough to provide sufficient torque to almost make gear changes unnecessary. The first two years' Springfield production also had an iron cylinder head, which was changed to alloy with the fourth production series. A little more than 1,200 Phantom I (as they became retrospectively named) automobiles were built in Springfield by the time Rolls-Royce production in the U.S. was ended in 1932, two years after the introduction of the successor, the Phantom II. The Phantom I on offer today carries chassis number S 542 FL, indicating it was built in the first production series of 1926, but it is titled as a 1928. It was delivered on June 7, 1927 to a Miss M. Maley of Evansville, Indiana. Although an early car, it is equipped with four wheel brakes. It carries its original very stylish, sleek, almost rakish Brewster tourer body. It is notable for the simple, clean detailing of the nickel trim which is set off nicely against the black paintwork and tan leather interior. As mentioned earlier, many feel that the bodies fitted to the Springfield Phantoms by Brewster are far more attractive than those typically created in the UK; looking at this example it is difficult to disagree. It is equipped with dual side mount spare tires and a period trunk. The restoration is an older one, but done to a good standard and showing few signs of wear; however the nickel trim would benefit from a good polish. As the car has been on static display, a mechanical re-commissioning would be called for prior to driving. Once prepared once again for the road this automobile would be a lovely way to participate in the many tours and driving events held by the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club, Classic Car Club of America or Antique Automobile Club of America. Careful inspection of this car will confirm its many virtues and reveal why this Springfield Phantom I could be a welcome addition to any collection of fine cars.