Lot 372: 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Tourer

Rolls-Royce had firmly established itself as producer of 'The Best Car in the World' with the 40/50hp Silver Ghost, an impressive automobile that had set the standard for smoothness, quietness and refinement combined with performance, flexibility and reliability. When the time came to replace the Ghost with a new model for 1925, it was thus imperative that it should incorporate all the qualities of its predecessor. Bearing this in mind, Rolls-Royce opted not for a V12, V8 or straight eight engine configuration - all of which were tested and rejected - but rather for an overhead valve, longer stroke six cylinder motor with, like on the side valve Ghost, seven main bearings and the cylinders arranged in two blocks of three - but this time below a single detachable cylinder head; the result was an equally smooth power unit of 7,668cc - compared to the outgoing Ghost's 7,428cc - while power was up from 70bhp to l00bhp, again using Rolls-Royce's effective twinjet carburettor, sufficient to ensure that the New Phantom's performance, via the four-speed gearbox, remained on a par with luxury models from major rivals such as Hispano-Suiza and Packard.The ladder frame chassis of the New Phantom - available in either 12ft or 12ft 6in long wheelbase form - closely followed that of the Silver Ghost, and as such was immensely strong, while suspension was by semi-elliptic front/can tilever rear springs with Hartford friction dampers all round. As on later Ghosts there were also four wheel brakes but this time power assisted via Rolls-Royce's own transmission-operated mechanical servo unit, made under licence from Hispano-Suiza but better developed and also operating, unlike on the French machines, when in reverse gear; it was a system that proved most effective, quite capable of slowing the almost three ton Phantom from its 80 mph top speed. Notably, too, major service intervals at 50,000 miles were double those recommended for the Silver Ghost.This particular Phantom I Tourer was sold new in October 1925 to a Mr. T. Richards. The car is beautifully finished with barrel-sided Barker style body work, which during the 1980's was commissioned for a full restoration by its owner Mr. William Riley. The restoration work was under taken by the local expert firm of W.T Aked. This firm is owned by Nigel Bradshaw who has had a lifetime of involvement with the old car movement and amongst other things was President of the VCC at that time. His knowledge of restoration can be taken as expert.The work carried out is chronicled in the substantial history file on the car. The original chassis, 1HC, was stripped down to the bare rails and then meticulously rebuilt with gearbox, differential, suspension and brakes all restored. Once again the engine was 100% rebuilt with new blocks (one set from less than ten made by Rolls-Royce for the Phantom Owners Club). This work was carried out by Coldwell Engineering, the acknowledged No. 1 in this field. Many of the parts used are original; hinges, handles etc. This work being undertaken by another vintage car enthusiast and expert - Herb Schofield. Altogether, the cost of the rebuild amounted to over 40,000, and that was carried out in the 1980's! Careful inspection of the file is recommended to see exactly how detailed the restoration is, and since the work was completed the car has covered a mere 5,000 miles.The car is beautifully finished in primrose with deep burgundy wings and polished bonnet and is trimmed in maroon leather. It has many attractive period features such as a rear Auster screen and elaborate cabinet work to the rear.