To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$225,000 - $325,000
- Complete ground-up restoration
- Documented by the Rolls-Royce Foundation
- Rebodied with attractive Henley roadster coachwork
- One of the most attractive Rolls-Royces of its era
Introduced in 1925 to replace the Silver Ghost, the New Phantom
(retrospectively known as the Phantom I) boasted an entirely new
overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 7,668 cc and, like
the contemporary 20-hp model, adopted a disc-type clutch and
adjustable radiator shutters. Its chassis though, remained
essentially the same as that of the later, four-wheel-braked Silver
Ghost and would continue fundamentally unchanged until the arrival
of the Phantom II in 1929, which brought with it an entirely new
frame.
Like its predecessor, the New Phantom was also produced by
Rolls-Royce of America Incorporated, a subsidiary set up in
December 1919 when the parent company purchased the American Wire
Wheel Company's plant in Springfield, Massachusetts. Springfield
began production of the New Phantom in 1926, and by the second half
of 1929 production had risen to 12 cars per week. This would prove
to be the high point of Rolls-Royce of America's success. The
October '29 stock market crash along with the introduction of the
Phantom II, which required re-tooling for which the U.S. company
could ill afford, signaled the beginning of the decline.
Unlike its British-built counterpart, the American product could be
ordered with 'factory' coachwork, usually by Brewster, the latter
company having been taken over by Rolls-Royce in December 1925. As
well as manufacturing coachwork of the highest quality, Brewster
had built its own automobiles. From 1915 until its acquisition by
Rolls-Royce, Brewster was re-emerging as an auto-maker in its own
right using a Ford chassis. When American Phantom production
finally ceased in 1934, the company became part of the
reconstituted Springfield Manufacturing Corporation.
The Henley, commonly referred to as the Henley Roadster since it
has roll-up windows, is actually a convertible coupe. Built by
Brewster at its Queensboro Plaza Works in Long Island City, the
attractive Henley is considered one of the most desirable body
styles ever placed on the Rolls-Royce chassis. Very few classic
body styles match the near-perfect balance of line and mass that
the Henley achieves. The Springfield Phantom II, carrying a light
body (like the Henley), is a very satisfying car to drive as they
are fast, ride smoothly, and stop well. The Henley body offers the
joys of open-air motoring or the comfort of a closed cockpit at the
inclination of the owner, ideal for touring regardless of
weather.
This elegant Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom II was ordered on 20
March 1931 and originally fitted with a Keswick body. On the last
day of 1931, it was delivered to its first owner A.C. Burrage of
Boston, Massachusetts. John H. Chapin of New York acquired this
Phantom on 23 December 1949 as documented by Rolls-Royce before
selling it to Mr. Sexton P. Phelps of New York on 9 January 1957.
Rolls-Royce Foundation records indicate it was bodied as this
stunning Henley roadster by the 1950s. The Rolls-Royce then moved
to Chicago under the ownership of Frederick W. Spiegel and would
remain in Illinois until 1985.
Recently benefitting from a comprehensive ground-up restoration,
this handsome Henley is in concours condition, ready for further
exhibition and touring. The wheels feature all-new chrome and new
spokes, while the exterior is freshly finished in a striking dark
blue. Inside, there is all-new leather and new wool carpets with a
new matching canvas convertible top. All the rich wood accents on
this Rolls-Royce have been refinished to a show-quality finish. The
original 7.6-liter six-cylinder engine looks incredible, is nicely
detailed, and performs brilliantly. Several pieces of significant
and important documentation accompany the car such as the copies of
the chassis build sheet, chassis cards from 1931 and 1949, the
Schoellkopf card from 1957, and Rolls-Royce Owner's Club
registrations.
Lovely to behold and a pleasure to drive, this Henley Roadster
represents an exciting opportunity to own a truly spectacular
classic Rolls-Royce.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.