To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $140,000
- Offered from the Todd and Peggy Nagler Collection
- Part of the collection and perennial tour participant since
1963
- Extensive recent restoration work by marque specialist Steve
Littin
- Accompanied by comprehensive history and maintenance file
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
This Rolls-Royce Phantom I, chassis no. S69PM, was originally used
as a demonstrator by the dealership in Philadelphia, after which it
was delivered on 7 January 1928 to Mrs. Adele Spalding bearing a
Mayfair town-car body. It was subsequently remounted in-period with
the present body, a handsome and sporting Avon sedan by Brewster,
originally on chassis no. S362LR. Featuring a fabric-covered
roofline with blind rear quarters, as well as a relatively low
roofline, the Avon is widely considered among the most attractive
sedan bodies mounted on the Phantom I.
The car was acquired by Charles Nagler from O. Edward Kurt of
Detroit, Michigan, in 1963, with photos showing that it remained in
solid and intact condition when purchased. It was subsequently
restored, with the engine rebuilt by Connie Bouchard and a Frank
Cooke stainless-steel exhaust system fitted; cosmetic work, in
Sheridan Blue with a complementary cloth interior, was handled by
other specialists in the Detroit area. It would be occasionally
exhibited in Classic Car Club of America and Rolls-Royce Owners'
Club judging over the next two decades and was also regularly
enjoyed.
Todd Nagler eventually inherited his father's car and, through his
own investigations, revealed that the body was misaligned to the
chassis due to the Avon coachwork having been intended for the
longer 146.5-inch-wheelbase frame. Accordingly, the car was brought
to noted specialist Steve Littin's Vintage & Auto Rebuilds of
Chardon, Ohio, in late 2016. The correct proportions were achieved
by repositioning the body and fitting factory long-wheelbase
springs, driveshaft, and associated components. At the same time,
various improvements were undertaken that included replacing some
of the wood in the roof and freshening the paint where needed.
Few extant Phantom Is have enjoyed such exhaustive attention by one
family for over 55 years; this example looks as good as it drives
and is ready for countless new touring experiences.To view this car
and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.