AUCTION this September!! Interesting Fact: The term "Shooting
Brake" is the traditional British term for what Americans call an
estate wagon, depot hack, station wagon or "woodie". The Shooting
Brake was developed initially in the 1890's as a horse-drawn
utility vehicle to load up your dogs, guns and friends and travel
through the estate to go hunting. Or more precisely, to take a
"break" from the day and go "shooting". We are excited to offer
this rare 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Shooting Brake that was
honored with a Best-in-Class award at the 2019 Amelia Island
Concours d'Elegance. It has benefited from a largely
sympathetically restoration of an "original" shooting brake that is
stunning to see and experience. As is the case with nearly all
shooting brakes from the 1920's and 1930's, 57NC was rebodied
sometime after 1934. 57NC has been given the name Victoria by its
long-time caretaker of approximately 65 years. The dark green paint
of the cowl and bonnet is complemented by its black fenders and
black painted wire wheels. The dark livery is punctuated with
chrome lights, mirrors, trafficators, the iconic Rolls grill and a
broad collection of handles, hinges and rivets. Installed on the
drivers side is a large hunting spot light. And of course, the
wooden body is massive and beautiful. She is extremely solid,
belying its age and storied history. The wood has been refinished
regularly over the years and is in very nice condition. Overall,
Victoria exhibits a perfectly consistent patina that makes it a
sensation anywhere it is seen. Let us be clear though, the chrome
is mostly exhibiting scratches, wear or some pitting, but it looks
just right on 57NC. Victoria comes complete with newer beautiful
tan leather interior and tan carpeting. The leather is soft and
supple and wonderful to touch. It feels like your grandfathers
favorite leather chair or jacket. In the back, a rear facing period
folding bench is positioned to hold a few additional shooters, with
ample room for a couple of dogs as well. Positioned behind the
bench is the rifle rack for the shotguns. We love the fold down
tailgate that turns into a table for the picnic lunch. There is
also an awning system and two period shotguns (with firing pins
removed) which make the display a sight to see. The dashboard could
benefit from refinishing, as the varnish is peeling. It is replete
with enough instruments and gauges to fill the cockpit of an
airplane, including a barometer. Chassis 57NC was ordered new on
December 17, 1926 by Mrs. A.T. Ellis to receive double cabriolet
coachwork by Gills, designed to carry six people and four pieces of
luggage. This was built with the long wheelbase of 149" and the "C"
specification steering rake. Mrs. Ellis was from Bexhill-on-Sea.
Sir Fredrick Radcliffe of London acquired 57NC on the 13th of
August, 1932. Its next owner was G.W. Gardner, Esq from Chelmsford,
Essex who acquired it on the 28th of May, 1934. And the Commander
T. Wooley of Fairford, England was the last owner of 57NC, before
it was exported to the USA. Mr. Kenneth Godden bought 57NC from the
Commander and exported it to San Francisco, California in the
mid-1950's. It's understood that Mr. Godden found 57NC while
serving in the military in the UK shortly after the Korean War. Mr.
Godden had registered 57NC in the RROC directory from 1978 until
2014. At one point, Mr. Godden moved from Navato, CA to Austin, TX
and loaded up his family and drove the shooting brake to make the
journey. He recounted the story that while on the drive through the
Mojave Desert he and Victoria saved several cars from overheating,
while the Rolls never missed a beat! Mr. Godden sold Victoria to
the present owner in approximately 2014. The present owners have
enjoyed Victoria on ranches in Texas and have displayed her at
various Rolls-Royce and concours events, including the
aforementioned First in Class win at the 2019 Amelia Island
Concours d'Elegance. She has recently benefited from significant
mechanical servicing, including a completely new and rebuilt clutch
assembly, rebuilding of the carburetor and fuel delivery system,
and major a major tune up. She now drives very well and passed our
inspection process, ensuring that it is safe and should prove to be
reliable in the tradition of Rolls-Royce. Victoria is still in her
prime and ready to enjoy, much to the delight of the crowds that
gawk at her proportions and lines. For more details and
information, or to schedule a live video inspection, call or text
Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at
[email protected]. Victoria is available for viewing at
our Phoenix, AZ showroom.