Vehicle Description
7,668cc OHV Inline Six-cylinder EngineSingle Carburetor100bhp At
3,000 RPMThree-Speed Manual TransmissionFront Semi-Elliptical Leaf
Springs And Rear Cantilever Spring SuspensionFour-Wheel
Servo-Assisted Drum BrakesBeautifully executed body in the style of
the coveted York roadsterWonderful condition and driving
performanceNo expense spared restoration Offered here is an
exquisite Rolls Royce Phantom 1 adorned with some of the best
looking coachwork ever offered on this chassis. Offered for a
fraction of the cost necessary to execute a job like this it is an
exceptional opportunity. THE PHANTOM I YORKRolls-Royce's 'single
model' policy had proved an outstanding success for the company,
but immediately after the end of The Great War the recession in the
motor trade prompted the introduction of a smaller, cheaper 20hp
car to be built alongside the existing 40/50hp Silver Ghost. Henry
Royce's new design incorporated a number of modern features such as
overhead valve-gear for its six-cylinder engine, a center-change
gearbox and 'Hotchkiss drive' rear axle, and the advanced
newcomer's arrival only served to emphasize the Silver Ghost's
Edwardian origins. However, the 45/50hp model would soon benefit
from developments pioneered on its smaller sibling.Introduced by
Rolls-Royce 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 7,668cc and, like the
contemporary 20hp 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 brought with it an entirely new frame.Like its 'Ghost'
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 commenced the manufacture
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 fortunes, the October
'29 Wall Street Crash and the introduction of the Phantom II -
re-tooling for which the US company could not afford - signaling
the beginning of its decline. The Phantom I was in production for
only five years and the Derby-built models ran parallel with the
Springfield cars but ended in 1929, whereas the Americans continued
until 1931.Unlike its British-built counterpart, the American
product could be ordered with 'factory' bodywork, 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 up to the
time of its acquisition by Rolls-Royce, re-emerging as an
auto-maker in its own right, using Ford chassis, when US Phantom
production finally ceased in 1934 and the company became part of
the reconstituted Springfield Manufacturing Corporation.This
beautifully restored Rolls Royce Phantom 1 wears exquisite
coachwork in the style of the famous York roadster. Of all the
bodies to be offered by Rolls Royce of America on the P1, the York
is probably the most coveted. It is believed that only around three
examples survive today and reside in some of the finest
collections.Noted marque specialists, Enfield Restorations in
Enfield, Connecticut undertook the restoration and coach building.
Shop owner John Abrahamson executed the project for his owner
personal use and to display the shops extensive capabilities. Mr.
Abrahamson attained an original York and did extensive measurements
and patterning to ensure this car would be as close to the original
in every way.The project required extensive woodwork, panel beating
and many special castings unique to these cars. The resulting body
is stunning. With wonderful panel fit and quality indistinguishable
for the original.The rest of the car was restored to the same high
level as the body. The idea was to have the car be fully show
quality but also possess excellent touring performance. Don't be
fooled by its great looks and condition the York its road
performance has been proven on numerous Rolls Royce club
tours.Finished in an attractive two-tone green color scheme and
rolling on bright finish wheels with a tan cloth top. All
associated top boots and side curtains are included.
