- 7,668cc OHV Inline Six-cylinder Engine
- Single Carburetor
- 100bhp At 3,000 RPM
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission
- Front Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs And Rear Cantilever Spring
Suspension
- Four-Wheel Servo-Assisted Drum Brakes
- Beautifully executed body in the style of the coveted York
roadster
- Wonderful condition and driving performance
- No 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 YORK
Rolls-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.
