Vehicle Description
Chassis No. S449MR
Engine No. 22499
This Phantom I was ordered new by John Barry Ryan, the son and
co-heir of his father, Thomas Fortune Ryan's $140 million estate,
for the lavish price of $21,750, or nearly $450,000 today. Referred
to as a "Springfield car" by enthusiasts, the chassis was built in
Rolls-Royce's Massachusetts factory and sent to Long Island City,
New York, where Brewster & Company clothed the chassis with an
elegant Marlborough Town Car body. Out of the ten Marlborough
bodies built by Brewster, this car is believed to be the only
example fitted with the distinctive folding landaulet roof. Build
records from the Rolls-Royce Foundation (RRF) note that the car was
finished in Black and Carmine Lake and specified to " paint all
lamps, radiator, windshield, mirrorscope, top irons, at my
convenience." It is believed that instead of paint, they were
ultimately finished with striking gold plating, resulting in a bold
and luxurious contrast against the rich, dark body colors.
After Ryan, the RRF documents a known chain of owners from the
1950s through its reported purchase by Kentucky coal miner Claude
Shelton Canada in 1975, when it was added to his expansive
collection, which included 21 Rolls-Royces. After Canada, the
Phantom I was acquired by noted collector Robert Pond of
California, who was an ideal caretaker for the Rolls-Royce,
maintaining it as if it were one of his many airplanes. The car
made several Hollywood appearances, including in 1974's Paramount
Presents with Gloria Swanson and during the Miss USA 1984 pageant
with the Puttin' on the Ritz dance routine. After his passing in
2007, the entire Pond Collection was sold to a single buyer, where
the Phantom resided until 2014.
Purchased by its current caretaker in 2020, the striking Town Car
Landaulet visited Nostalgic Motoring Ltd. of Auburn Hills,
Michigan, for an extensive refurbishment that included mechanical,
electrical, cosmetic, and upholstery work. The rear passenger
compartment was retrimmed with a new headliner and wool seat
upholstery, while fresh, dark crimson leather was specified for the
driver's seat. Mechanical work included engine tuning, and
servicing the fuel, ignition, brake, and chassis lubrication
systems. A new wiring harness was additionally installed. When this
stunning Phantom was completed in December 2021, the total sum
invested in the restoration was nearly $210,000. A complete and
detailed accounting of the work is available for review in the
digital history file.
As presented today, this elegant Brewster Town Car delivers the
same striking appearance as originally delivered to John Barry Ryan
nearly 95 years ago. Its unmistakable gold accents are as
fascinating as the car's previous owners. With Rolls-Royce
Foundation documentation and the likelihood that it is the only
Brewster Marlborough Town Car Landaulet ever created, this
Rolls-Royce should be warmly welcomed at any of the numerous
prestigious international concours events offering its next
caretaker both an enviable invitation to the world's finest
gatherings and a rare piece of automotive history to proudly
steward.
