1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. S407FL
Engine No. 20076

As noted by its chassis number (S407FL), this Phantom I is the seventh produced at Rolls-Royce of America's facility in Springfield, Massachusetts. Wearing Lonsdale sedan coachwork, the car was delivered to its original owner, Mr. Brown, on 25 July 1927. Today, this Phantom is believed to be the second-oldest example of the Springfield Phantom extant.

The Scholkopf Card notes that on 19 October 1933 the car passed to Mrs. J. L. Armstrong. As was common practice at the time, Mrs. Armstrong replaced the original Lonsdale coachwork with a Brewster Newmarket Convertible Sedan body. Receiving more than just a new body, the car was thoroughly upgraded by Rolls-Royce with front-wheel brakes, raked windshield, fender-mounted parking lights, and revised taillights.

After enjoying the Phantom for nearly five years, it was purchased by pioneering plastic surgeon and former Rolls-Royce Owners' Club President Dr. Samuel L. Scher in January 1938. Dr. Scher not only had a passion for custom-bodied Rolls-Royce but was also a collector of some of the finest early automobiles produced. Following Scher's tenure with the car, it was relocated to California with N. M. Derus, who retained the car through 1967. The Rolls-Royce Owner's Club Directory lists the car as still in California, with noted collector Robert Hood from 1985 through 2001. Under his direction, the car was reported to have been restored by noted marque expert John Swasiland in the 1990s. The thorough nut-and-bolt restoration resulted in a string of concours showing success that included a First-in-Class award at the 1999 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance, a National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America in 2004, Best in Show at the 2005 Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance, and an AACA Senior National Award in 2007.

Entering the collection of James Cadwell in 2003, the car was then purchased by the current owner in 2020. Remaining in spectacular condition today, the Phantom has continued its impressive concours victories, including earning the Founder's Trophy at the 2021 Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance. More than just a Classic Car Club of America Full Classic, this Phantom has the added distinction of being a First Prize Winner in CCCA National Competition. Featuring attractive Brewster Newmarket Convertible coachwork remaining in excellent condition since restoration, this Rolls-Royce is ideal for relaxed cruising with the top up or down. With Rolls-Royce Foundation documentation and the knowledge of being the second-oldest Springfield Phantom in existence, 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.