For Sale: 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I in Saint Louis, Missouri

In 1925, Rolls-Royce began production of the replacement for its venerable, groundbreaking Silver Ghost. The New Phantom was developed on the back of nearly two decades of Silver Ghost production, during which time countless improvements to the engine and chassis were made. Perhaps the biggest challenge faced by engineers was how to improve upon what was then seen as the best car in the world - so it is perhaps unsurprising that the New Phantom relied on the solid foundation built by Silver Ghost. The New Phantom chassis was essentially unchanged from the very final evolution of the Silver Ghost, yet beneath the bonnet sat an all-new 7.7-litre inline six-cylinder engine with pushrod-operated overhead valves. The new engine effectively surpassed the Ghost's refined but admittedly antiquated side-valve unit. The new OHV engine retained the expected refinement while delivering greater power and performance.
Like the 40/50 HP Silver Ghost before it, the New Phantom (retroactively known as the "Phantom I" after the arrival of the Phantom II) was produced both in Rolls-Royce's traditional Derby home, and in parallel at Rolls-Royce of America's Springfield, Massachusetts factory, with the latter accounting for 1,241 of the total 3,453 Phantom I chassis. As always, Rolls-Royce was a chassis manufacturer, and coachwork was entrusted to outside firms - though many, like Park Ward, Brewster, and Hooper had close ties to the factory, offering various "catalogue" designs from which to choose. Of course, there was always the option of something rather more individual.
This 1926 Derby-built Phantom, chassis no. 98LC, is one of the most stunning examples of bespoke custom coachwork we've seen on a New Phantom. This breathtaking Dual Windshield Torpedo Phaeton "Grand Luxe" body is by Van den Plas of Belgium, built at the behest of its first owner, Mr. Estevao Van Zeller of Lisbon, Portugal. Factory records show that delivery took place in June 1926 at the Rolls-Royce factory showroom at Lillie Hall. Clearly built with no expense spared, this beautiful coachwork is not only exquisitely proportioned in the finest sporting tradition but is also packed with extraordinary details and luxury fittings, feeling like a 'private club on wheels.'
The body itself is a beautiful example of a Torpedo Phaeton, characterized by steeply raked windscreens front and rear, flowing wings, and gracefully curved body sides. Beautifully finished in deep blue with black wings, the tops of the bonnet and scuttle are left in bare polished alloy with striking effect. Mr. Van Zeller specified only the finest fitments including Stephen Grebel headlamps, a Grebel spot lamp, and French-made Lucifer side lamps. Opposite the spot lamp is a fabulous accessory turn signal - drum-shaped and illuminated with a black arrow to indicate direction of travel. Also notable are the distinctive vee-shaped four-panel windscreen with blue-tinted visors, and curved side class.
Elaborate accessories by Van den Plas master craftsmen include gorgeous leather-covered, exterior-mounted wardrobe cases, beautifully built to match the curvature of the body. Made to hold hanging garments, the cases also feature built-in drawers for smaller items. At the rear sits a well-proportioned trunk on a folding rack.
The incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail carries over to the passenger compartment, as occupants enjoy nearly every conceivable luxury readily at hand. The rear door panels, with matched walnut cabinetry, house sterling silver grooming tools, pomade jars, perfume bottles, hand mirror, and leather glove boxes. Van den Plas artisans put their skills to the test, building an exquisite, curved cabinet on the division panel to house cocktail service items including crystal decanters and glasses. Disappearing opera seats are artfully concealed behind matching wood panels, and a fold-out windscreen for rear passengers mimics the rake and shape of the front. Tan leather upholstery and a full folding top with its signature rakish Phaeton lines round out the amazing aesthetic.
Documentation provided by the Rolls-Royce Foundation follows the history of 98LC through several highly regarded Rolls-Royce collectors. A 1985 Directory and Schoellkopf card shows it was in the care of James Leake Sr. of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Leake's name is well known to collectors, through his eponymous auction house. He also amassed one of the largest collections of Rolls-Royce cars in the US - with over 40 chassis numbers documented by the RROC. By 1999, it was in the care of another famous marque enthusiast, Mr. Lawrence Smith of Wichita, Kansas. Smith kept the car in his extensive collection until 2007, when the most recent owners acquired it.
As offered, 98LC benefits from expert, attentive care in the hands of its current stewards, who have enjoyed it with great enthusiasm on tours, showed it with pride at concours events, and shared it with the public at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan.
A motorcar of such stature is deserving of the finest restoration, and 98LC has indeed been restored with great reverence to its original grandeur. Paint quality and wood finishing are superlative, and while the restoration is older, the car has been meticulously maintained by passionate and experienced collectors. It is widely eligible for Classic Car Club of America CARavan� tours, Rolls-Royce owner's club events, and any number of prestigious concours d'elegance around the world, where it will undoubtedly garner much admiration. Arguably among the most extraordinary Phantom I chassis extant, 98LC is the grandest of traditional European Grand Tourers.

Offers welcome and trades considered.