Vehicle Description
On October 18, 1919, Rolls-Royce of America was launched in Springfield, Massachusetts and produced 2,944 Silver Ghost and New Phantom cars between 1921 and 1931. When production of the Phantom II ended in England, Springfield was left with a sparse inventory of Phantom I’s and a few imported Phantom II’s, so the Derby factory completed a series of “Americanized” Phantom II chassis and sent them to Springfield.
The chassis numbers on these cars ended with either “AJS” or “AMS.” The “A” represented a car modified for the American market. The most obvious change was the conversion from right-hand to left-hand drive. An American-type central gearshift replaced the British-style side lever. The radiator shutters were thermostatically controlled to open or shut depending upon engine temperature, and manual control of extra cylinder lubrication was fitted for cold starts. Assuming Americans drove faster and more aggressively than the British, front and rear bumper supports, wider brake shoes, heavier rear brake drums, and higher gear ratios for high-speed touring were installed. These cars were manufactured and tested at Rolls-Royce Works in Derby, England, then shipped to U.S. Customs at the Port of New York. Rolls-Royce of America requested the Phantom II “A” chassis to be shipped without a tool kit, tires, horn, chassis lubrication fittings, spring gaiters, spark plugs, and hood locks, trimming Atlantic-crossing shipping costs. American-sourced parts were fitted after the chassis arrived.
Unlike its parent company, Rolls-Royce of America always advertised coachwork and could supply complete cars to its clients. Rolls-Royce Custom Coachwork, as it was known, is easily identified by a small plaque fitted to each car. All body builders for Rolls-Royce cars, whether in the U.S., England, or the Continent, supplied their designs to Rolls-Royce for approval. Once the body was fitted to the chassis, the coachbuilder returned the car to Rolls-Royce to be tested before final inspection and delivery. The Phantom II chassis presented an ideal canvas for designers—no longer were they challenged by the awkward, high cantilever spring rear suspension fitted to the Silver Ghost and the Phantom I. The Phantom II was instantly identifiable by its sweeping hood that measured half the length of the car. The Rolls-Royce “Spirit of Ecstasy” mascot graced the iconic radiator shell, set well back over the front axle.
The best-known body supplier for the American Rolls-Royce was Brewster & Company, located on Long Island, New York and founded in 1810. This American coachbuilder had facilities in England and won a Gold Medal at the 1878 Paris Exposition for a horse-drawn carriage. It built its first motor body in 1905 and in 1908, mounted a landaulette on a Silver Ghost chassis.
In 1925, Brewster was purchased by Rolls-Royce of America. In 1931, the firm began designing and fitting bodies to the left-hand drive Phantom II’s imported from England. For the last five years of Springfield production, nearly all Springfield Rolls’ were Brewster-bodied. These attractive cars were well-received from new, particularly the Henley roadster.
This car has benefited from a recent frame off restoration. It has been professionally maintained to the highest degree and would certainly do well in any Concours in which it is presented. The flawless saddle colored hides are enriched by the beautiful dark blue body color. It would be a wonderful addition to any discerning collection.
Due to the performing and styling characteristics afforded by its “Americanized” chassis, the Springfield Phantom II was an early favorite among Rolls-Royce collectors. These cars have always enjoyed a much stronger following than the British versions; they are sought by serious enthusiasts, and their steadily increasing values reflect their timeless appeal.
