Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
Brewster Regent Convertible Coupe body
Leather interior
Correct 7.7 liter 6-cylinder engine / Upgraded Pertronix
ignition
Correct 3-speed manual transmission
Correct Hispano-Suiza servo-assisted brakes
Correct Buffalo Wheels
Sale includes: A copy of the car's History Record / Paperwork for
the car's upgraded Pertronix ignition
For close to 120 years Rolls-Royce has been the standard by which
much of the automotive world has defined the very best. And in the
late 1920s, when the marque was tops in the prestige market,
elegant offerings like this magnificent Phantom I rightfully earned
the nickname 'Roller'. Fully restored, and as smooth now as it was
nine decades ago, this carefully crafted convertible is the
absolute pinnacle of roaring twenties luxury. Purchased in 1927 and
rebodied in 1933, the car is an authentic example of one of the
most desirable Limited-era Rollers on the planet. And presently, it
sits as a well-documented, lovingly restored cruiser that's an
elegant representation of some of Britain's best history!
COACHWORK/HISTORY
The Rolls-Royce Phantom was a fitting follow-up to the brand's
elegant Silver Ghost, the car that inspired prestigious publication
Autocar to crown Rolls "Best car in the world". The Phantom I made
Roll's transition to better power and better technology
increasingly evident, but, at its core, the car retained every bit
the brand's 'Old World' charm. A familiar profile and lavish
coachwork detailed finely tailored lines and top-notch
appointments. And the result was a healthy run of 1,680 Phantom I
chassis, with 1,243 of those rigs being produced in America from
1926 to 1929.
American production began in 1920, when Rolls-Royce announced that
a limited number of cars would be produced in the states under the
oversight of F. Henry Royce, Engineer-in-Chief of the company's
American operations. Because Rolls had a one-model policy, the
first American-assembled cars were 7.4 liter Silver Ghosts, which
remained right-hand drive. Then, in 1926, a better option was born
via the stunning Phantom I. A vast array of catalog body styles
were offered, with the famous coachbuilders at Brewster getting a
large number of contracts for the Springfield cars. One of those
chassis was this car, S82PM, a magnificent 1927 Phantom 1 that was
originally ordered by H.H. Work of Madison, New Jersey as a gift
for his uncle, H.D. Hutchins. From Springfield, this Roller wore a
St. Stephen Landaulet Town Car body that was officially numbered
B5053. That said, it wasn't uncommon for cars of this nature to be
rebodied as styles and taste evolved, or when they changed hands.
Fittingly, S82PM was returned to Brewster in 1933, where it
received body number B7150 - the elegant Regent Convertible Coupe
profile it still proudly flaunts. More sporting than Brewster's
similar Stratford Convertible Coupe, the Regent features a lower
roof line, a raked windscreen and a more graceful sweep to its
front fenders. Today, after 84 years of road time, S82PM's profile
presents in beautiful, properly restored condition. That condition
is highlighted by a regal coat of black paint, which props a black
top under maroon piping that complements plush leather upholstery.
And naturally, those aesthetics are impeccably detailed, with dual
side-mount spares, correct wheels and big whitewall tires
contrasting drum headlamps and wood running boards that are trimmed
in ornate stainless steel.
DRIVETRAIN/FUNCTIONALITY
One of the primary reasons the Silver Ghost established Rolls-Royce
as the undisputed king of fine automobiles is the fact that it was
over-engineered to a standard unmatched by its rivals. So, when a
replacement was due, the brand made sure its new car lived up to
those same lofty standards. Globally, the Phantom I debuted a new
overhead-valve straight six that mated dual cast alloy blocks with
a cast iron cylinder head. In Springfield cars, that 7.7 liter mill
commanded a US-spec 3-speed. Suspension, steering and stopping were
an evolution of the Ghost's, with a carryover chassis upgraded by
4-wheel servo-assisted binders that were licensed through
Hispano-Suiza. Aesthetically, U.S.-spec models offered Chelsea
clocks, large Buffalo wheels and Haverhill Auto headlamps that were
complete with Bausch & Lomb prism lenses. And mechanically, Dejon
distributors, Mallory coils and Trico wipers joined a centralized
lubrication system, sourced from Bijur, that oiled 44 chassis wear
points straight from the driver's seat. As expected, this Phantom
I's engine compartment is nicely detailed, properly presented and
shows very little in the way of use. And the only exception to
originality is updated Pertronix ignition.
INTERIOR
The interior of this antique cruiser is not as sparse as one might
think. Tasteful door panels join plush wool carpet and comfy
leather seats to serve as all the car's soft points. The dash and
steering wheel are restored pieces that feature an assortment of
period correct knobs, gauges and controls. A small mirror and
traditional floor shifter add a bit of livability. With room for
two or three up front, those who are relegated to the rumble seat
are at least allowed dignified ingress/egress thanks to a small
access door for the rear compartment. And overall, this Roller
emphasizes the kind of tailored, upscale coddling that most
showroom-fresh metal lost a long time ago.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A copy of the car's History Record
Paperwork for the car's Pertronix ignition conversion
Clearly this special Phantom has been lovingly restored to a very
high standard, and it's holding up beautifully. The car remains
very much trophy worthy, and would certainly make its next keeper
very proud on the show field. Best of all, thanks to sound
mechanicals and CCCA Full Classic Status, it would also be a most
welcome touring car. Looking for a desirable and elegant Rolls that
can be enjoyed to the fullest? You're looking at your next
collector car!