Beschreibung:

Rolls-Royce’s ‘single model’ policy had proved an outstanding success for the company, but immediately after the end of the Great War the recession in the motor trade prompted the introduction of a smaller, cheaper 20hp car to be built alongside the existing 40/50hp Silver Ghost. Henry Royce’s new design incorporated a number of modern features such as overhead valvegear for its six-cylinder engine, a centre-change gearbox and ‘Hotchkiss drive’ rear axle, and the advanced newcomer’s arrival only served to emphasise the Silver Ghost's Edwardian origins. However, the 45/50hp model would soon benefit from developments pioneered on its smaller sibling. Introduced in 1925, the New Phantom (retrospectively known as the Phantom I) boasted an entirely new overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 7,668cc and, like the contemporary 20hp model, adopted a disc-type clutch and adjustable radiator shutters. Its chassis though, remained essentially the same as that of the later four-wheel-braked Silver Ghost, and would continue fundamentally unchanged until the arrival of the Phantom II in 1929 brought with it an entirely new frame. Like its ‘Ghost predecessor, the New Phantom was also produced by Rolls-Royce of America Incorporated, a subsidiary set up in December 1919 when the parent company purchased the American Wire Wheel Company's plant in Springfield, Massachusetts. Springfield commenced manufacture of the New Phantom in 1926, and by the second half of 1929 production had risen to 12 cars per week. Unlike its British-built counterpart, the American product could be ordered with ‘factory’ bodywork, usually by Brewster, the latter company having been taken over by Rolls-Royce in December 1925. As well as manufacturing coachwork of the highest quality, Brewster had built its own automobiles from 1915 up to the time of its acquisition by Rolls-Royce, re-emerging as an auto-maker in its own right, using Ford chassis, when US Phantom production finally ceased in 1934 and the company became part of the re-constituted Springfield Manufacturing Corporation. This left-hand drive Phantom I was delivered new to L E Mallory Esq, of New York on 29th May 1928. Originally bodied by Brewster as a ‘Special Dover’ (five-passenger sports sedan) it was re-bodied with its current Salamanca De Ville coachwork, again by Brewster, in 1936. Restored in 1980-1982, the car was imported into Sweden at around the same time and owned there initially by Erland Stenbrott in the south of the country. The Phantom’s second (current) owner in Sweden has used it only for historic motoring events and special occasions, carefully maintaining the car and preserving it in splendid condition. The dark blue over silver grey paintwork is in first class condition, while the interior - upholstered in dark red leather to the front compartment with pale beige plush to the rear - appears factory fresh. All the interior woodwork is superb. Freshly serviced prior to sale, the car is reported as running well and capable of cruising comfortably at 60-70mph with a top speed of 80. Offered for sale because of its owner’s ill health, it comes with Swedish registration papers.