Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Brewster Sedanca de Ville No.192 (1931)

Vehicle description

Based on the technically balanced characteristics of the Silver Ghost, Rolls-Royce attracted attention in 1925 with an interesting successor. On the one hand, the New Phantom continued the tradition of the Silver Ghost, but on the other hand, it corresponded to technical progress: under its hood whispered a completely redesigned engine with overhead valves and removable cylinder head. A displacement of just under 7.7 liters provided more than sufficient torque even at low engine speeds – theoretically, the Phantom I could only be moved in the highest gear. Incidentally, the Phantom I was not only manufactured in England – the American branch plant produced cars equipped exclusively with left-hand drive.

An older piece of automotive history can now be purchased in this auction: This Rolls-Royce is a Phantom I from 1930 from American production. In addition, according to the seller, this Phantom was dressed by the US body builder Brewster & Co. and bears the serial number 192. The first registration of this automobile took place in 1931, partly the history of this Rolls-Royce is comprehensible. The current owner states that according to the manufacturer, only 2 owners called the car their own. Whether matching numbers are given cannot be insured. According to the seller, there is an expert opinion on the car.

At the customer's request, the bodies were built by a wheelwright, most phantom I in the US version were bodyworked at Brewster & Co. in New York – including this Rolls-Royce, which presents itself in a gold tone and the color black. The condition of the exterior is due to a proper condition in view of the vehicle age of 92 years: Of course there are signs of use here and there, but on the whole this Rolls-Royce Phantom I looks good visually. According to the seller, the exterior is also in an apparently original condition without modifications.

Whitewall tires are mounted on white spoke wheels, servo-assisted drum brakes are installed on all 4 wheels. The front axle is suspended on semi-elliptical leaf springs and the rear axle on lining springs. The condition of tires, rims, brakes and chassis can be described as fine, according to the current owner.

In the front compartment of the Phantom I black leather seats can be seen, in the rear there are fabric seats: The interior of this vehicle impresses with its very good condition and its partially found patina. Of course, the Rolls-Royce Phantoms built in America should also be similar to those produced in England in every respect, but for the American market a few changes were considered necessary: the steering is on the left side and the gearshift normally placed on the steering wheel was moved to the middle and thus designed as a center shift. Another change compared to the Rolls-Royce produced in England: There were thermostatically controlled radiator fins in contrast to the manual operation by lever used in England.

According to the seller, this Rolls-Royce Phantom I is said to have run about 41,800 kilometers, the instruments in the interior of the car can be attributed a functioning condition.

The long-stroke in-line six-cylinder engine with overhead valves has a displacement of 7,668 cc and thus ensures 95 hp at 2,750 rpm. At that time, the car reached a top speed of 145 km/h. The seller mentions that from 1928 the cylinder heads were made of aluminum instead of cast iron, as is the case with this vehicle. Engine and transmission are connected to a single-disc dry clutch, this version is equipped with a 3-speed center-shift transmission. In December 2021, the last maintenance work took place.

The underbody is in good shape: Since the owners in the USA were not expected to carry out some maintenance work, which was standard in England, the Phantom had a central chassis lubrication of the Bijur system. Furthermore, the current owner has it mentioned that the stability of this automobile was unsurpassed for the time – this also ensured the reputation of being the best vehicle in the world. For those who want to secure an old piece of automotive history that reflects the early days of the automobile, this Rolls-Royce Phantom is perfectly suited.

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