Beschreibung:

FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF J. P. MORGAN and STANLEY SEARS 1929 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I TOURER COACHWORK BY BARKER Chassis No. 109 WR Engine No. DB 85 Moss green with dark green wings and blue leather interior Engine: six cylinders in two blocks of three, overhead valves; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: front, semi-elliptic leaf springs, rear, cantilever leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum, servo assisted. Right hand drive. Sir Henry Royce was reluctant to change his Silver Ghost 40/50hp model, so when he introduced his new Phantom, better known as the Phantom I, the changes were only evolutionary. The car was launched in 1925 and used the Silver Ghost chassis and transmission, except for the cone clutch which was updated to a single dry plate. The main feature was the engine, which was now an overhead valve six cylinder design with a single detachable alloy head, though it still had two blocks of three cylinders. A third more power was available and, with servo-assisted four wheel brakes, the overall performance and braking was way ahead of its competitors. J. Pierpont Morgan ordered this car late in 1929 and requested that touring coachwork by Barker & Co. be fitted. The car is distinguishable by its unusual scuttle mounted sidelights, a feature that Morgan would later choose to equip on the 20/25hp Rolls-Royce that he ordered two years later from Barker for town use. This Phantom was used mainly for 'Continental Touring' and was kept by Morgan, then American Ambassador, until just post-war when it was purchased by Stanley Sears, renowned collector of the Rolls-Royce marque. 109 WR subsequently passed through two further United Kingdom owners before being exported to America in 1959, becoming the property of Frank Gardner Mr. Gardner owned the Phantom I only briefly before he sold it to Donald Weesner. While in Mr. Weesner's ownership, the Rolls-Royce was used mainly for local tours and club functions. A very original example, conforming largely to its supplied specification, it even retains its undertrays and tools. Chassis build cards confirm a 10 premium being paid for the chrome-plated fittings and detail the twin side-mounted spare wheels, scuttle sidelights, Wefco spring gaiters and provision for luggage. The Barker coachwork is also equipped with their own patent dipping system for the Lucas headlights, a windscreen-mounted mirror/spotlight, a Boa Constrictor bulb horn and running board kicker plates. Full weather protection, with an all-enveloping Elliot rear screen complete with leg warmer, is provided, while the interior is appointed with blue leather upholstery and trim. Instruments include a Waltham speedometer and Eight Day Clock. The car has not been used for many years and appears not to have needed a full restoration except for a repaint some years ago. Open Rolls-Royces with original coachwork are rarely offered for sale and this provides an opportunity to acquire a handsome English tourer with excellent provenance.