Beschreibung:

ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I Year 1928 Chassis No. tba Engine No. 17662 European taxes paid Engine: six-cylinder in line, overhead valves, 7,668cc; Gearbox: three speed manual; Suspension, front: semi-elliptic springs, rear: cantilever springs; Brakes: four wheel drum, servo-assisted; Left hand drive. Coachwork: Regent convertible coupe by Brewster, two-tone beige with beige leather interior and blue hood. Notes on the Model (see also lots 18, 22, 29, 43 and 45) The Springfield Phantom I was eagerly awaited by American buyers, so much so that a few of them in fact ordered their car from Derby! The delay between introducing the New Phantom, as it was known, in England and then America was due to the protracted complications of making the American cars with left hand drive steering. By the same token, the novel feature of one-shot lubrication to the central chassis was first introduced on the Springfield cars and then adopted in the home market about two years later. In any event, the New Phantom enjoyed good sales for a hand built car even if they were costing the company - and the clients - a small fortune. Overall the number of sales in America was 340 in 1927, 275 in 1928 and 201 in 1929. Just 21 Regent bodies were built on the Phantom I chassis so they are accordingly rare and the last one Christie's had the pleasure of offering was at our Pebble Beach auction in August 1991 (Lot 137). Specific history of this car The history for this Regent Convertible Coupe is unknown at the time of writing and is yet to be researched. Mr Lüscher acquired the car for his collection in 1991. Condition The Rolls-Royce is in partially restored condition and therefore requires a full repaint. The bodywork appears to be straight with good panel fit and the rear features a proper opening door which allows passengers to step into the rumble seat. The brightwork has all been refurbished and is excellent. The beige hood is quite new while the seats are original in appearance. The door panels are missing and the carpeting is torn. We are told that the engine has been rebuilt and it certainly looks to be in very presentable condition although the bulkhead shows its age. The chassis plate is also missing and we have not yet been able to identify the chassis number on the frame. Brewster made a number of body series with magnificent lines, such as the Derby Tourer, Ascot and York Roadsters and the Regent Convertible Coupe, which are regarded as the most handsome of all Rolls-Royce coachwork. This car is potentially a superb example. WITHOUT RESERVE Année: 1928 Numéro du châssis: à communiquer Numéro du moteur: 17662 Taxes d'importation européenne payées. Moteur: six cylindres en ligne, soupapes en tête, 7668cm3; Boîte: manuelle à 3 rapports; Suspension, AV: ressorts semi-elliptiques, AR: ressorts cantilever; Freins: à tambour sur les 4 roues, commande assistée; Volant à gauche. Carrosserie Brewster, cabriolet Regent, deux tons de beige avec intérieur en cuir beige et capote bleue. Notes sur le modèle (voir aussi lots 18, 22, 29, 43 et 45) L'assemblage de la Phantom I à Springfield était attendu avec impatience par les acheteurs américains, à tel point que certains d'entre eux commandèrent leur voiture en Angleterre ! Le retard de l'introduction aux Etats Unis de la New Phantom, comme on l'appelait, était dû au déplacement du volant à gauche et aux complications qui s'ensuivaient. Inversement, le nouveau système de lubrification centralisée du châssis fut d'abord mis sur les versions américaines et ne fut adopté sur le marché domestique que deux ans plus tard. Quoi qu'il en fût, la nouvelle Phantom se vendit bien pour une automobile faite à la main, même si elle coûtait une petite fortune à la société - et aux clients. Les chiffres de ventes aux Etats Unis totalisèrent 340 exemplaires en 1927, 275 en 1928 et 201 en 1929. Vingt et un cabriolets Regent seulement furent fabriqués sur châssis Phantom I et le modèle est donc rare. Le dernier exemplaire