1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Regent Convertible Coupe, Coachwork by Brewster & Co.
1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Regent Convertible Coupe
Coachwork by Brewster & Co.
Chassis no. S109PR
Engine no. 30090
7,668cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine
Single carburetor
100bhp at 3,000rpm
3-speed manual transmission
Front semi-elliptical leaf springs and rear cantilever spring suspension
Four-wheel servo-assisted drum brakes
*Multiple award winner
*Restored by D&D Classic Restoration
*One of 21 Regents phantom 1 convertible coupes
*Numbers matching with documented history
THE PHANTOM 1 REGENT
Introduced by Rolls-Royce in 1925 to replace the Silver Ghost, 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 Silver 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. This would prove to be the high point of Rolls-Royce of America's fortunes, the October '29 Wall Street Crash and the introduction of the Phantom II - re-tooling for which the US company could not afford - signaling the beginning of its decline. The Phantom I was in production for only five years and the Derby-built models ran parallel with the Springfield cars but ended in 1929, whereas the American version continued until 1931, with a total of 1241 Springfield Phantom 1s being made.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
In 1926 Rolls-Royce of America had acquired the prestigious coach builder Brewster and Company. After this acquisition, Rolls-Royce of America offered 28 standardized bodies styles for Phantom I chassis. One of those configurations was an attractive two seater all-weather convertible coupe with dicky, a body style that would be named the Regent. Records show twenty one Regents were built on Phantom I chassis. Due to this relative rarity, and additionally as these cars show signs of the aerodynamic trends that were to follow later in the era, these cars are sought after by collectors. The front fenders themselves now stretched forwards like blades as on the famed Derby Speedsters and the front dumb irons and springs and chassis were discreetly hidden behind valances. Completing the effect, at the front and rear were twin flat bars utilized as extremely stylish bumpers.
This handsome touring Rolls-Royce Phantom was delivered new to John Barry Ryan in 1931. At this time the car was delivered wearing its current attractive and desirable Regent coachwork. According to current records it can be assumed that Mr. Ryan was quite taken with the car, as the remained in his possession until 1946, when it passed to its second owner Francis Drake. Mr. Drake retained the car until 1951 when it passed to Frederic Palmer. The longtime caretaker and known Rolls-Royce Collector Leslie Stevenson acquired the car in 1964, which he would retain until 1987. The car then passed to well known collector Gerald Lettieri.
In 1995 Elizabeth Zoeller, Rolls-Royce enthusiast and member of the RROC, acquired it and during her ownership the car was subject to an extensive restorations by D&D classic restorations. Since its restoration the car has been a recipient of numerous awards. These have included a RROC concours and Senior Awards, Rolls-Royce of England, AACA Senior Award, and has also received an award at the famed Pebble Beach Concours.
The current owner, a member of the Zoeller family acquired the car in 2009. Even though the restoration was completed close to twenty years ago, the car is still in excellent condition. Presenting attractively in a light gray/tan with green wings. It current enthusiastic owner has kept the car on the button.
As it was when new, the great characteristic of this style of coachwork is its versatility, offering full open motoring to breeze along in the sunshine, with none of the elegance of the car impeded, or on colder or wetter days be entirely and solidly covered and protected from the elements. Anyone who has ever driven a well set up Phantom 1 will tell you that they are great tour cars. The 7.7 litre engine provides an overabundance of torque which makes them delightfully easy to drive. This engine is of course paired with a wonderful chassis with servo assisted brakes, and the exquisite deftness and precision of all the controls make the Phantom 1 one of the best driving experiences from the prewar era.
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1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Regent Convertible Coupe
Coachwork by Brewster & Co.
Chassis no. S109PR
Engine no. 30090
7,668cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine
Single carburetor
100bhp at 3,000rpm
3-speed manual transmission
Front semi-elliptical leaf springs and rear cantilever spring suspension
Four-wheel servo-assisted drum brakes
*Multiple award winner
*Restored by D&D Classic Restoration
*One of 21 Regents phantom 1 convertible coupes
*Numbers matching with documented history
THE PHANTOM 1 REGENT
Introduced by Rolls-Royce in 1925 to replace the Silver Ghost, 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 Silver 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. This would prove to be the high point of Rolls-Royce of America's fortunes, the October '29 Wall Street Crash and the introduction of the Phantom II - re-tooling for which the US company could not afford - signaling the beginning of its decline. The Phantom I was in production for only five years and the Derby-built models ran parallel with the Springfield cars but ended in 1929, whereas the American version continued until 1931, with a total of 1241 Springfield Phantom 1s being made.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
In 1926 Rolls-Royce of America had acquired the prestigious coach builder Brewster and Company. After this acquisition, Rolls-Royce of America offered 28 standardized bodies styles for Phantom I chassis. One of those configurations was an attractive two seater all-weather convertible coupe with dicky, a body style that would be named the Regent. Records show twenty one Regents were built on Phantom I chassis. Due to this relative rarity, and additionally as these cars show signs of the aerodynamic trends that were to follow later in the era, these cars are sought after by collectors. The front fenders themselves now stretched forwards like blades as on the famed Derby Speedsters and the front dumb irons and springs and chassis were discreetly hidden behind valances. Completing the effect, at the front and rear were twin flat bars utilized as extremely stylish bumpers.
This handsome touring Rolls-Royce Phantom was delivered new to John Barry Ryan in 1931. At this time the car was delivered wearing its current attractive and desirable Regent coachwork. According to current records it can be assumed that Mr. Ryan was quite taken with the car, as the remained in his possession until 1946, when it passed to its second owner Francis Drake. Mr. Drake retained the car until 1951 when it passed to Frederic Palmer. The longtime caretaker and known Rolls-Royce Collector Leslie Stevenson acquired the car in 1964, which he would retain until 1987. The car then passed to well known collector Gerald Lettieri.
In 1995 Elizabeth Zoeller, Rolls-Royce enthusiast and member of the RROC, acquired it and during her ownership the car was subject to an extensive restorations by D&D classic restorations. Since its restoration the car has been a recipient of numerous awards. These have included a RROC concours and Senior Awards, Rolls-Royce of England, AACA Senior Award, and has also received an award at the famed Pebble Beach Concours.
The current owner, a member of the Zoeller family acquired the car in 2009. Even though the restoration was completed close to twenty years ago, the car is still in excellent condition. Presenting attractively in a light gray/tan with green wings. It current enthusiastic owner has kept the car on the button.
As it was when new, the great characteristic of this style of coachwork is its versatility, offering full open motoring to breeze along in the sunshine, with none of the elegance of the car impeded, or on colder or wetter days be entirely and solidly covered and protected from the elements. Anyone who has ever driven a well set up Phantom 1 will tell you that they are great tour cars. The 7.7 litre engine provides an overabundance of torque which makes them delightfully easy to drive. This engine is of course paired with a wonderful chassis with servo assisted brakes, and the exquisite deftness and precision of all the controls make the Phantom 1 one of the best driving experiences from the prewar era.
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