Body Off Restored Regent Convertible Coupe Phantom S82PM 7.7 Liter Inline 6

For close to 120 years Rolls-Royce has been the standard by which much of the automotive world has defined the very best. And in the late 1920s, when the marque was tops in the prestige market, elegant offerings like this magnificent Phantom I rightfully earned the nickname 'Roller'. Fully restored, and as smooth now as it was nine decades ago, this carefully crafted convertible is the absolute pinnacle of roaring twenties luxury. Purchased in 1927 and rebodied in 1933, the car is an authentic example of one of the most desirable Limited-era Rollers on the planet. And presently, it sits as a well-documented, lovingly restored cruiser that's an elegant representation of some of Britain's best history!

COACHWORK/HISTORY

The Rolls-Royce Phantom was a fitting follow-up to the brand's elegant Silver Ghost, the car that inspired prestigious publication Autocar to crown Rolls “Best car in the world”. The Phantom I made Roll's transition to better power and better technology increasingly evident, but, at its core, the car retained every bit the brand's 'Old World' charm. A familiar profile and lavish coachwork detailed finely tailored lines and top-notch appointments. And the result was a healthy run of 1,680 Phantom I chassis, with 1,243 of those rigs being produced in America from 1926 to 1929.

American production began in 1920, when Rolls-Royce announced that a limited number of cars would be produced in the states under the oversight of F. Henry Royce, Engineer-in-Chief of the company's American operations. Because Rolls had a one-model policy, the first American-assembled cars were 7.4 liter Silver Ghosts, which remained right-hand drive. Then, in 1926, a better option was born via the stunning Phantom I. A vast array of catalog body styles were offered, with the famous coachbuilders at Brewster getting a large number of contracts for the Springfield cars. One of those chassis was this car, S82PM, a magnificent 1927 Phantom 1 that was originally ordered by H.H. Work of Madison, New Jersey as a gift for his uncle, H.D. Hutchins. From Springfield, this Roller wore a St. Stephen Landaulet Town Car body that was officially numbered B5053. That said, it wasn't uncommon for cars of this nature to be rebodied as styles and taste evolved, or when they changed hands. Fittingly, S82PM was returned to Brewster in 1933, where it received body number B7150 -- the elegant Regent Convertible Coupe profile it still proudly flaunts. More sporting than Brewster's similar Stratford Convertible Coupe, the Regent features a lower roof line, a raked windscreen and a more graceful sweep to its front fenders. Today, after 84 years of road time, S82PM's profile presents in beautiful, properly restored condition. That condition is highlighted by a regal coat of black paint, which props a black top under maroon piping that complements plush leather upholstery. And naturally, those aesthetics are impeccably detailed, with dual side-mount spares, correct wheels and big whitewall tires contrasting drum headlamps and wood running boards that are trimmed in ornate stainless steel.

DRIVETRAIN/FUNCTIONALITY

One of the primary reasons the Silver Ghost established Rolls-Royce as the undisputed king of fine automobiles is the fact that it was over-engineered to a standard unmatched by its rivals. So, when a replacement was due, the brand made sure its new car lived up to those same lofty standards. Globally, the Phantom I debuted a new overhead-valve straight six that mated dual cast alloy blocks with a cast iron cylinder head. In Springfield cars, that 7.7 liter mill commanded a US-spec 3-speed. Suspension, steering and stopping were an evolution of the Ghost's, with a carryover chassis upgraded by 4-wheel servo-assisted binders that were licensed through Hispano-Suiza. Aesthetically, U.S.-spec models offered Chelsea clocks, large Buffalo wheels and Haverhill Auto headlamps that were complete with Bausch & Lomb prism lenses. And mechanically, Dejon distributors, Mallory coils and Trico wipers joined a centralized lubrication system, sourced from Bijur, that oiled 44 chassis wear points straight from the driver's seat. As expected, this Phantom I's engine compartment is nicely detailed, properly presented and shows very little in the way of use. And the only exception to originality is updated Pertronix ignition.

INTERIOR

The interior of this antique cruiser is not as sparse as one might think. Tasteful door panels join plush wool carpet and comfy leather seats to serve as all the car's soft points. The dash and steering wheel are restored pieces that feature an assortment of period correct knobs, gauges and controls. A small mirror and traditional floor shifter add a bit of livability. With room for two or three up front, those who are relegated to the rumble seat are at least allowed dignified ingress/egress thanks to a small access door for the rear compartment. And overall, this Roller emphasizes the kind of tailored, upscale coddling that most showroom-fresh metal lost a long time ago.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* A copy of the car's History Record
* Paperwork for the car's Pertronix ignition conversion

Clearly this special Phantom has been lovingly restored to a very high standard, and it's holding up beautifully. The car remains very much trophy worthy, and would certainly make its next keeper very proud on the show field. Best of all, thanks to sound mechanicals and CCCA Full Classic Status, it would also be a most welcome touring car. Looking for a desirable and elegant Rolls that can be enjoyed to the fullest? You're looking at your next collector car!

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SUMMARY

* The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
* Brewster Regent Convertible Coupe body
* Leather interior
* Correct 7.7 liter 6-cylinder engine / Upgraded Pertronix ignition
* Correct 3-speed manual transmission
* Correct Hispano-Suiza servo-assisted brakes
* Correct Buffalo Wheels
* Sale includes: A copy of the car's History Record / Paperwork for the car's upgraded Pertronix ignition