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1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Riviera Town Car by J.S. Inskip
Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Desirable Riviera Town Car bodywork fitted in 1937
- Subject to a comprehensive recent overhaul costing around £20,000
- Well-documented early history
- Superb overall condition
- Professionally installed alternator and overdrive by Gear Vendors in California - greatly enhancing the car's usability
The Appeal
Looking every bit like it drove straight out of the pages of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, this Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 represents the epitome of East Coast style during the ‘Jazz Age’.
Regarded stateside as the finest motor cars that money could buy, there was an insatiable demand for Rolls-Royces - to the extent that there was a three-year backlog in orders by 1921. This prompted Rolls-Royce to open a plant in Springfield Massachusetts, initially building Silver Ghosts and transitioning to Phantoms in 1926. Most examples were bodied in the latest styles by American coachbuilders like Brewster & Co, which was acquired by Rolls-Royce of America in 1926.
This Phantom I left the Springfield works on 24 October 1931 wearing a St. Alban Town Car body by Brewster. These US models were manufactured in left-hand drive and featured a centre change three-speed gearbox. The first owner was Mrs. Mary Ruth Bogart Dunn, the daughter of a coal baron who lived in the prestigious San Remo apartment building in New York City.
It was not uncommon in this period for luxury motor cars to be re-bodied to keep pace with the latest fashions and so in 1937, this example became a Riviera Town Car - a style devised by Brewster and applied to just ten Phantom I chassis. The work was carried out by J.S. Inskip, who had taken up the lease at Brewster’s Long Island City coachworks after the firm went into liquidation.
The car’s subsequent history is well-known up until 1981 when it left the US for Germany. Road registered in the UK since 2002, it’s once more offered for sale, making this a fantastic opportunity to acquire a very special vintage motor car. It benefits from a comprehensive recent overhaul costing around £20,000 and is presented in superb overall condition.
Complete with a substantial paperwork file and various period accessories including a fabulous S. Smith & Sons luggage set, this Rolls-Royce awaits its next custodian.
The History and Paperwork
- This Phantom I left the Springfield works on 24 October 1931 wearing a St. Alban Town Car body by Brewster
- The car was delivered to its first owner, Mrs. Mary Ruth Bogart Dunn two weeks after her wedding - this car may have been a wedding gift or dowry
- Transformed into a desirable Riviera Town Car by J.S. Inskip in 1937 - arguably in a more subdued style than its older Brewster cousins
- By October 1952, this Phantom I was in the ownership of Clarke Mecum of the Bronx, New York City before passing into the ownership of E.O. Nance of Reynoldsburg, Ohio
- Nance owned the car from at least 1955 until 1964 when it was bought by another Ohio resident, B.E. Stewart
- Stewart showed the car regularly and kept it until 1981
- The next owner was noted as Dr. U. Dangel of Stuttgart, Germany
- UK-registered since 2002
- It would also appear that the car spent time in South Africa
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- V5C present
- Accompanied by a collection of paperwork amassed by former keepers
- Left-hand drive
The Condition
- Along with typical Inskip features such as the beautifully sculpted door handles, the car was also fitted with basketwork on the passenger compartment
- S. Smith & Sons luggage set in very good condition
- Stylish purple upholstery in fantastic condition
- No notable wear to the seats, headlining and carpeting
- Up front, the driver’s leather seat presents superbly, as do all the controls
- The marquetry and period instruments are in fantastic condition
- Superb bodywork with smart paint and brightwork
- No signs of accident damage, excessive wear or deterioration
- The wire wheels present impeccably and are shod with whitewall tyres
This Rolls-Royce hails from a time when cars of this ilk were designed to be chauffeur-driven. The passenger compartment is therefore upholstered in velour and enclosed while the driver sits on leather in the open air. The J.S. Inskip is unmistakably American and provides a unique snapshot of a bygone era.
The car's condition is remarkable when you consider it’s fast approaching its hundredth Birthday. It presents superbly throughout, benefitting from copious expenditure and a series of caring owners. There’s no notable wear to report, nor any apparent damage. Collectors will appreciate the period features like the Brewster clock and S. Smith & Sons luggage.
The Mechanics
- 7,668 cc six-cylinder OHV engine
- US-spec three-speed centre change manual gearbox
- Professionally installed alternator and overdrive by Gear Vendors in California
- Superbly presented engine and running gear
- Reportedly running and driving very well indeed
The “New Phantom” was a direct successor to Rolls-Royce’s legendary Silver Ghost in the 40/50hp series, and though the benchmark set by the Ghost was high, the New Phantom surpassed it in almost every regard. Later known as the Phantom I, the most significant change was the introduction of a smooth and powerful OHV six-cylinder engine.
We understand that this example runs exactly as it should, making smooth, effortless progress in the manner that earned Rolls-Royce its global notoriety in period.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1931
- Make Rolls Royce
- Model Phantom
- Colour Black
- Odometer 8,415 Miles
- Engine size 7668
Listing Details
- Seller type Trade
- Town Petersfield
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
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