Rolls-Royce's 'single model' policy had proved to be an outstanding success for the company, but immediately after the end of the Great War the recession in the motor trade prompted the introduction of a smaller, cheaper 20hp car to be built alongside the existing 40/50hp Silver Ghost. Henry Royce's new design incorporated a number of modern features such as overhead valvegear for its six-cylinder engine, a centre-change gearbox, and 'Hotchkiss drive' rear axle, and the advanced newcomer's arrival only served to emphasise the Silver Ghost's Edwardian origins. However, the 45/50hp model would soon benefit from developments pioneered on its smaller sibling. Introduced in 1925, the New Phantom (retrospectively known as the Phantom I) boasted an entirely new overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 7,668cc, and like the 20hp adopted a disc-type clutch and adjustable radiator shutters. Its chassis though, remained essentially the same as that of the later four-wheel-braked 'Ghost, and would continue fundamentally unchanged until the arrival of the Phantom II in 1929 brought with it an entirely new frame. Despatched to London-based coachbuilder Thrupp & Maberly in April 1927, New Phantom long-wheelbase chassis number '91EF' was sold via Rootes Ltd of Piccadilly to first owner Colonel M A Swinfen-Brown of Lichfield, who service records indicate owned the car until at least 1938. Restored around 1970, the vehicle came into present ownership in 1977 and has been maintained since then by recognised marque specialists as recorded by numerous accompanying invoices. Finished in cream/blue with leather/cloth upholstery, '91EF' is offered with copy chassis cards, old-style logbook, road fund licence to December 2003, MoT to April 2004 and Swansea V5 registration document.
Rolls-Royce's 'single model' policy had proved to be an outstanding success for the company, but immediately after the end of the Great War the recession in the motor trade prompted the introduction of a smaller, cheaper 20hp car to be built alongside the existing 40/50hp Silver Ghost. Henry Royce's new design incorporated a number of modern features such as overhead valvegear for its six-cylinder engine, a centre-change gearbox, and 'Hotchkiss drive' rear axle, and the advanced newcomer's arrival only served to emphasise the Silver Ghost's Edwardian origins. However, the 45/50hp model would soon benefit from developments pioneered on its smaller sibling. Introduced in 1925, the New Phantom (retrospectively known as the Phantom I) boasted an entirely new overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 7,668cc, and like the 20hp adopted a disc-type clutch and adjustable radiator shutters. Its chassis though, remained essentially the same as that of the later four-wheel-braked 'Ghost, and would continue fundamentally unchanged until the arrival of the Phantom II in 1929 brought with it an entirely new frame. Despatched to London-based coachbuilder Thrupp & Maberly in April 1927, New Phantom long-wheelbase chassis number '91EF' was sold via Rootes Ltd of Piccadilly to first owner Colonel M A Swinfen-Brown of Lichfield, who service records indicate owned the car until at least 1938. Restored around 1970, the vehicle came into present ownership in 1977 and has been maintained since then by recognised marque specialists as recorded by numerous accompanying invoices. Finished in cream/blue with leather/cloth upholstery, '91EF' is offered with copy chassis cards, old-style logbook, road fund licence to December 2003, MoT to April 2004 and Swansea V5 registration document.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
