1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer
This 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom carries quite a history, originally delivered to luxury-loving Indian royalty before eventually finding its way Stateside. As the successor to the legendary Silver Ghost, the Phantom built on Rolls-Royce’s reputation for peerless refinement and quality when launched in 1925.
Under the hood of this ’27 model lurks a 7.7-liter inline-six pumping out 95 horsepower – substantial grunt for the day. The car was built in both the United Kingdom and the United States, with the UK models typically equipped with a four-speed gearbox, while the US models had a three-speed transmission.
Traditional British coachwork saw the rolling chassis clothed in stately elegance per the original owner’s taste, with Hooper appointing this example as an open tourer finished in regal “Parso-Glaze” paint.
Ordered through Rolls-Royce’s Bombay offices by the Maharaja of Pithapuram, the regal tourer was bodied by the esteemed Hooper coachbuilders, known for their artful craftsmanship for British nobility. Their elegant open design suits the stately Phantom, fitted with a raked windshield, louvered hood, domed wings, and twin side-mounted spares.
Scuttle vents and Stephen Grebel lighting afford vintage styling and function. The personalized touches for His Highness begin inside, where chauffeured passengers relax on pleated upholstery behind an aluminum dashboard and ivory wheel.
After an unknown period in royal service, this Phantom found its way to the States where it caught the eye of Rolls collector Charles Howard, who repatriated the seven-liter luxury liner to the UK in 1989. An extensive restoration mechanically and cosmetically followed, preparing this unique example for further distinguished service.
Now resplendent in period livery, this uniquely storied Phantom presents a rare opportunity to own not just automobile royalty, but a car once made for true royalty as well.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
