1929 | Rolls-Royce Phantom I

1929 LHD Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Stratford Coupe Left Hand Drive
Chassis number: S285FP
Registration Number: ES-385-WV
This American-built, left-hand drive Rolls-Royce Phantom I was first owned by Dwight F Davis, founder of the Davis Cup International tennis tournament. An accomplished amateur tennis player, Davis attended Washington University Law School but did not practice as an attorney, preferring a career in politics. He reached the top of his chosen profession, serving as the US Secretary of War from 1925 to 1929 and then as Governor General of the Philippines. He died in November 1945.

Chassis number 'S285FP' is one of only six Phantom Is completed by Brewster with Stratford Coupé coachwork. Following 50 years in museum storage, the Phantom was imported into the UK in 2008. It was then totally restored by Wildae Restorations over the next 12 months (see bills totalling £177,000 on file) while further works were carried out between February 2010 and September 2013 by Alpine Eagle at a cost exceeding £70,000 (bills available). The Phantom has been expertly prepared for historic rallying by Rally Preparation Services of Witney, Oxfordshire & latterly marque expert C.J Ford engineering.

Interior accoutrements include modern seats with lap belts; a Monit trip meter; fittings for a GPS navigation unit; and a fire extinguisher. Mechanical upgrades include twin ignition coils; automatic lubrication with extra feed to kingpins; twin fuel tanks with a total of 150 litres capacity; three fuel systems (Autovac and two electric pumps); two electrical generating systems; overdrive transmission; under-body protection; and a canvas boot cover.

Not only built and maintained to an impeccable standard regardless of cost, the car comes with a comprehensive file containing a full and detailed history recording all the works carried out down to the replacement of every nut, bolt and washer. The Phantom's transformation from an effortless tourer to a long-distance rally car is easy to follow.

'BF 5247' has successfully completed many long-distance rallies across the world, from the wilds of the Mongolian desert, to North Africa, and many miles across Europe. Benefiting from a new clutch, new brakes, and a new roof covering, this is a truly impressive car to both drive and ride in, and is ideal for any long-distance historic rally. Truly turnkey and ready to go, this unique Vintage-era Rolls-Royce is offered at a mere fraction of the restoration costs.
The current owner is now selling due to health issues. He has spent considerable money upon the car in his tenure fully equipping it with complete tool sets, hydraulic jack & nuerous other items to make the car a viable contender covering all eventualities for the Peking Paris event or similar. Most of the items are stowed in the rear dickey seat area as is the oversize fuel tank. The car was just driven from Normandy to the South of France & back, a jaunt it performed with aplomb.