This 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 was originally built for Regina Millhiser of New York City, niece of the Gimbel Department Store family from Philadelphia, PA and widow of Clarence Millhiser of Richmond, VA.
The one-off body was built by world renowned Coachbuilder Henry Binder of Paris. The car was used by The Franklin Mint for their Phantom I model. The interior wood in the rear compartment is French Walnut with applied Ostrich skin, inlaid ivory band and banded with silver.
This car has won an AACA Grand National and several class awards at major Concours events throughout the US.
Overview
- Production Year: 1929 (part of the production run from 1925 to 1931)
- Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce Limited
- Model: Phantom I
- Body Style: Various, including limousine, sedanca, convertible, and custom coachbuilt bodies
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Phantom I is powered by a 7.7-liter (7,668 cc) inline-six engine.
- This engine produces approximately 95 horsepower at 2,500 rpm.
- It features an overhead valve (OHV) design with twin-spark ignition, ensuring smooth and reliable performance.
- Transmission:
- The car is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission.
- The gearbox provides smooth and precise gear changes, enhancing the driving experience.
- Chassis:
- The chassis is a robust ladder-frame design, typical of luxury cars of the era.
- The wheelbase varies depending on the body style, with standard wheelbases around 143.5 inches (3,645 mm).
- Suspension:
- The front suspension consists of a solid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- The rear suspension also features a solid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- This setup ensures a comfortable and stable ride, suitable for long-distance touring.
- Brakes:
- The Phantom I is equipped with servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes.
- These brakes provide reliable and powerful stopping power for the vehicle's weight and performance capabilities.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Rolls-Royce Phantom I can achieve a top speed of approximately 80 mph (129 km/h).
- Acceleration: The inline-six engine delivers smooth and adequate acceleration, suitable for a luxury car of its time.
- Handling: The car offers stable and predictable handling, making it well-suited for both city driving and long-distance touring.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The Phantom I was available with a variety of body styles, many of which were custom-built by renowned coachbuilders such as Barker, Hooper, and Mulliner.
- The body design is characterized by its classic elegance, with a long hood, sweeping fenders, and a distinctive upright radiator grille topped with the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.
- The construction often featured high-quality materials, including steel and aluminum, combined with luxurious finishes.
- Interior:
- The interior of the Phantom I is the epitome of luxury, with seating for up to seven passengers in some configurations.
- The seats are typically upholstered in premium leather, providing a comfortable and opulent experience.
- The dashboard features essential gauges and controls, with a focus on both functionality and elegance, often finished in polished wood and chrome.
- Styling:
- The styling of the Phantom I is a blend of classic 1920s luxury design and modern engineering.
- The car's design emphasizes both aesthetics and comfort, contributing to its enduring appeal and status as a design icon.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Historical Significance:
- The 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I represents a significant period in the history of luxury automobiles, showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation of Rolls-Royce.
- It was part of the broader Phantom series, which included various models and configurations, each designed to cater to different customer preferences.
Taken at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival.
You may purchase a print in of the 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 our dElegance 2014 online gallery.
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