An enthralling example of the legendary Phantom I, chassis 56WR is recorded in Lawrence Dalton’s standard reference work on these cars, Rolls-Royce: The Derby Phantoms, as having been originally bodied as a landaulet by Carrosserie Langütt & Cie, a today-obscure firm in Besançon, France. The factory build sheets, however, indicate it was actually delivered to the British firm Windovers on behalf of a Mr and Mrs E.H. Mills, for whom extensive additional warranty work was completed following delivery – as detailed in the Rolls-Royce factory records supplied by the RREC, copies of which are included in the history file.

The present body was crafted by the respected firm of Ashton Keynes Vintage Restorations in the early 1970s, as a close duplicate of the legendary chassis 17EX. This car had been designed by Rolls-Royce as a factory experimental model intended to reach 100 mph without chassis modifications, with streamlined bodywork by Jarvis of Wimbledon, the firm responsible for Sir Malcolm Campbell’s famed record-setting Bluebird; the hue chosen by Rolls-Royce, Sax Blue, was no coincidence. After being used extensively for testing by the works, this car was delivered to the Maharaja of Kashmir, and would remain in the hands of Indian royalty for decades.

Offered here, 56WR is true to that famed Rolls-Royce’s spirit and appearance, with the rakish, tapered lines; broadly flared, open lightweight wings; and tail enclosing a hidden rear seat, as well as the striking colour, that are familiar to any connoisseur. Indeed, it is one of the very few examples of reproduction coachwork that are pictured in Rolls-Royce: The Derby Phantoms, in addition to the aforementioned chassis listing. It has been well-sorted and much-enjoyed in the consignor’s ownership, with the front seat redesigned for more comfort, and extensive work in 2004 by Hofmann’s of Henley to the brake system and lighting. Regular services have continued with Hofmann’s and A.J. Glew through 2020, with documentation of same on file.

A car that promises exceptional performance and an unusually sporting experience behind the wheel of a vintage Rolls, this automobile is deserving of another fine home where it will be enthusiastically enjoyed, just as it has been by Bryan Richmond-Dodd for many years.