The economic fallout following World War I moved Rolls-Royce to expand its range. No longer could the marque reliably bank on just one offering. As such, to sit alongside the existing 40/50 HP Silver Ghost, the 20 HP model was introduced. With the new car came more advanced technology, not least pushrod-operated overhead engine valves. Accordingly, in 1925, when the time came to update the Silver Ghost flagship to create the first-generation Phantom, these developments carried over.

An accompanying copy of the data card from the Derby factory records that this example, chassis 118KR, was sold on 18 April 1929 to the Arthur Mulliner dealership of Northamptonshire for a final price of £1,850. Although a note reads, “the body off a Mercedes is being transferred to the Phantom”, this long-wheelbase car ultimately gained coupé coachwork by Grose Ltd. The Rolls-Royce remained in the county, having been acquired by first owner, Mrs H.P. Cross.

Subsequent custodians include The Connaught Hotel of Mayfair, who used the Phantom from November 1937. Exactly 10 years later, the car was registered to FW Redhead of Exeter before in February 1963, chassis 118KR was exported to Switzerland. Shortly after, the Rolls-Royce is believed to have gained the distinct design that it still wears to this day.

Reportedly, with the existing coachwork largely beyond saving by this time except for the front wings, this “woodie”-style convertible body was constructed and the mechanical underpinnings overhauled. With the work completed, the new-look Roadster remained under single family ownership in Switzerland for the next six decades, the car latterly in the care of Mr Fridel Keller from Herrliberg. He is listed as the keeper from January 1995 prior to the Phantom joining The Best of British Collection in February 2016. At present, this car is running and drives but due to being in storage for several years it would benefit from a service prior to extensive use.

Presented today in cream to complement the wood panelling and cream folding soft-top, this Phantom I notably retains its matching-numbers engine and would be ideally suited for roof-down cruising.