92.6 hp, 7,668 cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, forged beam front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, rear cantilever leaf springs, and four-wheel rod and cable-operated drum brakes. Wheelbase: 144"

- Attractively presented, very nice leather upholstery, desirable period features

- Recently re-bodied with appropriate and sporting open touring coachwork

- An enjoyable example of one of the defining pre-war Rolls-Royce models

Early Rolls-Royces were almost sinfully well built. A three-year guarantee was provided with each Phantom sold, and then, as now, they were the favourite motor cars of wealthy and discerning clients the world over. With the new overhead-valve engine introduced for the Phantom I, it is little wonder these cars were considered the best in the world. Phantom Is would be produced through 1931, all powered by this massive 7.7-litre, overhead-valve straight six that the British motoring press reported as “essentially silent at 80 mph.” Yet top speed was never a priority at Rolls-Royce. Underscoring this point, Henry Royce is believed to have said, “High speed is for people who drive other cars. In one of our cars, one isn’t risking one’s head.” The aim, of course, was to arrive comfortably and luxuriously in a car where attention to detail was paramount.

According to a copy of the original build sheet, the early-production Phantom I offered here, chassis 8 MC, was fitted with a “C”-type steering column and came of test on 27 July 1925. The next day, it was sold to W.H. Peckitt, Esq. who was then residing at the Hotel Metropole in Folkestone. The car was despatched for bodywork on 26 August 1925. Copies of the ownership records name the subsequent owner as A.C. Roberts of Kent on 2 March 1934, followed by K.G. Bryant, Esq. of Penhalonga, Rhodesia on 22 April 1966.

At some point, the original engine of 8 MC, numbered YF 95, was replaced. Engine number DS 7917 currently resides under the bonnet. Prior to acquisition by the current owner, the car formed part of an Austrian museum collection for a period of eight years. More recently, the car was re-bodied with appropriate, large four-door touring coachwork, and among the great period features of this car, it includes a folding front windscreen, a rear windscreen, dual side-mounted spare wheels and tyres, Lucas P100 headlamps and more. As offered today, it is well presented with an Ivory exterior finish, a very nice red leather interior, a black hood, body-coloured wire-spoke wheels and a rear-mounted trunk.

Today, 8 MC starts on command and runs well, despite having seen very limited use over the past few years. A handsome example of a Phantom I touring car, it is perfect for open air motoring.