The New Phantom, retrospectively dubbed the Phantom I, replaced the venerable Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost in May of 1925. Retaining many of the remarkable capabilities of the Ghost and offering an impressive scale with refined lines, all things considered, The Autocar summarized its review of the new Phantom in its 22 May 1925 issue by stating that a road trial “indicates further progress toward perfection. Acceleration and speed improved without sacrifice of comfort and refinement.”

The very sporting Phantom I offered here, chassis number 70KR, was ordered through Rootes Ltd. of Devonshire House by J.J. Murphy, a resident of Southern India, and was mounted with a landaulet body by Thrupp & Maberly. By the 1960s it had returned to England and was acquired by Peter Thomas of Ascot, Berkshire, who commissioned this handsome and sporting tourer body to be built on the chassis. He subsequently sold the car in 1971 to Howard A. Schwartz of Yonkers, New York, who passed it in 1976 to Harold F. Porter of Wilton, Connecticut. Its present owner’s father purchased the Rolls-Royce in 1978, and it has now remained in the family collection for very nearly 40 years. Wearing a charming cream and burgundy color scheme, it would be ideal for any number of tours and driving events with either of the Rolls-Royce clubs. The owner reports that a full mechanical rebuild was carried out in the early 1980s, with receipts for the work to accompany the car.

An open New Phantom is a beautiful thing, and this example, offered from very long-term ownership in a prominent private collection, is sure to delight its new owner.