Parisian coachbuilders Hibbard & Darrin produced only 35 bodies for the American-built “Springfield” Rolls-Royce Phantom I chassis. Among them was this sumptuous and well-proportioned town car, known as the Étoile, built to their patented Silentlyte method with aluminum coachwork. It was delivered on 10 November 1928 to Miss Vivian Reilly of New York City.

The car was subsequently owned by Mrs. Selina E. Summerfield, a resident of the Ritz Tower in Manhattan, and remained in the city for many years. Its first enthusiast owner appears to have been E.H. Stroh, in whose ownership it was featured in the 1956 film, The Eddy Duchin Story, with Tyrone Power. It was later acquired by E.M. McCarrell of Pennsylvania.

The previous owner, a well-known Midwestern collector, purchased the well-preserved Phantom I in the early 21st century, and commissioned a thorough restoration to its original majesty by Glen and Randy Hatcher of Cambridge, Ohio, and by marque specialists, including Steve Littin and Brian Joseph. This work included a new leather top and beautifully appointed interior, as original; correctly finished interior trim; and chrome wire wheels (as original, versus the nickel trim that had largely been discontinued by 1928). Beautifully finished per the original specifications, including a new clutch and radiator from Littin, it was awarded Most Elegant Car at the 2010 Glenmoor Gathering in Canton, Ohio. Under its current ownership, the clutch was replaced and the hydraulic pump for the clutch was rebuilt ensuring that it shifts smoothly for the next owner.

An exceptionally elegant and attractive Phantom I, this beautifully appointed automobile would be a superb addition to any Classic Rolls-Royce collection.