Between 1919 and 1931, Rolls-Royce manufactured its automobiles for the American market in Springfield, Massachusetts. These cars were virtually mechanically identical to their British counterparts and could be had with “semi-custom” bodies, which were built under the Rolls-Royce Custom Coach Work name by many of the U.S.’s most prominent custom coachbuilders.

Whilst the majority of Springfield Silver Ghosts had formal closed coachwork, the Rolls-Royce Custom Coach Work’s numerous contractors produced a series of spectacular open bodies as well. Amongst them was the Piccadilly Roadster, which was built under the RRCCW name by Merrimac Body Company, of Massachusetts. This fleet roadster was distinguished by its light and sporty lines, a jaunty fabric top, and a relatively small passenger compartment with a short tail, which was accentuated by the powerful length of the engine ahead. Approximately 20 of these bodies were built for the Springfield Phantom I.

The Piccadilly Roadster was frequently employed as a second body on used chassis, making the selection to be used from new for chassis number S285RM rare indeed. According to records of the Rolls-Royce Foundation, this car was delivered new on 13 December 1927 to Colonel Joseph Samuels. Colonel Samuels was the founder of Providence, Rhode Island’s The Outlet Company, one of the largest department stores in New England, and he was also a well-known philanthropist and a long-time Rolls-Royce customer.

This Roadster was passed to Frederick Schloss on 3 September 1929, and it was returned to J.S. Inskip, of New York, for resale 10 years later. The Rolls-Royce Foundation documents, copies of which are on file, indicate continued ownership by such enthusiasts as Walter Hanson, Hathaway Weekes Scully, Ted Bartlett, and Lewis L. Smith, and it was even featured with then-owner Oliver Merrill in the February 1963 issue of The Flying Lady. It eventually came into the hands of Barry Randell, of Sparta, New Jersey, and was restored to its present condition, which earned it an award at the 1998 Annual Meet of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club.

This car is finished in rich maroon with black wings and maroon wire wheels, and it is equipped with numerous accessories, including the iconic “Springfield” Bausch & Lomb headlamps and rolled aluminium bumpers. It also features well-kept black leather upholstery and a luggage rack with a matching trunk. Interestingly, there are small doors to the rumble seat, allowing for easy entry and exit in a dignified fashion, which is typical of this style. According to the owner, the Piccadilly Roadster remains in excellent mechanical shape, and it would be ideal for either continued concours appearances or for rallying with any of the Rolls-Royce clubs on several continents.