Summary

This Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Newmarket is a highly original example that won First Place prize at a Classic Car Club of America Grand Classic in 1998.

Details

Chassis number S126PR was sold on December 3, 1930, to the wife of Edward J. Williams of Cincinnati. The Williams family was well-known for founding Western and Southern Life insurance company, and later became the owners of the Cincinnati Reds. The purchase price was $20,075.50, higher than the list price of any model Rolls-Royce offered at the time. Rolls-Royce ceased American operations because of the Great Depression, and this late-model Phantom I was one of the last off of the assembly line. After a series of prominent owners, the Phantom J came into the hands of Rolls-Royce enthusiast Lawrence Smith, who had it completely restored in the late 1990s. The car then won first place in the Primary Division at the 1998 CCCA Grand Classic. As a late-model vehicle, S126PR features many technological advances not often seen on the Springfield Phantom, including servo-assisted brakes, a vacuum-fed fuel pump and an updated Bijur lubrication system. The Phantom I has aged very well since the winning restoration, and it is in excellent mechanical condition. The open 'Newmarket' coachwork is original from Brewster, considered among the highest-quality coachbuilders to ever fit a Rolls-Royce. The great characteristic of this style of coachwork is its versatility: the Newmarket offers open motoring to breeze along in the sunshine, with none of the elegance of the car impeded, along with a closed top for the colder and wetter days. The attractive lines are quintessential of the marque, and the navy blue paint has mellowed into a rich hue. This Phantom retains its original coachwork and is authentic under the skin, right down to details such as the top mechanism being stamped with the chassis number, confirming that it has always been present and is original Brewster work. Today the car is still honored with Senior Award Status at national events. With illustrious ownership and concours history, this Newmarket is an impressive Rolls-Royce that is truly at home on the road. **TITLE IN TRANSIT**