1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformable Phaeton (Hibbard & Darrin coachwork)
- Colour
- Maroon and red
A 1929 Springfield Rolls-Royce Phantom I fitted with an exceptionally rare Hibbard & Darrin 'Transformable Phaeton' dual-cowl convertible body, one of only five such examples believed to have been produced. Originally delivered in August 1932 with a different Brewster body before being rebodied to this specification at the first owner's request, the car is distinguished by its patented trapezoidal windows, hand-formed aluminum coachwork, and a unique roller-operated rear windscreen. Finished in maroon and red livery following a complete restoration in the mid-1970s, it has spent its most recent decades in a dedicated collection of Darrin-bodied automobiles.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$170,500
- 1932-08-27 →Factory deliverySamuel Jaskowfull documentation
New York City resident who took delivery on a specific documented date; originally received a different Brewster body style before requesting the factory rebody to the Hibbard & Darrin configuration.
- 1944 →Acquisition unknownS. Mindlinpartial documentation
Manhattan resident who acquired the car circa 1944; no further details on tenure or disposition given.
- 1955 →Acquisition unknownHarry Walendorf Jr.partial documentation
Third Manhattan-based owner; retained the car through the early 1960s.
- 1977 → 1995-03-01Acquisition unknownPhilip Wichardpartial documentation
Huntington Bay, New York owner who acquired the car shortly after a comprehensive restoration to the maroon and red livery it still wears.
- 1995-03-01 →Private saleNephew of Howard 'Dutch' Darrinfull documentation
Acquired from Wichard and held the car as the centerpiece of a dedicated Darrin-designed automobile collection; ongoing maintenance carried out by Rolls-Royce specialist Charlie Webb, with a full service-invoice binder on file.
Competition
- —Greenwich Concours d'Elegance
Exhibited by the consignor; described as the standout prewar Rolls-Royce among those displayed at the event.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1977Restoration
A thorough full restoration was carried out, resulting in the current maroon and red colour scheme; the work was completed just before Philip Wichard acquired the car.
Wichard purchased the car immediately after this restoration was finished.
- —ModificationBrewster Co.
Original Brewster 'St. Andrew' Town Car body replaced with a Hibbard & Darrin Transformable Phaeton coachwork body at the factory, at the first owner's request.
Rebodying took place prior to or around initial delivery in 1932.
- —ServiceAutomotive Restorations, Inc.
Ongoing meticulous maintenance conducted by a dedicated Rolls-Royce specialist over the approximately 25-year ownership by the consignor, with full invoicing records retained; the most recent service entry alone exceeded $12,000 in routine mechanical work.
Workshop operated by Charlie Webb, based in Stratford, Connecticut.
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