1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brougham de Ville by Binder
- Engine
- 7.7L OHV inline six-cylinder, single carburetor, ~100 bhp at 3,000 rpm
- Colour
- Black with dark green coachline striping
A 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I with formal Brougham de Ville coachwork by the noted Parisian house of Henry Binder, this chassis was built to the specification of Jessie Woolworth, heiress to the Woolworth retail fortune, finished in black with dark green striping echoing the family stores. The car has documented history from new via factory build records, passed through several American and British owners, and was selected for the Petersen Museum's Century of Elegance exhibition in 2004. It retains its original livery and has received a sympathetic restoration.
Ownership
- 2021-10-01Auction saleEstimate US$300,000 – US$400,000
- → 1929Factory deliveryJames Donahuefull documentation
Wealthy New York businessman who acquired the car as first owner per factory build records, reportedly for his wife Jessie Woolworth. Died by suicide in 1929, after which his estate passed to his widow.
- 1929 → 1934InheritanceJessie Woolworth Donahuefull documentation
Woolworth department store heiress who inherited the car upon her husband's death. Used it primarily during European holidays before having it shipped back to New York; the coachwork, color scheme, and fittings were chosen to her personal specifications.
- 1934 →Private saleP. Everett Lockhartpartial documentation
New York-based owner associated with Lockhart International; acquired the car from Jessie Woolworth in 1934.
- → 1953Various US ownersnone documentation
The car passed through multiple unidentified American hands before being sent to the UK in 1953.
- 1953 → 1998Acquisition unknownUK-based owner or ownersnone documentation
The vehicle was kept in the United Kingdom for approximately 45 years before returning to the United States in 1998.
- 1998 → 2014Acquisition unknownUS-based owner post-1998none documentation
Owner or owners in the US between repatriation in 1998 and acquisition by the current collector in 2014; identity not specified in the catalogue.
- 2014 →Acquisition unknownCurrent collector ownerpartial documentation
Has held the vehicle since 2014; the car was presented at the Peterson Museum Century of Elegance exhibit in 2004 prior to this ownership.
Competition
- 2004Century of Elegance exhibit at the Petersen MuseumSelected for display
The vehicle was chosen by the Petersen Automotive Museum to feature in its Century of Elegance showcase, recognizing the car's historical and aesthetic significance.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A thorough yet understated restoration was carried out, preserving the original black livery with dark green coachlines as specified by the first owner. The work was characterised as careful and sympathetic rather than over-restored.
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