1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Springfield Town Car (Hibbard & Darrin 'Étoile')
A Hibbard & Darrin town car bodied on the Springfield Rolls-Royce Phantom I chassis, this example — one of only 35 such bodies produced — is known as the Étoile and was constructed using the coachbuilders' patented Silentlyte aluminium method. Delivered in November 1928 to a New York City resident, it passed through several American owners before a comprehensive restoration to original specification, after which it received the Most Elegant Car award at the 2010 Glenmoor Gathering.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$335,000
- —Auction saleEstimate US$250,000 – US$325,000
- —Auction saleSold US$170,500
- 1928-11-10 →Factory deliveryVivian Reillyfull documentation
New York City resident who took original delivery of the vehicle.
- Date unknownSelina E. Summerfieldpartial documentation
Manhattan-based resident of the Ritz Tower; the car remained in New York City during her tenure.
- Date unknownE.H. Strohpartial documentation
Described as the first enthusiast-type owner; the car appeared in a major Hollywood production during his ownership.
- Date unknownE.M. McCarrellpartial documentation
Pennsylvania-based owner who held the car following the Stroh period.
- Date unknownPrivate saleMidwestern collectorpartial documentation
Prominent collector who acquired the car in the early 2000s and commissioned a full restoration covering interior, trim, mechanical components, and exterior finish.
Competition
- 20102010 Glenmoor GatheringMost Elegant Car
Concours event held in Canton, Ohio; the award followed completion of the extensive restoration.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationGlen and Randy Hatcher
Comprehensive restoration to original factory specification carried out, encompassing a new leather roof covering, period-correct interior fittings and trim, chrome wire wheels as originally specified, a replacement clutch, and a new radiator.
Additional specialist contributions from Steve Littin (clutch and radiator) and Brian Joseph; work commissioned by the Midwestern collector owner in the early 21st century.
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