By 1925 the exceptionally successful eighteen-year production run of the Silver Ghost had firmly put Rolls-Royce at the forefront of motor car production. It is fair to say that the Ghost’s efficiency, reliability and superb performance were unmatched at the time. Its reputation laid the foundations for the continued success of the company and following seven years of development on the 2nd of May 1925 a new chapter began with the introduction of the New Phantom, which later became known as the Phantom I. The Phantom I marked a significant evolution in Rolls-Royce's approach to luxury motor car engineering and design, further cementing the brand's reputation for excellence and innovation in the automotive industry.
One major improvement over the Silver Ghost was the introduction of the pushrod operated overhead valve engine. Three groups of two cylinders with detachable heads powered the 7.7 litre (7,768cc) engine, producing rapid acceleration and the ability to maintain high speeds for periods of time “undreamt of before.” It was designed to be more powerful and luxurious than its predecessor. Emphasis was placed on providing an exceptionally smooth and silent ride, a hallmark of all Rolls-Royce vehicles. The New Phantom was able to produce 33% greater horsepower at just over 2,000 rpm than its predecessor, thanks to several mechanical improvements. Although specific horsepower ratings were not officially disclosed by Rolls-Royce, the engine was estimated to produce around 95 hp at 3,000 rpm. The car featured semi-elliptic leaf springs for both the front and rear suspension, ensuring a smooth and stable ride and was also equipped with four-wheel drum brakes. The standard chassis rolled off the production line in England with a price tag of £1,850 and then it was up to the new owner to instruct the coachbuilder of his/her choice to construct coachwork to their taste.
The New Phantom was a great success and was a very worthy successor to the Silver Ghost. Production lasted until early 1930 with a total of 2,269 chassis produced on English soil whilst a little more than 1,200 further chassis were produced at the Rolls-Royce factory in Springfield, Massachusetts in the United States.
Although the New Phantom had been unveiled in Great Britain by Rolls-Royce in 1925, the American produced version was not seen until 1926. The model changeover in Springfield was slow because the British designs had to be modified to incorporate left hand steering. The delay was costly and production of the successor to the Silver Ghost started slowly but the company’s profits were still healthy, and the future looked bright. It could be argued that the American Phantom was a superior car when compared to its Derby built cousin. It incorporated many innovative features including the handle operated Bijur chassis lubrication system, carburettor air cleaner and thermostatically controlled radiator shutters. A new series of bodies by Brewster, who were then owned by Rolls-Royce were also introduced, many of which were styled by John Inskip who later became the president of Brewster. Most of the new designs were named after English towns or regions, including the Ascot tourer, the York roadster and the Avon saloon. The coachwork produced at this point in history by Brewster is rightly considered by many to be some of the most stylish of all time.
The Rolls-Royce New Phantom remains a testament to the brand's dedication to creating the world's finest motor cars, blending technical innovation with unparalleled luxury.
Thoughts from Frank Dale
The New Phantom played the very important role of picking up where the Silver Ghost left off, cementing the Rolls-Royce brand at the forefront of the luxury car production market. We are particularly fond of the American built models which often have incredibly stylish coachwork. The Ascot tourer remains one of our favourite four door Rolls-Royce motor cars of all time and the Playboy, Piccadilly and York roadsters are simply exceptional. When you couple these very attractive bodies with the superb engineering that Rolls-Royce provided, it’s quite a combination. Far from living in the shadow of its predecessor the Silver Ghost, the New Phantom is a deserving recipient of all the accolades and appreciation it has and still receives.