1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton
Best in Class, 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance; 2nd in Pre-War Rolls Royce, 2026 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Of the 21 Ascot Phaetons built, this is the only with roll-up windows
The Rolls-Royce Phantom I, particularly when bodied by Brewster & Company, represents a pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship in the pre-war era. Brewster, an American coach builder, produced bespoke bodies for the Phantom I chassis, creating unique and elegant designs tailored to individual client specifications. These collaborations resulted in some of the most iconic and desirable Rolls-Royce automobiles of the time.
Of the 21 Ascot Phaetons built, this is the only with roll-up windows. This original chassis, body and engine example was subject of an extensive restoration and has been the recipient of numerous awards.
Chassis #S308LR, engine #21089, this Springfield Rolls-Royce was custom bodied by Brewster. The Ascot phaeton has proven to be one of the most exquisite designs of the classic era. Its finely crafted lines, accented with polished aluminum betlines, combine with the graceful 21" wire wheels to make this one of the most stylish phaetons of the era. Of the 21 Ascot Phaetons built this example is the only Ascot with roll up windows, a modification performed by the renowned Murphy Coachworks of Pasadena, CA.
Brewster's designs often incorporated features like raked windshields, sweeping fenders, and unique detailing, setting them apart from British-bodied Phantoms.
This car was delivered new to a Mr. G.M. Church of Pasadena, CA on October 10, 1929. It was later owned for many years by Mr. Lester Braunstein of Beverly Hills, CA. This car is featured in John Webb de Campi's book "Rolls-Royce in America." Pictured in the book is a factory photo, a picture taken circa 1950s and a picture in the 1970s with former owner Lester Braunstein. Acquired by the Audrain Collections in 2014, it recently underwent a stunning ground-up concours restoration by Brian Oliver and his team at Automotive Restorations in Stratford CT, returning the car to its original green on green upholstery.
Notable Brewster body styles include the Riviera Town Car, Derby Speedster, Regent Convertible Coupe, and Newport Town Car, among others.
Specifications
Engine: 7668 cc / 467.9 cu in Straight 6-cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder; cast-iron block and head (later heads were aluminum)
Power: 108 hp
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Production Years: 1925-1931, built in Derby, England and Springfield, Massachusetts.
Total Production: 3,512 units; Derby production: 2,269 units; Springfield production: 1,243 units
Successor: Rolls-Royce Phantom II, introduced in 1929