1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom

The New Phantom emerged in 1925, a development of the long-lived 40/50 Silver Ghost. The main difference was the new overhead valve engine which was mated to the existing chassis from the Silver Ghost. It produced 33% more horsepower at just over 2,000rpm than its predecessor, thanks to a host of mechanical improvements. Three groups of two-cylinders with detachable heads powered the 7.7-litre six-cylinder offering rapid acceleration and the ability to maintain high speeds for long periods of time.

The new model was very well received. Not long after its release, Rolls-Royce published a brochure under the title “Some Opinions”, carrying quotes from satisfied customers, such as:

In 1928 it was further enhanced with a new aluminium cylinder head in place of the original cast iron, just in time to be matched with the all new chassis of the Phantom II, which followed in 1929. The New Phantom then became retrospectively known as the Phantom I.

An early example of this car can be seen at The National Motor Museum.

Rolls-Royce records show that this car was constructed in the spring and early summer of 1925 to the order of The Right Hon. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. During this period, many luxury cars were supplied by manufacturers without a body, to enable the owner to have their purchase made to their individual specifications by a coachbuilding specialist firm. Hoopers added an open touring body to the chassis and Lord Montagu finally received the completed vehicle at the end of July 1925. 

Lord Montagu used the car extensively on continental journeys until his death in 1929. In this image he can be seen with the Phantom during a trip to the south of France in February 1926. Also seen in this photograph - taken by Lady Montagu - are Lady Caroline Agar and Mrs Elena Macnamara. On the bonnet of the car, you can see Lord Montagu’s personal mascot ‘The Whisper’ in preference to the traditional ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’.

The Phantom was subsequently sold to Lady Pelley and re-registered before passing into the ownership of Sir Isaac Pitman. During the Second World War it was converted into a mobile canteen for the NAAFI. After the war it ended up being used to tow a mower for Congresbury Playing Fields Association. The now badly rotting remains passed through the hands of further owners before being purchased by the late Edward, Lord Montagu in 1961 for restoration and return to Beaulieu where it was re-united with its original registration number.