Rolls-Royce Phantom II Imperial Cabriolet, 1929
Rolls-Royce Phantom, II
Rolls-Royce Phantom, II•
•46 views
Chassis No.: 127XJ
Auction: Monterey 2012
Auction date: August 18, 2012
Lot No.: S73
$198,000 | Sold
- Exterior: Blue
- Interior: Blue
- Body: Imperial Cabriolet
- Spectacular one-off coachwork by Hibbard et Darrin of Paris
- Complete concours quality restoration
- Engine rebuilt and balanced by marque expert Brian Joseph
- The opulent restored interior is appointed with the division window, intercom, gold-plated hardware, a faux mink floor cove, bar and various accessories
- Hidden gun cabinet in passenger compartment
- Rare early production Phantom II
- Marchal headlamps and driving light
- Originally owned by restaurateur Robert Neely of New York, founder of Nedick’s
- 7.688L engine and 4-speed gearbox
Those with short memories might regard Richard and Maurice McDonald as the originators of limited menu, fast food restaurant chains. But decades earlier, they were preceded by the enormously successful Nedick's chain founded by Robert T. Neely and Orville A. Dickinson. There was a time when Nedick's, with its eponymous orange drink and signature hot dogs, was a fixture on nearly every block in New York City. Not surprisingly, its founders made a bundle, affording Neely the ability to commission this magnificent 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Imperial Cabriolet with coachwork designed by Hibbard et Darrin and constructed by d'leteren Freres.
The right-hand drive Rolls-Royce was probably delivered to Neely in Europe and enjoyed a grand Tour before returning to the U.S. Its fittings and accoutrements are far from the hot dogs and orange drinks that funded its construction, its lavish equipment including Marchal head and driving lights, a sliding division window, enclosed rear spare wheel, drink cabinet, jump seats, clock and elaborate upholstery in Blue leather for the chauffeur and Beige cloth for the fortunate rear compartment passengers. The exterior is equally splendid in Blue with an aluminum hood, Blue leather padded roof and Dark Blue fenders. The highly polished, elaborately figured and inlaid wood trim is exquisite.
In fact, the whole car is sublime, reflecting the quality and refinement of Rolls-Royce, Hibbard et Darrin's design and the construction skills of d'leteren Freres. It is one magnificent automobile; the colorful hot dog and orange drink history is a no-cost extra.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/137756/1929-rolls-royce-phantom-ii-imperial-cabriolet/
