Discovered by the current owner in 2002 in the USA, he purchased the car on the merit of a single photograph, realising the unusual and unique pre-war body on the car. The car has been little used since its restoration approximately 10 years ago, which included a comprehensive body restoration, an interior retrim in best quality leather and a complete mechanical overhaul of the engine. The iron cylinder head and the blocks were crack tested and found to be faultless, the blocks were re-bored and new pistons fitted. The crankshaft was reground and new white metal bearings fitted and line bored. All big end and main bearings were done. This was completed in addition to a great deal of other work.      

Winner of the 1935 grand prix d'honneur concours d'Elegance at la baule on the west cost of France, this stylish Rolls-Royce Phantom I sedanca was created by Knibbs and Parkyn just prior to that event, it is understood  that this body was commissioned for the direct purpose of showing at concourse events across Europe and it was clearly a huge success .         

Chassis number 18 NC  was delivered new on the 17th of November 1926 , copies of original factory build sheets document the car was on test on the 20th September 1926 and state that it was delivered by cockshoot for a mr Barkigen of Chepstow, Manchester with a sporting four seater body. The ownership record then shows the car was purchased by a Costa Rican diplomat, Mr G Salem, who registered the car with the consulate in Manchester. Factory build sheets then place the car in the Rolls-Royce Paris workshop during the 1930s, as if further proof were needed of its glamorous life at that time.       

Part of a private collection of Rolls-Royce and other vintage cars, chassis number 18NC has been little used since its restoration and rarely seen in public since the 1930s. This beautifull and unique pre-war concours d'Elegance winner, which still carries its original registration number, would surely provide its new owner with an entry to some of the worlds most prestigious car events where it would surely cause a sensation.

Silverstone Auctions are proud to be able to offer this car at the inaugural Salon Privé Sale on September 4th. Interested Parties are invited to contact Will Smith on 0044 (0) 1926 691141 or 0044 (0) 7809 430111