To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $140,000

• Offered from the Todd and Peggy Nagler Collection
• Part of the collection and perennial tour participant since 1963
• Extensive recent restoration work by marque specialist Steve Littin
• Accompanied by comprehensive history and maintenance file
• Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic

This Rolls-Royce Phantom I, chassis no. S69PM, was originally used as a demonstrator by the dealership in Philadelphia, after which it was delivered on 7 January 1928 to Mrs. Adele Spalding bearing a Mayfair town-car body. It was subsequently remounted in-period with the present body, a handsome and sporting Avon sedan by Brewster, originally on chassis no. S362LR. Featuring a fabric-covered roofline with blind rear quarters, as well as a relatively low roofline, the Avon is widely considered among the most attractive sedan bodies mounted on the Phantom I.

The car was acquired by Charles Nagler from O. Edward Kurt of Detroit, Michigan, in 1963, with photos showing that it remained in solid and intact condition when purchased. It was subsequently restored, with the engine rebuilt by Connie Bouchard and a Frank Cooke stainless-steel exhaust system fitted; cosmetic work, in Sheridan Blue with a complementary cloth interior, was handled by other specialists in the Detroit area. It would be occasionally exhibited in Classic Car Club of America and Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club judging over the next two decades and was also regularly enjoyed.

Todd Nagler eventually inherited his father’s car and, through his own investigations, revealed that the body was misaligned to the chassis due to the Avon coachwork having been intended for the longer 146.5-inch-wheelbase frame. Accordingly, the car was brought to noted specialist Steve Littin’s Vintage & Auto Rebuilds of Chardon, Ohio, in late 2016. The correct proportions were achieved by repositioning the body and fitting factory long-wheelbase springs, driveshaft, and associated components. At the same time, various improvements were undertaken that included replacing some of the wood in the roof and freshening the paint where needed.

Few extant Phantom Is have enjoyed such exhaustive attention by one family for over 55 years; this example looks as good as it drives and is ready for countless new touring experiences.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.