1928 Rolls Royce Phantom- Locke and Company bodied Convertible Phaeton
1928
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Transmission:
3-speed manual
Cylinders:
6
Auction Estimate:
$120,000 -$160,000
VIN:
S-177-RP
Description
Rolls Royce Phantom, chassis # S177RP, is an important example of automotive history and historical significance, originally belonging to one of the most influential American families of the 19th and 20th Centuries. Regarded as “one of the nation’s greatest civic leaders and philanthropists,” Mr. Jeremiah Milbank personally ordered this 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom. Widely regarded as one of the finest motorcars of the day, this Phantom was ordered with an extremely rare “Convertible Phaeton” body by Locke &…
Rolls Royce Phantom, chassis # S177RP, is an important example of automotive history and historical significance, originally belonging to one of the most influential American families of the 19th and 20th Centuries. Regarded as “one of the nation’s greatest civic leaders and philanthropists,” Mr. Jeremiah Milbank personally ordered this 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom. Widely regarded as one of the finest motorcars of the day, this Phantom was ordered with an extremely rare “Convertible Phaeton” body by Locke & Co. Elegant in design, this vehicle exudes sophistication and class. Mr. Milbank used his positive influence, financial standing, and personal efforts to improve the lives of others and was a cornerstone of significant social organizations and programs still in existence today. S177RP is well documented in the records of the Rolls Royce foundation and has been featured multiple times in the organization’s publication, The Flying Lady.
Chassis #S177RP was constructed at Rolls-Royce’s Springfield, MA factory for Mr. Milbank and delivered on June 5, 1928. Intended to be a car used by his family and specifically his wife, an extremely rare luxury Convertible Phaeton body was chosen from Locke & Co. This style provided for open air touring with the comfort of a closed car during inclement weather. Limited numbers of Springfield-built Phantom’s received bodies from Locke & Co. This example features a unique dual-hinged side window system that folds inward to create a rear passenger windshield for open touring while connecting to each door to enclose the vehicle creating the feel of a sedan. Rear accommodations are spacious, comfortable and feature a rear dash that includes a clock as well as fold out compartments including a vanity mirror and a cigarette service area complete with lighter.
Rolls-Royce’s successor to their famous “Ghost,” this Phantom features a 468ci six-cylinder engine paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Driving this automobile is a rewarding experience. The engine runs extremely well and delivers power through a smooth shifting gearbox, reflecting a vehicle that was restored with as much focus on its drivability and touring as its style. Traveling down the road is an enjoyable experience. The body seems to float sitting atop the 143.5” wheelbase chassis as one travels down the road. Chassis # S177RP was restored to a high standard decades ago and is certainly worthy of touring by any serious collector.
Following many years of ownership by the Milbank family around New York and the family’s home in Greenwich, CT, this vehicle was purchased from Mrs. Milbank by a Mr. James Bragg. At the time of Mr. Bragg’s purchase, the vehicle was sitting on the lower level of a carriage house wrapped in sheets pinned together. Mr. Bragg undertook an extensive restoration of this rare car and owned it for many years, participating in many Rolls-Royce events and tours.
At the time of this vehicle’s manufacture, Mr. Milbank was heavily involved in managing the families’ vast entrepreneurial enterprises while being heavily engaged in his own important social and philanthropic efforts. Jeremiah Milbank was named after his grandfather whose entrepreneurial vision and efforts in real-estate, railroad investing, and the dry goods business helped to create a successful business empire. Along with inventor Gail Borden, the senior Milbank created the New York Condensed Milk Company. In 1899, when Mr. Milbank became heavily involved in his grandfather’s company, the company was renamed the “Borden’s Condensed Milk Co.”
Following a series tragic events in a short amount of time, Mr. Milbank dedicated his life and resources to humane efforts focusing heavily on health, rehabilitation, and the youth of America. After World War One, Milbank collaborated with the American Red Cross to form a rehabilitation Center for veterans and devised techniques adopted as standards throughout the world. The ICD Institute for Career Development is still in existence today. Mr. Milbank led efforts to help eradicate diphtheria and in 1928 organized the International Committee for the Study of Infantile Paralysis.
A believer in the youth of America, Jeremiah Milbank worked with President Herbert Hoover to create the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, himself serving as treasurer for 25 years. President Franklin Roosevelt asked Mr. Milbank to chair the organization that eventually became the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Mr. Milbank was a founding trustee of the March of Dimes. Mr. Milbank was also supportive of director Cecil B. DeMille’s career, believing that his films possessed a positive moral message. Through various foundations, Mr. Milbank’s efforts, and the efforts of the Milbank family, continue to have a positive impact on the Nation.
This Rolls Royce Phantom Locke-bodied Convertible Phaeton is a unique, historic automobile with important provenance. A true rolling artifact that is ready to find its next caretaker.
1928 Rolls Royce Phantom- Locke and Company bodied Convertible Phaeton
Lot #:
095
Auction Estimate:
$120,000 -$160,000
Sold For:
Passed
Year:
1928
Make:
Rolls-Royce
Model:
Phantom
Body Style:
Locke and Company
VIN:
S-177-RP
Exterior Color:
Black
Interior Color:
Tan
Cylinders:
6
Engine Size:
468 Ci
Transmission:
3-speed manual
Consignor Ratings*
Engine:
Very Good
Body:
Very Good
Chassis/Frame:
Excellent
Tires:
Very Good
Coachwork/Interior:
Very Good
Electrical:
Very Good
Transmission:
Excellent
Paint:
Very Good
Overall Condition:
Very Good
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)
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