44DC was ordered new as a Barker Sports Tourer for W. Garnet-Christie, Esq from Sussex and was delivered on the 23^rd of June, 1926.  Mr. Christie traded in his 1922 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.  By 1931, Douglas Nicholson acquired the Rolls and then by 1934 44DC made its way to Rhodesia.  By 1968, Mr. L Gilinsky had acquired the Tourer in South Africa.  By 1979, the Rolls made its way back to the UK under the ownership of Mr. N.C. Cameron.  At some point the Barker Sports Tourer body was modified into a Boat-Tail.

The present owners acquired 44DC in the 1980’s and imported it to Northern California.  Over the past four decades, the present owner and his father commenced a restoration, improving the body shape and upgrading the cosmetics and operations.  The color combination was selected by the father and we have to say that it is stunning in person.  This Boat-Tail was built for fun and fun it is.

The Lime Green and Dove Gray livery is striking, fun and sporty.  The paint is in overall nice touring condition.  We love the shape of the front and rear fenders.  The paint has nice shine and luster and is complemented by burgundy wire wheels including two side mounted spares, all with wide white walled tires.  We would recommend replacing the tires with black walled tires.  The burgundy wheels match the interior well.  The Boat-Tail has nicely finished wood accents accentuating the Boat-Tail design.  The nickel radiator and blend of chrome, nickel and stainless-steel trim are in very nice condition.  The Flying Lady is chrome plated and is believed to be a nice quality reproduction.  The original three-panel opening windshield has a nice rake to it and adds to the sporty look.  The fish tail exhaust pipe end is also correct and looks great!

The interior is finished in a nice quality burgundy pleated leather with burgundy wool carpeting.  Each of the four doors have storage compartments and the dashboard is a beautiful wood panel.  There is a full array of gauges and instruments that are all brass plated.  There is a black vinyl convertible top that had been used decades ago and would have to be fitted to be used presently.  The photo gallery shows a photo of the Rolls with the top erected.  Overall, the interior is well done and adds to the fun of this Phantom!

The impressive engine compartment is well detailed.  The massive 7.7-liter six cylinder is quiet and performs well.  The four-speed transmission shifts well (in the test drive video we did a poor job of double-clutching!  Operator error not the cars fault!) and is very highly geared.  We suspect that this Boat-Tail could reach 90 mph or more.  Fortunately, it has the robust four-wheel braking introduced on the Phantom I chassis.

For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.  The Boat-Tail is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom.  We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.

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HISTORY:  S195FR comes with a wonderful file history spanning its entire life.  William Fahnestock ordered it from his office at 2 Wall Street and their Manhattan home at 457 Fifth Ave.  According to the extensive correspondence between the Fahnestock’s and Rolls-Royce of America, S195FR was custom ordered to be a special long wheelbase of 150 inches.  This was because S195FR was replacing their 1914 Silver Ghost (37CD), which had its 151 ½ inch wheelbase.  37CD was used as a trade in while specifying that they could continue enjoying it until S195FR was delivered.  Ultimately, Rolls-Royce built S195FR as a special order 148 ½ inch wheelbase (according to letters the front axle was moved back 1.5 inches), which is likely a unique specification.

In 1927, the Fahnestock’s built what is said to be the last of the great Newport mansions, the Charles A. Platt designed “Bois Dore” on Narragansett Avenue.  S195FR was delivered on July 8, 1929 to their estate in Katonah, NY.  The next documented owner was HL Cook from Ohio which submitted his ownership of S195FR to the RROC records on November 3, 1952.  Mr. Cook was a significant collector and an active member of the RROC.  S195FR appeared in the Flying Lady (FL266) in 1956.  By 1963, the Town Car was acquired by Harry TN Graves from Virginia.  Mr. Graves was also a significant collector of Rolls-Royces and owned it for 30 years.  Its last owner, Mr. John B Kinkead of St, Paul, MN acquired it in 1994.

RESTORATION: Mr. Kinkead was a noted collector that enjoyed driving and touring his classics.  S195FR was no exception.  Mr. Kinkead invested about $100,000 in its restoration relying on many of the top names including: Coldwell Engineering, Bill Cooke, Leanard Reece Co in the UK and Odyssey Restorations, Inc in Spring Lake Park, MN.  The restoration was from 2003 through 2009 and resulted in the beautiful example we are presenting today.  The restoration receipts are included in the history file.

S195FR was an early Springfield Phantom I with the smaller grille, manual vertical radiator shutters, drum headlights, dual side mounts and the attractive rounded chromed pipe bumpers.  Being a later Springfield Phantom, S195FR was one of the first Phantoms with chrome rather than nickel and is left hand drive.  In total, 1,241 Springfield Phantom I’s were produced.  The body and fenders are believed to be original to the car, but it is said that in the mid 1930’s it was sent to Rollston of New York to have the original fenders “skirted” to give it a more updated appearance.

EXTERIOR:  The livery is an elegant two-tone blue that is in overall nice enough for most concours events but what we refer to as touring quality.  The paint presents itself with very nice shine and luster but has many small touched up chips and a few small cracks.  The chrome has largely been redone and in very good to excellent condition with some signs of wear.  The black vinyl top looks correct and in very nice condition.  The original trunk with three fitted suitcases is still original and in beautiful condition.   The glass is all excellent having been replaced during the restoration.

INTERIOR:  The chauffeur’s compartment of the interior is black leather that is in very nice condition.  It is very correct and soft and supple.  The dash is original and in very nice condition.  There is carpet that appears to be original in front and it is in nice condition.  The rear compartment is in tan wool broadcloth and features a full rear seat with a divider armrest and a full jump seat for one additional passenger.  The tan carpeting is also wool and in very nice condition.  S195FR was ordered with dual vanities and a cigar lighter and additionally has a Motor Dictograph and a sliding division window.  The rear passenger area has two vanities which include a beautiful cigarette case, lighter, pen set, bottles and other items befitting such a car.  The wood inside the passenger’s compartment is also in nice condition.  Overall, the interior has a consistent patina with the rest of the Phantom I.  It is very presentable and correct for touring and regional shows.  S195FR comes with its original luggage trunk with three suitcases and its canvas cover, all in very nice original condition.

DRIVETRAIN:  The engine and engine compartment are very impressive and in beautiful condition.  The engine was replaced with a correct series SPI 7,668 cc six-cylinder inline engine with its 4-speed transmission (Engine No. 23006).  The gauges all appear to work well including the speedometer, oil pressure, temperature, amp meter and fuel gauge.  The clock is not working but is correct and original to the car.  The drivetrain was completely restored during the restoration including the engine, transmission, suspension, Bjur lubrication, radiator, etc.   The chassis is well detailed for a tour car and appropriate for show.  The Phantom drives very well with cool operating temperatures and great oil pressure.  We have serviced the oil, lubricated the chassis and completely serviced the carburetor.

For more details and information please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.  The Phantom I is available for viewing in our Phoenix showroom.

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Robert Redford’s Gatsby Rolls. This is one of the very few cars ever to hold co-star status within a great American classic novel, an iconic movie, and an actor such as Robert Redford. This 1928 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom I Ascot Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton is nearly perfect after benefiting from a thorough restoration with marque experts with a total investment of about $1.2 million. We believe it is safe to say that between its provenance on the silver screen and the restoration, this is one of the most important Rolls-Royces in existence.

F. Scott Fitzgerald selected a Rolls-Royce as the car to be featured in his classic and timeless novel, The Great Gatsby. The car was described in detail in the novel and was an important highlight in the movie as well. And with an all-star cast selected by Paramount studios, it was important that the Rolls-Royce was equally as stunning. Robert Redford starred alongside Mia Farrow to create this all-time classic movie.

S304KP was just the right car to co-star with Robert Redford. It had been owned by Ted Leonard who was a well known collector from Seekonk, Massachusetts. The Rolls is likely the only Ascot sport phaeton built as a dual cowl. And this was one of the details F. Scott Fitzgerald included in his description of Jay Gatsby’s Rolls: “He saw me looking with admiration at his car. “‘It’s pretty, isn’t it, old sport!’ He jumped off to give me a better view. ‘Haven’t you ever seen it before?’ I’d seen it. Everybody had seen it. It was a rich cream color, bright with nickel, swollen here and there in its monstrous length with triumphant hat-boxes and supper-boxes and tool-boxes, and terraced with a labyrinth of wind-shields that mirrored a dozen suns. Sitting down behind many layers of glass in a sort of green leather conservatory, we started to town.”

After being selected as The Gatsby Rolls, S304KP required its livery repainted in the creamy yellow combination and its leather interior to be dyed in an elegant green. The result was perfect.

Chassis S304KP was originally a Town Brougham delivered to Mildred Loring Logan of New York City, and was later owned by American Tobacco Company president, George Washington Hill. There is no documented history in the Rolls-Royce factory “Schoellkopf Cards” from 1929 through 1964. The research determines that the Ascot body was originally mounted onto chassis S240RM and that the body was moved onto chassis S304KP sometime during or after 1945. The history of the Rolls is well researched and documented, and copies of the related factory and historical information accompany the motorcar. Mr. Leonard acquired the car just in time for the starring role as The Gatsby Rolls. The Leonard’s maintained ownership of S304KP for the next 36 years.

In 2009, The Gatsby Rolls was sold at auction from Leonard’s estate to John O’Quinn of Houston, Texas. Mr. O’Quinn died suddenly a few months later, and the car was eventually sold to the current owners, for whom a ground-up restoration was completed from 2011 through 2019. Many of the leading experts were involved in the restoration. Steve Littin from Vintage & Auto Rebuilds in Chardon, Ohio did the full mechanical restoration and the paint and body restoration was performed by Shawn Robinson from Yesterday’s in Tyler, Texas. The Gatsby Rolls is nearly perfect today after a total investment in the restoration of about $1.2 million. It would be welcomed at any concours event throughout the world, and had been invited to be shown at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours.

The elegant cream paint is excellent in all respects and is accented by the abundance of concours quality chrome. The green leather interior is complimented by the tan Haartz cloth canvas convertible top and the beautiful wood dashboard with chrome bezels.

The Ascot body is widely considered one of the most stunning designs of the classic period. It is both sporty and elegant.

We have an appraisal for The Gatsby Rolls supporting the asking price. But more importantly, we believe this Rolls is priced well. It is well known that such iconic classics that are indelibly fixed into our memories and culture, are sought after the world over. This explains the values for such items as the decrepit Bullet Mustang selling for $3.74 million in January 2020 and Paul Newman’s Rolex selling for $17.8 million in October 2017.

The Great Gatsby as a book has sold about 30 million copies and the number of people who have watch the classic movie is beyond estimation. This is an important fixture in America’s culture.

This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the most important Rolls-Royces in the world. The Gatsby Rolls is owned by The Chamberlain Foundation, a not-for-profit. Its purpose is to help educate future restorers of collector cars and watch makers. Certain tax advantages may be available to the purchaser of the motorcar.

The Gatsby Rolls is available for viewing and inspection in Texas. Please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.

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The dark green paint of the cowl and bonnet is complemented by its black fenders and black painted wire wheels. The dark livery is punctuated with chrome lights, mirrors, trafficators, the iconic Rolls grill and a broad collection of handles, hinges and rivets. Installed on the drivers side is a large hunting spot light. And of course, the wooden body is massive and beautiful. She is extremely solid, belying its age and storied history. The wood has been refinished regularly over the years and is in very nice condition. Overall, Victoria exhibits a perfectly consistent patina that makes it a sensation anywhere it is seen. Let us be clear though, the chrome is mostly exhibiting scratches, wear or some pitting, but it looks just right on 57NC.

Victoria comes complete with newer beautiful tan leather interior and tan carpeting. The leather is soft and supple and wonderful to touch. It feels like your grandfathers favorite leather chair or jacket. In the back, a rear facing period folding bench is positioned to hold a few additional shooters, with ample room for a couple of dogs as well. Positioned behind the bench is the rifle rack for the shotguns. We love the fold down tailgate that turns into a table for the picnic lunch. There is also an awning system and two period shotguns (with firing pins removed) which make the display a sight to see.

The dashboard could benefit from refinishing, as the varnish is peeling. It is replete with enough instruments and gauges to fill the cockpit of an airplane, including a barometer.

Chassis 57NC was ordered new on December 17, 1926 by Mrs. A.T. Ellis to receive double cabriolet coachwork by Gills, designed to carry six people and four pieces of luggage. This was built with the long wheelbase of 149″ and the “C” specification steering rake. Mrs. Ellis was from Bexhill-on-Sea. Sir Fredrick Radcliffe of London acquired 57NC on the 13th of August, 1932. Its next owner was G.W. Gardner, Esq from Chelmsford, Essex who acquired it on the 28th of May, 1934. And the Commander T. Wooley of Fairford, England was the last owner of 57NC, before it was exported to the USA.

Mr. Kenneth Godden bought 57NC from the Commander and exported it to San Francisco, California in the mid-1950’s. It’s understood that Mr. Godden found 57NC while serving in the military in the UK shortly after the Korean War. Mr. Godden had registered 57NC in the RROC directory from 1978 until 2014. At one point, Mr. Godden moved from Navato, CA to Austin, TX and loaded up his family and drove the shooting brake to make the journey. He recounted the story that while on the drive through the Mojave Desert he and Victoria saved several cars from overheating, while the Rolls never missed a beat!

Mr. Godden sold Victoria to the present owner in approximately 2014. The present owners have enjoyed Victoria on ranches in Texas and have displayed her at various Rolls-Royce and concours events, including the aforementioned First in Class win at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. She has recently benefited from significant mechanical servicing, including a completely new and rebuilt clutch assembly, rebuilding of the carburetor and fuel delivery system, and major a major tune up. She now drives very well and passed our inspection process, ensuring that it is safe and should prove to be reliable in the tradition of Rolls-Royce. Victoria is still in her prime and ready to enjoy, much to the delight of the crowds that gawk at her proportions and lines.

For more details and information, or to schedule a live video inspection, call or text Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. Victoria is available for viewing at our Phoenix, AZ showroom.

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Our pre-sale estimated value is $1,500,000 to $2,000,000.

Robert Redford’s Gatsby Rolls. This is one of the very few cars ever to hold co-star status within a great American classic novel, an iconic movie, and an actor such as Robert Redford. This 1928 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom I Ascot Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton is nearly perfect after benefiting from a thorough restoration with marque experts with a total investment of about $1.2 million. We believe it is safe to say that between its provenance on the silver screen and the restoration, this is one of the most important Rolls-Royces in existence.

F. Scott Fitzgerald selected a Rolls-Royce as the car to be featured in his classic and timeless novel, The Great Gatsby. The car was described in detail in the novel and was an important highlight in the movie as well. And with an all-star cast selected by Paramount studios, it was important that the Rolls-Royce was equally as stunning. Robert Redford starred alongside Mia Farrow to create this all-time classic movie.

S304KP was just the right car to co-star with Robert Redford. It had been owned by Ted Leonard who was a well known collector from Seekonk, Massachusetts. The Rolls is likely the only Ascot sport phaeton built as a dual cowl. And this was one of the details F. Scott Fitzgerald included in his description of Jay Gatsby’s Rolls: “He saw me looking with admiration at his car. “‘It’s pretty, isn’t it, old sport!’ He jumped off to give me a better view. ‘Haven’t you ever seen it before?’ I’d seen it. Everybody had seen it. It was a rich cream color, bright with nickel, swollen here and there in its monstrous length with triumphant hat-boxes and supper-boxes and tool-boxes, and terraced with a labyrinth of wind-shields that mirrored a dozen suns. Sitting down behind many layers of glass in a sort of green leather conservatory, we started to town.”

After being selected as The Gatsby Rolls, S304KP required its livery repainted in the creamy yellow combination and its leather interior to be dyed in an elegant green. The result was perfect.

Chassis S304KP was originally a Town Brougham delivered to Mildred Loring Logan of New York City, and was later owned by American Tobacco Company president, George Washington Hill. There is no documented history in the Rolls-Royce factory “Schoellkopf Cards” from 1929 through 1964. The research determines that the Ascot body was originally mounted onto chassis S240RM and that the body was moved onto chassis S304KP sometime during or after 1945. The history of the Rolls is well researched and documented, and copies of the related factory and historical information accompany the motorcar. Mr. Leonard acquired the car just in time for the starring role as The Gatsby Rolls. The Leonard’s maintained ownership of S304KP for the next 36 years.

In 2009, The Gatsby Rolls was sold at auction from Leonard’s estate to John O’Quinn of Houston, Texas. Mr. O’Quinn died suddenly a few months later, and the car was eventually sold to the current owners, for whom a ground-up restoration was completed from 2011 through 2019. Many of the leading experts were involved in the restoration. Steve Littin from Vintage & Auto Rebuilds in Chardon, Ohio did the full mechanical restoration and the paint and body restoration was performed by Shawn Robinson from Yesterday’s in Tyler, Texas. The Gatsby Rolls is nearly perfect today after a total investment in the restoration of about $1.2 million. It would be welcomed at any concours event throughout the world, and had been invited to be shown at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours.

The elegant cream paint is excellent in all respects and is accented by the abundance of concours quality chrome. The green leather interior is complimented by the tan Haartz cloth canvas convertible top and the beautiful wood dashboard with chrome bezels.

The Ascot body is widely considered one of the most stunning designs of the classic period. It is both sporty and elegant.

We have an appraisal for The Gatsby Rolls supporting the asking price. But more importantly, we believe this Rolls is priced well. It is well known that such iconic classics that are indelibly fixed into our memories and culture, are sought after the world over. This explains the values for such items as the decrepit Bullet Mustang selling for $3.74 million in January 2020 and Paul Newman’s Rolex selling for $17.8 million in October 2017.

The Great Gatsby as a book has sold about 30 million copies and the number of people who have watch the classic movie is beyond estimation. This is an important fixture in America’s culture.

This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the most important Rolls-Royces in the world. The Gatsby Rolls is owned by The Chamberlain Foundation, a not-for-profit. Its purpose is to help educate future restorers of collector cars and watch makers. Certain tax advantages may be available to the purchaser of the motorcar.

The Gatsby Rolls is available for viewing and inspection in our showroom in Phoenix. Please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.

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