The vast majority of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I chassis produced in Springfield, Massachusetts carried closed coachwork that was heavy and formal, albeit beautifully constructed and finely detailed. However, a variety of open bodies were offered through the factory’s Custom Coach Work label—with each carrying the names of British landmarks. Pride of place amongst these sporting variants was the Piccadilly Roadster, which was built under the RRCCW label by Merrimac Body Company.
This fleet roadster is distinguished by its light and sporty lines, a jaunty fabric top and a relatively small passenger compartment with a short tail accentuated by the powerful length of the engine ahead. Just 45 of these athletic bodies were outfitted for the Phantom I, though most were destined as replacement bodies for used chassis. The fact that the example offered here is an original-body Piccadilly makes it particularly rare and interesting.
Story by RM Sotheby’s
