Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer by Hooper 'Ex-Maharaja'
Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer by Hooper - 'Ex-Maharaja'
This Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer by Hooper is so obviously impressive that just a brief description is sufficient to point out its unmistakable qualities.
This "New Phantom" with chassis number 15YC was ordered by the Rolls-Royce dealer in Calcutta, India, upon commission of His Highness Shri Natwarsingji, Maharaja of Chhota Udepur. Provided with an open tourer body by Hooper & Co., the coachbuilder of choice of the Royal Family of the United Kingdom, it was delivered in India in June of 1926.
Equipped with several luxurious accessories, such as the magnificent tilting Grebel headlights including a searchlight for when the Maharaja went hunting for tigers, and the carefully crafted wooden bar with crystal decanters in the back, it is an extraordinary relic of the opulent lives that these Indian sovereigns led in the 1920s. It goes without saying that it was also supplied with folding seats for two additional passengers, a full-weather equipment, a rear Auster screen, and any tool the Maharaja's mechanic might ever need.
Technical details
After forty years in India, 15YC arrived in the UK where it was stored and left untouched for twenty years. In 1984 it was brought to Belgium in a very complete condition but in dire need of restoration. Having previously restored a Rolls-Royce Ghost, a Phantom II Saloon and a 20/25, the Belgian owner decided to embark upon a journey to bring this ex-Maharaja Phantom I Tourer back to its pristine condition that this magnificent motorcar had when leaving the Rolls-Royce factory in 1926. Even without knowing and not caring how long this adventure would take him...
The term "nut and bolt restoration" has never been so accurate. Twelve years and more than 10.000 hours later, the owner could finally enjoy the sheer pleasure of driving this majestic automobile.
Driving it is almost indescribable and has to be experienced. It drives very lightly for such a large and heavy car, shifting gears is remarkably easy for a prewar, and the 7.7 litre 6-cylinder engine is as powerful as it is silent. Almost 100 years later, it is still overwhelmingly obvious why the "New Phantom" was the number one car for royalty all over the planet.
This is your opportunity to acquire an original and very well documented Ex-Maharaja Phantom I tourer, which will drive any distance and impress many while doing it.
Almost 100 years later, it is still overwhelmingly obvious why the "New Phantom" was the number one car for royalty all over the planet.Bernard Marreyt , Founder of Marreyt Classic Cars
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