A striking view of the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe, showcasing its unique and imposing design.
The Dawn of the Phantom I and the Coachbuilding Era
In 1925, Rolls-Royce unveiled the New Phantom, later known as the Phantom I, succeeding the Silver Ghost. Facing rising competition, Rolls-Royce responded with enhanced power within the familiar 40/50 chassis. The New Phantom boasted a slightly larger 7668cc engine, up from 7428cc, and transitioned to overhead valves for improved performance. Significant upgrades were also made to the braking system with the introduction of front-wheel brakes. The shift to overhead valves necessitated a taller bonnet, subtly influencing the styling direction as Phantom I chassis journeyed to various coachbuilders, each ready to imprint their unique vision.
The iconic round doors of the Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe open to reveal its luxurious interior.
This particular Phantom I began its life with an elegant Hooper Cabriolet body, but fate intervened. Originally intended for a Detroit buyer, a change of heart led to its resale to the Raja of Nanpara. After traversing through several owners and continents, it arrived in Belgium in 1932. Two years later, the Hooper body was shed, and the Phantom entered the Jonckheere workshops for a dramatic transformation.
Jonckheere: From Carriages to Couture Cars
Established in 1881 as a carriage builder, Henri Jonckheere ventured into luxury automobiles in 1902. His son, Joseph, propelled the company to success in 1922 with innovative bus bodies, though bespoke car coachwork remained a significant part of their production into the early 1930s. The aerodynamic, fastback form bestowed upon this Phantom I was clearly inspired by the fashionable French designs of the era, echoing the artistry of Jacques Saoutchik, Joseph Figoni, and Letourneur et Marchand.
A close-up on the distinctive tail fin of the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe, highlighting its aerodynamic styling.
Jonckheere boldly reimagined the traditional Rolls-Royce vertical grille, a daring move in the early 1930s, but essential to achieving the streamlined silhouette. Bullet-shaped headlamps, flowing fenders, and a prominent vertical tailfin extending down the boot lid completed the sleek aesthetic. While Figoni experimented with oval doors, Jonckheere opted for unique, large round doors, a signature element that provided access to both rows of seating. These striking doors, however, presented a challenge for window operation, ingeniously solved with a two-piece scissor-like window mechanism. At nearly 20 feet long, this creation stands as a contender for the largest two-door coupe ever built. Sadly, fire destroyed Jonckheere’s records, leaving the commissioner and designer of this masterpiece shrouded in mystery.
From Concours Winner to “Royal” Spectacle
While not universally embraced by traditional Rolls-Royce aficionados, the Jonckheere Phantom captivated concours judges. In 1936, it was awarded the prestigious Prix d’Honneur at the Cannes Concours d’Elegance. Its journey continued through various owners, arriving in the United States just before World War II. In America, its flamboyant design found greater appreciation, but neglect led to disrepair. Rediscovered in the 1950s in derelict condition, it was acquired by Max Obie, an East Coast entrepreneur and early classic car enthusiast, who initiated its refurbishment. Obie controversially painted it gold, infused with pounds of gold flake for maximum visual impact. Seeking further notoriety, he fabricated rumors of royal ownership by King Edward VIII, later the Duke of Windsor. This audacious claim, though unfounded, generated significant publicity, fueling Obie’s unusual venture: touring the “Royal Rolls” at public venues for a fee, akin to a sideshow attraction.
The rear three-quarter view of the Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe, emphasizing its long, sweeping lines and distinctive rear styling.
Resurrection and Recognition at Auction and Museum
The “Round Door Rolls,” as it became known, remained on the East Coast, changing hands and colors, once becoming an unflattering off-white. In 1991, at the height of the classic car boom, this exceptional Rolls-Royce fetched $1.5 million at auction, acquired by a Japanese collector. Largely unseen until 2001, the Peterson Automotive Museum acquired it in the spring of that year. True to their commitment to automotive preservation, the Peterson Museum undertook a comprehensive, ground-up restoration.
The rear of the Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe, showcasing its boat-tail design and integrated luggage compartment.
The restoration process revealed previous, less-than-concours-quality renovations. Meticulous research and verification were required for every component, ensuring authenticity and proper refurbishment or replacement. While the chassis and drivetrain remained original to 1925, the body and interior, including gauges, were correctly aligned with the mid-1930s coachwork. Paint analysis determined that neither white, gold, nor robin’s-egg blue were the original color. Black was chosen for the restoration, a color that best accentuated the car’s flowing lines and imposing scale.
Custom-fitted luggage designed for the Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe, nestled within the sweeping tailfin trunk.
Driving a Phantom of this era demands driver engagement. Heavy steering at low speeds, double-clutching for gear changes, and substantial braking distances are inherent to its design. U-turns were likely a challenge. The low ground clearance, while contributing to its sleek profile, poses issues with inclines and speed bumps due to the long rear overhang. The elevated front seating provides excellent visibility, but the sloping roof compromises rear headroom.
The lavish interior of the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe, featuring polished chrome and exquisite woodwork.
Ultimately, these practical considerations pale in comparison to the car’s true purpose: to captivate. Whether admired by onlookers, fellow motorists, or concours judges, this Rolls-Royce commands attention.
A door sill plaque of the Rolls-Royce Jonckheere Coupe, a reminder of its bespoke coachbuilt origins.
Since its restoration, the Round Door Rolls has graced prestigious events like Pebble Beach and Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance. While missing records prevented top prizes, it received the Lucius Beebe Trophy for the finest Rolls-Royce and the People’s Choice Award at Meadowbrook, and Best of Show European at Keels & Wheels. Like many automotive icons, this art deco masterpiece has endured a tumultuous history and now rightfully receives the admiration it deserves. The Rolls-Royce Phantom price of such a unique and historically significant vehicle is, in essence, incalculable, representing not just monetary value but also irreplaceable artistry and automotive heritage.
The meticulously restored engine of the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe, showcasing the mechanical artistry of the era.
Specifications
Engine
Location: front, longitudinal
Type: naturally aspirated straight 6 with 2 cast-iron monoblocs with 3 cylinders each and detachable iron cylinder head
Displacement: 7,668cc
Bore × Stroke: 107.9mm (4.25”) × 139.7mm (5.50”)
Compression Ratio: 4:1
Valvetrain: pushrod overhead valves
Maximum Power: 108 bhp @ 2,300 rpm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 3,822mm (150.50 inches)
Track front/back: 1,485mm (58.50 inches) / 1,460mm (57.50 inches)
Weight: N/A
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By Rob Clements Photography by Scott Williamson © Car Collector Magazine, LLC. (Click for more Car Collector Magazine articles) Originally appeared in the May 2007 issue
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