A direct descendent of the Silver Ghost, the Rolls-Royce Phantom I was launched in May 1925.

It became immediately obvious that Rolls-Royce had gained quite a bit of knowledge in terms of refining the chassis.

Sir Henry Royce felt that the Silver Ghost chassis was adequately robust.

He was not easily persuaded that the company needed a new chassis.

Instead, further improvements were made – in essence, a process of careful technical advancement – which reflected Royce’s belief in evolution rather than revolution.

For the most part, the Phantom I chassis was identical to that of the Silver Ghost.

It did offer customers two different wheelbase lengths from which to choose: 143.5 inches or the longer 150.5 inches.

The Phantom I gearbox was also the same as before, except that the old cone clutch was replaced with a new, single dry plate clutch – more conducive to quieter and smoother operation.

Rolling off the production line in June 1928 and subsequently delivered to its first own...