1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I – Chassis S162RP

A Unique “Special 4-Place Sedan” with Distinctive American Heritage

Among pre-war Rolls-Royce motor cars, there are rare few that feel destined to survive as something truly special. These cars have a design, history, and restoration that align so naturally that they seem destined to endure.

Chassis S162RP is one of those cars.

Original factory records describe this Phantom I as a “Special 4-Place Sedan,” suggesting it was a one-off or uniquely commissioned body. Its design is unusual yet immediately appealing: a six-light, division-less sedan with beautifully proportioned and well-balanced proportions. The elegance is enhanced by twin side-mounted spare wheels. It’s formal without being heavy, dignified without being stiff—exactly the kind of car favored by discerning owners who valued taste over ostentation.

A glance confirms that this Rolls-Royce has undergone an extensive and high-quality restoration. The exterior boasts an excellent repaint, while the interior has been expertly re-trimmed in black leather, complemented by fine headlining, carpets, and beautifully finished woodwork. A particularly charming detail is the exposed internal roof slats, adding warmth, character, and a subtle reminder of bespoke coachbuilt craftsmanship.

The body itself is a delight: solid, correct, and wonderfully assembled. The doors close with that unmistakable Rolls-Royce “click”—a sound collectors know and seek. Mechanically, the car shows clear evidence of comprehensive attention, and even the underside is immaculate, speaking volumes about the quality and thoroughness of the work performed.

Notable Provenance

This Phantom I was originally delivered to Dr. A. H. Suggett of San Francisco, a prominent figure in America’s political and social elite. Dr. Suggett served as the personal dentist to President Herbert Hoover (1929–1933) and was well-connected within Hoover’s inner circle. Notably, he was also twice the brother-in-law of Lincoln Steffens, the renowned investigative journalist whose exposés shed light on corruption in early 20th-century American cities and governments.

Dr. Suggett and his wife were known to own not one, but two Rolls-Royce motor cars. They frequently indulged in Sunday drives between social engagements, showcasing the refined use these cars were designed for.

Dr. Suggett’s business address, the historic Butler Building, miraculously survived the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Today, this very structure is part of what is now Macy’s, firmly anchoring this car in the rich tapestry of early California history.

The car’s remarkable journey continued under the care of subsequent custodians. The next known owner, Louis E. Roehrigh, displayed the Phantom at Gold Gulch Ranch along historic Route 66. There, it became part of a public-facing collection of antique automobiles and firearms. By 1971, the car had passed on to H. Ward Gandy. Gandy’s family had deep roots in the automotive industry, tracing back to Harry W. Glover, an early pioneer who established his first garage in 1912 and later became a Studebaker dealer. Gandy’s lineage made him an ideal steward for such a prestigious motor car.

The Collector’s Perspective

This isn’t a car for someone looking for a generic pre-war Rolls-Royce. It’s a car for the collector who values:

- Authenticity and documented history
- Unusual coachwork with a striking visual presence
- Correct, high-quality restoration without excess
- A motor car that feels equally at home on the show field, in a curated collection, or gliding along quiet roads on a Sunday morning

The Chassis S162RP embodies the spirit of Rolls-Royce in the classic era—engineered excellence, understated authority, and a life lived among interesting people in interesting places.

Chassis No.: S162RP
Registration No.: BF 6299

Opportunities to acquire a Phantom I of this character, condition, and provenance are becoming increasingly rare. This is a motor car for someone who understands that the true value of a pre-war Rolls-Royce lies not just in its physical attributes, but in its history and the people it has been associated with.