Custom coachbuilding in the 1920s and 1930s represented the pinnacle of personal expression for the wealthy elite. While names like Waterhouse, Figoni & Falaschi, and Murphy became synonymous with bespoke automotive artistry on marques like Packard, Delahaye, and Duesenberg, the idea of a commercial bus and truck body builder crafting coachwork for a Rolls-Royce seemed improbable. Yet, Jonckheere Carrossiers of Belgium defied expectations, reimagining a 1925 Phantom I into what is arguably the most uniquely styled Rolls-Royce ever conceived.
In 1925, Rolls-Royce introduced the New Phantom, later known as the Phantom I, succeeding the Silver Ghost. Faced with increasing competition from prestigious marques like Hispano-Suiza and Isotta Fraschini, Rolls-Royce opted for enhanced power. The New Phantom essentially utilized the 40/50 chassis but featured a larger 7668cc engine, up from 7428cc, and transitioned from side valves to overhead valves. This powertrain upgrade, coupled with the significant improvement of front-wheel brakes, marked the Phantom I’s advancements. The shift to overhead valves also necessitated a slightly taller hood, a detail that would influence the design direction taken by various coachbuilders.
This particular Phantom I began its journey with a stately Hooper Cabriolet body, but an unexpected change of heart prevented its delivery to the original Detroit purchaser. Instead, it was sold as new to the Raja of Nanpara. After traversing through several owners and even residing in northern India, the chassis arrived in Belgium in 1932. Two years later, the Hooper Cabriolet body was removed, and the Phantom I entered the Jonckheere workshops for a remarkable transformation.
Jonckheere, established in 1881 as a carriage builder, had ventured into luxury automobiles in 1902 under Henri Jonckheere. His son, Joseph, who succeeded him, steered the company towards bus body construction in 1922, which became the foundation of their prosperity. However, car bodies remained a significant part of their production well into the early 1930s. The strikingly aerodynamic, fastback body that now graces this Phantom I undoubtedly drew inspiration from contemporary French luxury chassis designs by renowned coachbuilders like Jacques Saoutchik, Joseph Figoni, and Letourneur et Marchand.
A pivotal design choice by Jonckheere was modifying the traditionally vertical Rolls-Royce grille, a bold step in the early 1930s. This alteration was crucial to achieving the streamlined silhouette envisioned for the Phantom’s new body. Bullet-shaped headlights, flowing fenders that gracefully accentuate the wheels, and an extended vertical tailfin along the trunk lid complete the car’s sleek profile. Mirroring Figoni’s experimentation with oval doors, Jonckheere opted for distinctive, large round doors. These doors operate seamlessly, providing access to both rows of seating. The allure of round doors presented a challenge for window operation, ingeniously resolved by a two-piece scissor window mechanism that retracts vertically into the door. Reaching nearly 20 feet in length, this Phantom I coupe might be the longest two-door coupe ever built. Regrettably, a fire destroyed Jonckheere’s records a few years later, leaving the commissioner and designer of this unique masterpiece shrouded in mystery.
While not universally embraced by traditional Rolls-Royce enthusiasts, the Jonckheere design captivated Concours d’Elegance judges. In 1936, it was awarded the Prix d’Honneur at the Cannes Concours d’Elegance. Subsequently, the car changed hands several times before arriving in the United States just before World War II. In America, its flamboyant styling found greater appreciation, but neglect led to its deterioration. Rediscovered in the 1950s in a state of disrepair, it was acquired by Max Obie, an East Coast entrepreneur and early classic car enthusiast, who initiated a refurbishment. Obie famously painted it gold, incorporating substantial gold flakes for maximum visual impact. Not content with mere gold paint, Obie propagated rumors of King Edward VIII’s ownership to further sensationalize the car, a successful publicity stunt that fueled his scheme to exhibit the “Royal Rolls” for a fee at public venues, akin to a carnival sideshow.
The Jonckheere Phantom, or “Round Door Rolls,” continued its journey on the East Coast, changing owners and colors, eventually becoming an unremarkable off-white. In 1991, during the peak of the classic car boom, this exceptional Rolls-Royce was auctioned for $1.5 million to a Japanese collector. It remained largely unseen until the Peterson Automotive Museum acquired it in 2001. True to the Peterson’s commitment to its exhibits, the Phantom underwent a comprehensive, ground-up restoration.
The restoration process revealed previous owners’ attempts to renovate the car, though not to concours standards. This necessitated extensive research and meticulous inspection of every component for wear and authenticity, followed by reconditioning or replacement as required. While the chassis and drivetrain were original to 1925, the body and interior, including the gauges, were correctly dated to the mid-1930s. During bodywork, traces of white, gold, and robin’s-egg blue paint were found, none of which were original. Black was chosen for the final coat to accentuate the car’s flowing curves and massive proportions, as dark colors best define form.
Driving the Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe, like all Phantoms of its era, demands active driver engagement. Steering is heavy at low speeds, gear changes require double-clutching, reminiscent of an older Jonckheere bus, and its substantial weight necessitates ample braking distance. U-turns were likely not part of its intended driving repertoire. The low ground clearance enhances its sleek profile but poses challenges with inclines and speed bumps due to the long rear overhang. The elevated front seating provides excellent road visibility, but the sloping rear roof compromises headroom for rear passengers.
However, these practical shortcomings are overshadowed by the car’s true purpose: to captivate and impress. Whether admired by onlookers, fellow drivers, or concours judges, this Rolls-royce Phantom makes an undeniable statement.
Since its remarkable restoration, the “Round Door Rolls” has been a celebrated entrant at prestigious events like the Pebble Beach and Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance. Although lacking complete historical documentation prevented it from top awards, it received the Lucius Beebe Trophy, an honor reserved for the finest Rolls-Royce. At Meadowbrook, it fittingly won the People’s Choice Award, and at Keels & Wheels in Houston, it secured Best of Show European. Like many automotive works of art, this Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe has endured a fascinating journey, ultimately receiving the admiration it richly deserves.
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.
