The golden age of custom coachbuilding during the 1920s and 1930s represented the pinnacle of personal expression for the wealthy elite. Names like Waterhouse for Packard, Figoni & Falaschi for Delahaye, and Murphy for Duesenberg became synonymous with bespoke automotive artistry. These coachbuilders transformed luxury chassis into unique masterpieces, each reflecting the owner’s individual taste and status. While Rolls-Royce is no stranger to exquisite coachwork, the 1925 Phantom I re-bodied by Jonckheere Carrossiers of Belgium stands apart, presenting what is arguably the most dramatically styled and unforgettable Rolls-Royce ever conceived. This begs the question – what is the Rolls Royce Phantom Price of such an unparalleled piece of automotive history? While a conventional price tag may be limiting, understanding its intrinsic value as rolling art is key to appreciating this exceptional vehicle.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of the black 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe showcasing its distinctive round door and streamlined body, emphasizing its unique design and classic car appeal.
In 1925, Rolls-Royce introduced the New Phantom, later known as the Phantom I, succeeding the iconic Silver Ghost. Faced with growing competition from marques like Hispano-Suiza and Isotta Fraschini, Rolls-Royce opted for enhanced power. The New Phantom essentially utilized the 40/50 chassis but incorporated a larger engine, increasing displacement from 7428cc to 7668cc and transitioning from side valves to overhead valves. These powertrain refinements, coupled with the significant addition of front-wheel brakes, marked notable improvements. The shift to overhead valves also resulted in a slightly taller bonnet, a subtle change that would influence the styling direction taken by coachbuilders working on the Phantom I chassis.
Alt text: Interior view of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe with both round doors open, highlighting the luxurious cabin and the unique scissor-style windows within the circular door frames, demonstrating innovative design.
This particular Phantom I began its journey with a formal Hooper Cabriolet body, but fate intervened. Despite being intended for a buyer in Detroit, a last-minute change of heart led to its resale, effectively as a new car, to the Raja of Nanpara. Its travels continued beyond India, passing through several owners before arriving in Belgium in 1932. Two years later, the Hooper Cabriolet body was removed, and the Phantom I entered the workshops of Jonckheere for a radical transformation.
Alt text: Close-up of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe’s distinctive tail fin, emphasizing the aerodynamic fastback design and the elongated vertical element that contributes to its unique streamlined aesthetic.
Jonckheere, established in 1881 as a carriage builder, ventured into luxury automobiles in 1902 under Henri Jonckheere. His son, Joseph, who succeeded him, steered the company towards bus body construction in 1922, achieving considerable success. However, car bodies remained a significant part of their output into the early 1930s. The strikingly aerodynamic fastback body that now graces the Phantom I reflects the influence of contemporary French luxury chassis designs from coachbuilders like Jacques Saoutchik, Joseph Figoni, and Letourneur et Marchand, who championed streamlined aesthetics.
A bold departure from Rolls-Royce tradition, Jonckheere dared to modify the iconic vertical grille to achieve a more streamlined profile. This alteration was crucial to the overall design, complemented by bullet-shaped headlights, flowing fenders, and a dramatic vertical tailfin extending down the boot lid. Mirroring Figoni’s experimentation with oval doors, Jonckheere opted for large, circular doors that function seamlessly, providing access to both rows of seats. These visually arresting round doors presented a challenge for window operation, ingeniously solved by a two-piece scissor-action window that retracts vertically into the door. Reaching nearly 20 feet in length, this Phantom I coupe is likely the largest two-door coupe ever created. Regrettably, a fire destroyed Jonckheere’s records a few years later, leaving the commissioner and designer of this one-off masterpiece shrouded in mystery.
Alt text: Frontal view of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe grill, highlighting the modified Rolls-Royce grille integrated into the streamlined design and the bullet-shaped headlights, emphasizing the unique frontal styling.
While perhaps divisive among traditional Rolls-Royce purists, the Jonckheere Phantom captivated Concours d’Elegance judges, winning the prestigious Prix d’Honneur at the Cannes Concours d’Elegance in 1936. Its journey continued through various owners, eventually reaching the United States just before World War II. In America, its flamboyant styling found greater acceptance, but neglect led to its decline. Rediscovered in the 1950s in a state of disrepair, it was acquired by entrepreneur and early classic car enthusiast Max Obie, who initiated a refurbishment. Obie famously painted it gold, incorporating gold flakes for maximum visual impact. Seeking further spectacle, Obie fabricated rumors of royal ownership by King Edward VIII to boost its notoriety, touring it as a “Royal Rolls” sideshow attraction for a fee.
Alt text: Rear side view of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe, showcasing the long, sweeping lines of the fastback design, the round door, and the integrated tail fin from a side angle, illustrating its aerodynamic form.
The Jonckheere Phantom, or “Round Door Rolls,” remained on the East Coast, changing hands and paint color again, this time to an off-white. In 1991, during the peak of the classic car boom, this unique Rolls-Royce fetched $1.5 million at auction, purchased by a Japanese collector. Largely unseen until the Peterson Automotive Museum acquired it in 2001, it underwent a comprehensive, ground-up restoration.
Alt text: Rear view of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe emphasizing the dramatic tail fin, the curved rear bodywork, and the custom-built luggage compartment, highlighting the unique rear design elements.
The restoration process revealed previous owners’ attempts at renovation, which fell short of concours standards. This necessitated extensive research to verify and restore every component to its original or 1930s-era specification. While the chassis and drivetrain were original 1925 components, the body and interior, including the gauges, were correctly aligned with the mid-1930s coachwork. During paint preparation, traces of white, gold, and robin’s-egg blue were found, none of which were the original color. Black was ultimately chosen to accentuate the car’s flowing lines and imposing dimensions, as dark colors best define form.
Alt text: Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe trunk open, revealing custom fitted luggage, showcasing the bespoke craftsmanship and attention to detail in the vehicle’s design and luxury features.
Like all Phantom Is, driving this Rolls-Royce demands engagement. Steering is heavy at low speeds, gear changes require double-clutching, and its weight necessitates ample braking distance. U-turns are likely impractical. The low ground clearance enhances its profile but poses challenges on inclines and speed bumps due to the long rear overhang. The high seating position provides excellent forward visibility, but the sloping roof compromises rear headroom.
Alt text: Interior of the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe, displaying the polished wood dashboard, chrome accents, and luxurious cabin appointments, emphasizing the handcrafted interior and vintage luxury.
However, these practical shortcomings are inconsequential when considering the car’s true purpose: to command attention. Whether admired by onlookers, fellow motorists, or concours judges, this Rolls-Royce makes an undeniable statement.
Alt text: Door sill plaque of the Rolls-Royce Jonckheere Coupe, close-up on the custom coachbuilder’s branding, signifying the bespoke nature and the heritage of Jonckheere Carrossiers’ craftsmanship.
Since its restoration, the Round Door Rolls has graced prestigious events like Pebble Beach and Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance. Although missing historical records prevented it from top prizes, it received the Lucius Beebe Trophy for the finest Rolls-Royce at Pebble Beach and the People’s Choice Award at Meadowbrook. At Keels & Wheels in Houston, it earned Best of Show European. Like many automotive masterpieces, this art deco marvel has overcome a challenging history and now receives the admiration it rightfully deserves. The Rolls Royce Phantom price of a standard model today reflects luxury and prestige, but the Jonckheere Phantom transcends monetary value. It represents an irreplaceable piece of automotive art, where price becomes secondary to its historical significance and breathtaking design.
Alt text: Engine bay of the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe, showcasing the meticulously restored straight-6 engine, highlighting the mechanical artistry and the powerful heart of this classic vehicle.
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
By Rob Clements Photography by Scott Williamson © Car Collector Magazine, LLC.
