Rolls Royce Phantom I 17-EX Experimental Open Tourer 1928

Developing and manufacturing a sports car was not really on the agenda at Rolls Royce. However, in view of the huge successes of competitor like Bentley at Le Mans from 1924 onwards, Henry Royce felt compelled to design his own version of a sporty car.

After all, it surely had to be possible for a Rolls Royce to achieve the magic speed of 100 mph. Henry Royce therefore requested the development of a great deal of changes into the six cylinder engine supplied with the Phantom I from 1925. The compression ratio was increased and the displacement was enlarged to an impressive 7.7 Litre (7668 cc.).

Three experimental chassis were developed for testing with reference 15-EX, 16-EX and 17-EX. Later each chassis was transferred to a different coachbuilder. The Rolls Royce Phantom I 17-EX was brought to the coachbuilder Jarvis of Wimbledon, renowned for sporty bodies. Constructed with an optimum weight and penned in an elegant design, the Rolls Royce Phantom I 17-EX received a unique and elegant design. The rear seats are provided with a possible cover as well as a specific windscreen that can be stored away when not in use.

The Rolls Royce Phantom I 17-EX was then extensively road tested before being sold to the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in 1928. The car was owned subsequently by some rich owners in India before coming to Europe. It was introduced at Concorso Eleganzia Villa d’Este in 2006 by Victor Muller of the Netherland. It came again in 2013 presented by Alexander Schaufler from Austria.

Photos source: autoconcept-reviews and BMW A.G.

Wallpapers of the Rolls Royce Phantom I 17-EX Experimental Open Tourer 1928 (click on image to enlarge)