1927 Rolls Royce Phantom I Experimental

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1927 Rolls Royce Phantom I Experimental

1927 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I (CHASSIS 15EX)

Chassis: 15EX (later 29CL)
Engine: 21EX
Coachwork: Originally Open Sports Tourer by Hooper / Barker Tourer No. 6718 / later Hooper Limousine No. 7228
Registration: CH 7189

"The Baden & Prague Propaganda Car – A Phantom of Innovation, Elegance and History"

Vehicle Overview:

  • Make: Rolls-Royce

  • Model: Phantom I (Experimental)

  • Year: 1927 (Rebuilt in 1931)

  • Chassis Number: 15EX (renumbered 29CL post-rebuild)

  • Engine Number: 21EX

  • Registration: CH 7189 (original and retained)

Historical Significance:

Rolls-Royce 15EX is one of only four experimental Phantom I models built (10EX, 15EX, 16EX, 17EX), designed at the request of Sir Henry Royce to explore performance enhancements using streamlined, lightweight coachwork. The goal was to improve handling and reduce wind resistance while maintaining the Phantom’s signature smooth performance.

15EX was the first of the four prototypes, developed by young Rolls-Royce engineer Ivan Evernden. Completed in early 1928, it featured a bespoke open sports tourer body by Hooper, designed for speed trials. It reached over 90 mph in testing and was part of a rigorous 10,000-mile program across Europe.

Tragedy and Transformation:

In March 1928, while undergoing testing in France, 15EX crashed after covering 9,000 miles. The car suffered heavy damage, resulting in the death of Rolls-Royce test driver Reg Butler. The wreck was returned to Derby and reconstructed using the surviving components into a new long frame chassis numbered 29CL, retaining the original engine and registration.

Barker fitted 29CL with a Torpedo Tourer body (No. 6718) in the style of the Riviera Trials car. It was allocated to Rolls-Royce's Export Sales Department and used extensively across the European continent as the official Continental Demonstrator. This period saw the car earn its nickname: "The Baden & Prague Propaganda Car", attending promotional events and even being used in royal weddings such as that of Prince Christopher of Greece in Palermo in 1929.

Evolving Identity:

In 1931, with the launch of the Phantom II, 29CL was retired from company service and returned to Rolls-Royce and Hoopers. The Barker tourer body was removed, and the chassis received a new Hooper limousine body (No. 7228). It was sold to a private client and entered a second, quieter chapter in its life.

Throughout the 20th century, 15EX (as 29CL) passed through numerous owners, serving in both North and South England, used for parades, races, weddings, and various social functions. Despite its complex transformation, the car remained registered as CH 7189 and retained its original engine 21EX.

Rediscovery and Recent Life:

In 1974, the car was recovered from storage and recommissioned. Named "Agnes", it participated in the 1976 Silver Jubilee R-REC event at Windsor celebrating HM Queen Elizabeth II. It continued to serve in active use for community events, station transfers, club meets, and more.

Summary:

This is not just a Rolls-Royce Phantom I—it is a storybook on wheels. From its inception as 15EX in Rolls-Royce's experimental lab to its prestigious career as the Baden & Prague propaganda car and beyond, this automobile embodies technological innovation, prestige, and resilience.

Key Features:

  • Only one of four Phantom I Experimental chassis ever built

  • Factory demonstrator for Phantom I development

  • 90+ mph capable with lightweight coachwork

  • Historic crash and rebuild into 29CL

  • Royal and continental promotional use

  • Continuous registration (CH 7189) and original engine (21EX)

  • Fully documented ownership and restoration history

A crown jewel in any serious collection, this unique Rolls-Royce offers an unmatched narrative of pre-war luxury motoring and engineering prowess.
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