One of the most striking examples of coachwork on the British Phantom I chassis, chassis number 114MW was commissioned by British Army Lt. Col. James Nockells Horlick. A character as interesting as his automobile, Lt. Col. Horlick was the scion to the Horlicks malted milk fortune; served with honor in World War II, earning the Military Cross and the Chevalier Legion d’Honneur; and was a noted breeder of rhododendrons. He was also an astute owner of his automobile, specifying that his Phantom I be at least as fast as 19TC, a Phantom I owned by Sir E. Hasich—apparently a car that he knew and admired firsthand.

The car was specified with an utterly striking body by H.J. Mulliner, a “Light Allweather” with aluminum coachwork featuring a tapered “boattail,” disappearing fabric top, and an early version of a 2+2 interior, as well as full nickel-plated fittings, adjustable black-painted radiator shutters, a louvered bonnet, and Barker-style “dippable” headlights. To achieve Lt. Col. Horlick’s desired performance, it was also specified with a high-speed rear axle and 100-mph speedometer. He apparently intended to travel with the car, as it was specified that the running boards should accommodate up to 100 pounds of luggage!

Lt. Col. Horlick retained his Phantom I for several months, after which it was sold to Alfred Pearson of Sheffield; its further ownerships through the early 1950s are recorded in the Rolls-Royce factory ownership cards, copies of which are on file. In 1964 it was sold by antique clock collector Charles Allix to Dick Hooper of Seattle, a prolific collector of the era, who brought it Stateside. Unfortunately, a poorly installed new head gasket resulted in the engine rusting and seizing, and the car remained in storage in Mr. Hooper’s ownership until his passing in 2007. Subsequently it was sold by his family and acquired by the present owner, in whose ownership it has remained in project form since.

An ideal basis for a complete restoration, this special, unique, highly sporting Phantom I is deserving of attention as a future concours competitor, of trophy-gathering performance.