Rolls-Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster makes $180,000 at Coys auction

The 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster was boosted by its Hollywood connection

A 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster, driven and owned by some of the silver screen's biggest stars, brought some Hollywood glamour to Coys' classic car auction on July 14.

The dove grey and white vehicle, which was first owned by silent movie-era cowboy star Tom Mix, sold within estimate for £115,000 at the Blenheim Palace, UK sale.

Sold for £115,000 - pedal blocks included

It came complete with the pedal blocks employed by the diminutive Mix.

Bette Davies subsequently owned the vehicle before it entered the service of Warner Brothers and starred in films such as Giant and The FBI Story.

Although undoubtedly helped to its strong result by its Hollywood connection, the car's sale is further confirmation of the demand for the classic marque among buyers. A 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 3-Position drop head coupe doubled its estimate to sell for a €1.1m ($1.4m) record for its type in May, while a "Corgi" 1912 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp "Silver Ghost" set a new £4.7m Rolls-Royce world record last month.

"We are proud to have this exceptionally handsome Phantom I with a glittering Hollywood history. This magnificent roadster, with rumble seat, is sure to be the star of any significant event," said Chris Routledge, the managing director of Coys, prior to the auction.

The 120-vehicle auction, which took place at Winston Churchill's ancestral home, also saw a left-hand drive 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster make £400,000, while a 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2 Roadster sold for £28,000.

A number of miniature cars also featured. A 1957 Brutsch Mopetta made £32,000, while a Peel Trident achieved £30,000.

The HAGI Top 50 Index, the Historic Auto Group's price index of leading classic cars, grew by 4.49% last month and is up 10.33% since the beginning of the year.

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Images: Coys