Origins: The Phantom I
Launched in 1925, the Rolls-Royce Phantom I was designed to replace the legendary Silver Ghost, boasting a robust 7,668cc naturally aspirated straight-six engine. With two cast-iron monoblocs of three cylinders each, a detachable iron cylinder head, and a four-speed manual transmission, the Phantom I delivered 108 bhp at 2,300 rpm. Its long wheelbase and stately proportions provided a perfect canvas for custom coachbuilders to express the era’s opulence and innovation.
The Jonckheere Transformation
The story of this particular Phantom I took a dramatic turn a decade after its birth. Originally fitted with a conventional Hooper cabriolet body, the car eventually found itself in a Belgian wrecking yard by the early 1930s. There, it caught the eye of Henri and Joseph Jonckheere, renowned for their bold automotive designs. The Jonckheeres were more accustomed to crafting bodies for buses and commercial vehicles, making their commission for a Rolls-Royce both unusual and daring.
What emerged from their workshop in 1935 was nothing short of revolutionary. The new bodywork was a sweeping statement of Art Deco modernism: a long, aerodynamic fastback silhouette, bullet-shaped headlights, and a dramatic vertical tailfin. Most famously, the car featured enormous round doors—a technical marvel that required a unique, two-piece window mechanism to function properly. At nearly 20 feet long, the Jonckheere Coupe is believed to be the largest two-door coupe ever built.
A Car Fit for Legends
The Jonckheere Coupe made its public debut at the Concours d’Elegance on the French Riviera, where it won the coveted ‘Prix de Cannes’ award. Its imposing presence, menacing curves, and innovative details set it apart from every other car of its time.
Fall and Resurrection
Despite its early acclaim, the car’s fate took a downturn. It passed through a series of owners, eventually ending up neglected and forgotten in a New Jersey junkyard—a shocking fate for such a bespoke creation. Decades later, it was rediscovered, restored, and returned to the world stage, where it continues to captivate audiences and collectors alike. Today, the Jonckheere Coupe is valued at over $10 million, a testament to its enduring allure and historical significance.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Engine Location | Front, longitudinal |
| Type | Naturally aspirated straight 6 |
| Displacement | 7,668cc |
| Bore × Stroke | 107.9mm × 139.7mm (4.25” × 5.50”) |
| Compression Ratio | 4:1 |
| Valvetrain | Pushrod overhead valves |
| Maximum Power | 108 bhp @ 2,300 rpm |
| Transmission | Four-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 3,822mm (150.5 inches) |
| Track (front/rear) | 1,485mm / 1,460mm (58.5” / 57.5”) |
The 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe stands as a monument to the golden age of custom coachbuilding and the boundless creativity of its designers. Its journey from luxury icon to forgotten relic and back again is a story of resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of automotive dreams.
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