This 1929 Phantom I was made by Rolls-Royce of America in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is one of the 1,241 Phantom I models built in America. British luxury car manufacturer Rolls-Royce was formed in 1906 by engineer Henry Royce (1863–1933) and motoring pioneer Charles Rolls (1877–1910). In December of 1920, Rolls-Royce announced it would begin building automobiles in the U.S. and formed the subsidiary Rolls-Royce of America. The company purchased a factory in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the first American-built Rolls-Royce, a Silver Ghost, was sold in 1921. In 1925, Rolls-Royce of America purchased the coachbuilding firm of Brewster and Company and started designing and building their own bodies. The Silver Ghost was discontinued in 1926 and replaced with the Phantom I. The vehicle used a chassis designed like the Silver Ghost but featured a completely redesigned engine.

Rolls-Royce of America was having its best year until the 1929 stock market crash. When Rolls-Royce in England announced plans to discontinue the Phantom I and replace it with the Phantom II, Rolls-Royce of America did not have the funds to retool the factory for the new model. The factory remained open and assembled cars for a few more years before closing in 1931. During its ten years of production, the factory built a total of 1,730 Silver Ghost models, 1,241 Phantom I units, and modified 125 British-built Phantom II cars for American use. This 1929 Phantom I was built in America and fitted with the rare Brewster and Company-designed Derby Phaeton body. Only ten vehicles were fitted with this body, and today only five of them exist.