A rare 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Pall Mall, S 123 PM was recently given to Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library in Delaware, a gift that allows the institution to show how motoring guests of founder Henry Francis du Pont would have arrived on his estate in its heyday.

The historic vehicle joins Winterthur’s Phantom I Ascot, S 379 FM. Both vehicles tell the story about the design and craftsmanship of luxury vehicles of their era. Both cars will be on view at Winterthur events this spring.

The American-built Pall Mall had been in the du Pont-Lunger family since it was ordered by Philip Francis and Elizabeth Braxton du Pont in 1926 and delivered in 1927. It has been in operation ever since. It was most recently registered by David Lunger, grandson of Philip. It may be the only Phantom to have remained in the same family for so long. The car was moved from its home in Fairville to Winterthur in 2014 because Winterthur could provide suitable storage, as well as the skill and knowledge to preserve it.

David gifted the car to Winterthur in December 2018.

“The Phantom represents craftsmanship at its very best,” said Gregory J. Landrey, chair of the Winterthur committee that oversees care and use of the vehicles. “It is on par with any object in the Winterthur collection. And, it tells the story of the family that owned it.”

The vehicle was restored in the 1960s by Wendling Brothers of Macungie, Pa. Aside from receiving new paint and leather, it has changed little. The owner’s manual and registration cards have been retained since new, and there are additional records with the Lunger family that have yet to be examined. The toolbox contains a complete 1927 Rolls-Royce toolkit in its original doctor-style canvas bag. The low mileage of 23,600 is believed to be accurate.

“The Phantom represents as English form but American craftsmanship, so it puts American history in a global context,” Landrey said.

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