Antique Automobile 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom I Enclosed Trouville Hibbard Darrin

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Imagine this:
The year is 1930. You are one of the most powerful, influential, and wealthy people during the Golden Age of Hollywood. In addition, one of the greatest stars of the silent era, the famous and gorgeous Norma Talmadge, is your wife. You are legendary movie producer and industry mogul Joseph M. Schenck.
Tonight will be the premiere of your latest production. Search lights will fill the night sky above Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the red carpet will be rolled out, and the surrounding streets will be crowded with excited movie goers hoping to catch a glimpse of Hollywood royalty. Numerous photographers and reporters will document the lavish event. Which automobile do you arrive in?
In Hollywood first impressions are everything! And for Joseph Schenck cost was not a concern, only the finest would do. Certainly that is why he choose to order a custom built 1930 Rolls Royce Hibbard & Darrin Trouville.
The original owner of this fabulous custom made Springfield Rolls Royce Phantom I Trouville was Joseph M. Schenck, legendary Hollywood Film producer. He was the first president of United Artists Studio Corporation which he started along with Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., and Mary Pickford. Later is his career he was one of the four founding members and President of 20th Century Fox Studios. His role in the development of the Hollywood film industry was truly remarkable.
One of seven children, Joseph M. Schenck was born to a Jewish household in Rybinsk, a Volga River town in Tsarist Russia. He and his family, including his younger brother Nicholas Schenck, emigrated to the United States in 1893, whereupon they settled in a tenement on New York's lower East Side. Subsequently, they relocated to Harlem, the population of which at that time consisted primarily of Jewish and Italian immigrants. Upon their arrival in the United States, Joe and Nick, as they came to be known, worked as a team selling newspapers on the city streets and later in a drugstore. Within two years' time, they had saved up enough money to buy out the drugstore's owner and to begin looking for other business ventures.
One summer day, the Schencks took a trolley ride to Fort George, in uptown Manhattan, There they noticed that thousands of people were milling around idly waiting for the return trains. The brothers rented a beer concession and also provided some vaudeville entertainment. It was at this time that the Schencks made the acquaintance of Marcus Loew, a theater operator. Loew, having noted the brothers' success, advanced them capital, permitting them to establish an amusement park in New Jersey.
Soon, Joseph Schenck and his brother Nicholaus were working with Marcus Loew in the theater business. Between approximately 1907 and 1919, they reinvested in real estate for nickelodeons, vaudeville, and eventually motion pictures. In 1919, Loew acquired a movie studio. By this time, Nicholas Schenck was spending more time with Loew's, Inc., so it was Joseph who relocated to Hollywood, eventually becoming president of United Artists Corporation. From this time forward, the Schenck brothers were known to run Hollywood and America's early film industry. Interestingly, in the 2016 film, “Hail, Caesar!” by the Coen brothers, the character Eddie Mannix who portrayed Louis B. Mayer reports to Nick Schenck several times via telephone…the impact of the Schenck brothers on the development of Hollywood will never be forgotten.Joe Schenck was a larger than life presence in the Hollywood film industry and regularly enjoyed socializing and entertaining others involved in the industry. His personal Rolls Royce, which we now offer for sale, attended many Hollywood Premiere events, and transported countless celebrities and famous movie stars.
One can only wonder how many times Mr. Schenck may of had his chauffeur drive his Rolls Royce to transport movies stars, starlets and many of the rich and famous to socialize on his magnificent 160 ft. sailing vessel, The Invader. This spectacular steel-hulled racing vessel was constructed on the East coast during 1905. Mr. Schenck purchased the Invader from the famous Hollywood custom car builder, Don Lee, during 1929 and kept it until 1935. The Invader was recently completely restored in Italy at a cost of over $8,000,000.
Norma Talmadge
Joseph Schenck was husband to the famous silent movie star Norma Talmadge. They married on Oct. 20, 1916 and with his backing they formed their own production company and turned out a number of films.
During the 1920’s Talmadge was among the highest paid silent film Actresses. Joseph Schenck & Norma Talmadge were original investors in Sid Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. She famously turned the first spade of dirt for the construction of the historical Grauman’s Chinese Theater, later to become the home of countless Hollywood premieres and Academy Award ceremonies. After final completion of the theater Norma Talmadge was again honored to be the very first actor ever to have her hands and feet imprinted in the concrete sidewalk along what would come to be known as the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Norma Talmadge’s impact upon the silent film industry inspired the character Norma Desmond in the seminal 1950 film Sunset Boulevard directed by Billy Wilder starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson. Both Joseph Schenck and Norma Talmadge have been honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They later divorced in April of 1934.
The Marilyn Monroe Connection
Interestingly, during 1947, Mr. Schenck formed a close relationship with an aspiring actress Marilyn Monroe. During the late 1940’s and early 1950’s she was a long-term guest at his palatial Hollywood mansion known as Owlwood built in 1936. Despite controversy, Marilyn always maintained that their relationship was platonic. For many years thereafter Joseph remained a friend and business advisor. He owned this Rolls Royce until sometime during 1949. His Rolls Royce is also reported to have been used in a large number of movies.
Ownership History (Provenance)
-April 16, 1930Mr. Joseph Schenck purchased a new Springfield Rolls Royce Phantom I Trouville enclosed town car. Identified as vehicle identification/chassis No. S-441-MR, engine # 22419. The body plates are Brewster. The Brewster body number is B-5735, however, research has proven that the body was actually subcontracted to and supplied to Brewster by Hibbard & Darrin custom builders.
An article from the April 1965 issue of THE FLYING LADY written by Dr. John V. Neff, titled: DARRIN – COACHBUILDER FOR KINGS, contains a direct quote from an interview with Howard “Dutch” Darrin. It reads, “I don’t have the company records for reference…,” Darrin stated, “…but I remember creating bodies on Rolls Royce chassis for Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Jack Warner of Warner Brothers, Joe Schenck of Fox Studios, Lord Louis Montbatten, Countess do Frasso, Julius Fleishmannn, Elliot White Springs, and I always had my own Rolls-Royce as an example of our work.”
The sales price of the Phantom I Trouville in 1930 was listed as $19, 965.00; a huge amount of money when the average U.S. yearly income was just $1,368! Verification of this information can be found on Page 108 in the publication titled: ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM I, published by The Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Inc. 1969.
The original salesperson is listed as Duncan C. Pell, Jr. It was delivered to Mr. Schenck on April 16, 1930. The above information can be verified in John Webb de Campi’s Book ROLLS ROYCE IN AMERICA, page 244.
-1949Jim Talmadge acquires the Rolls Royce. According to hand written notes from James R. Drimmel (who later owned the Rolls) found in the cars historical document file. Mr. Drimmel had a conversation with Jim Talmadge, Norma Talmadge’s nephew on January 4th, 1970. On that day Mr. Talmadge told Mr. Dimmel, “the car had belonged to both his aunt and Joseph Schenck until the divorced and Joseph Schenck retained the car until 1949.” Sometime during 1949 Joseph Schenck sold the car to Jim Talmadge for just $200.00.
-1949W. M. Plummer, 2973 Mc Allister, Arlington, CA. W. M. Plummer acquired the Rolls Royce from Jim Talmadge shortly after it was sold to him by his uncle.-August 25, 1951W.M. Plummer sold the Rolls Royce to S. C. Timson 8814 Second Ave, Inglewood Ca. For $425.00.
-November 14, 1951The Rolls Royce was acquired by Joseph Susnir, 8100 Atlantic Ave., Bell Ca.
-October 10, 1952Joseph Susnir sold the Rolls Royce to Robert C. Berry 5646 Green Bush Ave., Van Nuys, Ca.
-November 16, 1954Robert C. Berry sold the Rolls Royce to David C. and Grace M. Almon 3645 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, Ca.
-January 18, 1955Was transferred to “Robert H. McCoy or Edgar A. McCoy, 115 Grand View Ave., San Francisco, Ca. -1970McCoy sold the Rolls to James R. Drimmel during early 1970 James R. Drimmel 355 West Baltimore Ave. Larkspur, Ca 94939
-November 11, 1972Robert J. Heyn 6933 Monte Casino Way, Sacramento, Ca purchased the Rolls from James R. Drimmel.
-April 14, 1975Joseph J. Stankey, 1125 Lake Glen Way, Sacramento, Ca 95822 purchased the Rolls Royce from Robert J. Heyn.
-June 3, 2012Current owner Glenn R. Wood 799 Entler Ave, Chico Ca 95928 purchased the Rolls Royce from Joesph J. Stankey.
Needed restoration work and other attention:
Engine:1.When I purchased this vehicle from the previous owner, Mr. Joseph Stankey the engine had been removed and was stored at a separate climate controlled facility. He had it professionally and totally rebuilt. He displayed it as a show-piece. 2.The engine turns over and has proper compression. Its present appearance is illustrated by titled pictures.
Wiring:1.The spark plug and distributor ignition wiring is in very good condition and ready for use. 2.The original under dash instrument wiring is still in place and may be useable but is un-restored. The original ignition switch and key are included3.The original chassis wiring harness appears to be complete although it is un-restored. The chassis wiring loom has been removed from the vehicle and a picture with a sub title illustrates its present condition. I believe that it will prove to be an excellent pattern. The original fuse block and brake light switch are still attached to it. A container filled with the original wire retainer clips and screws is also included.
Bijur Chassis Lubrication System:1.The original Bijur lubrication pump and reservoir are still attached to the fire wall. This unit is in good un-restored condition. Most of the tubing sections and their fittings have been removed from the chassis. These pieces are pictured with a descriptive sub title.Exhaust System:1.The exhaust manifolds are in excellent condition. I believe that they have restored, including new black porcelain.2.The header piping will need to be re-made. The available old pieces are pictured and titled. The original exhaust pipe three-hole flanges, and an un-restored heat control valve are included. The muffler and tail pipe were lost or discarded years ago. The original muffler hanger bracket is included pictured and titled.
Cooling System:1.The radiator is in very good condition. The interior of the radiator is clean and water flows through it quickly.2.The thermostatic shutters open in response to heat.3.Some of the water hoses and hose clamps are yet to be installed.
Body:1.The aluminum has been stripped of its original paint. The body metal is in excellent un-restored condition. The body has two uncomplicated dents; perhaps about 4 to 8 hours of work to be ready for primer and sanding. The original fabric top needs to be replaced and will be perfect for a pattern.2.The body wood is in extra-excellent condition; totally sound. The doors close like new! The finish wood trim for the door surrounds and the divider window including the dash/instrument board is original and in very good condition. The fancy wood marquetry panels which cover and finish the divider and jump seat compartments are missing. Fortunately the divider-vanity frame structure, glass channel and regulator are still in place. Also, a very good picture of the original interior design wood marquetry will allow a precise reproduction to be made.3.Much of the original upholstery is still in place including all of passenger compartment with the exception of the door panels and rug. The rear door panels are pictured and are excellent for patterns. The original head liner is still in place. The seat cushions and seat springs for the chauffeur’s compartment are pictured and included.
Fenders and other sheet metal:1.The steel fenders are dent-free and ready for block sanding and paint. The tool box and battery box covers and dent-free and painted. The gas tank cover and rear frame horn covers are dent-free and painted. The aluminum radiator splash apron is un-restored and needs work.Wheels and center-lock hub caps and tires:1.All six wheels are in wonderful condition. They are rust and dent free. 2.All six lock rings are newly chrome plated to show condition!3.The buffalo locking hub caps are newly chrome plated and are restored to show condition they have no dents, abrasions or scratches. Their detail is fabulous.4.All six tires are newly mounted, with new tubes and flaps. These tires are actually approximately forty years old, the have never been used or exposed to sun light.Bumpers:1.All four bumper bars are newly chrome plated and are show quality. The center medallions still need plating.Literature1.A large comprehensive collection of Books and periodicals such as many bound issues of the Flying Lady Rolls Royce Club magazines, Rolls Royce factory owner’s manuals, Rolls Royce factory service and repair bulletins, detailed factory drawings, important historic correspondence and other documents are all included in the sale.This vehicle is certainly one of, if not the most, historically significant early Hollywood automobiles in existence. Its provenance is flawless. This car was owned by Hollywood royalty. It is exciting to imagine all of the celebrities who have been its passengers. Here is a car with a fascinating story; a car with Pebble Beach potential! The opportunity is yours.