1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Letourneur & Marchand Sedanca
Global Icons: Europe Online Friday, 30 January 2026
The Serge Allaert Collection
Chassis No. 91OR
Engine No. TM95
After finishing final testing and quality checks in Derby, this long-type Phantom I with a Phantom II radiator surround, chassis number 91OR, was sent to Paris to well-regarded Letourneur & Marchand for fitting its Sedanca coachwork on 14 November 1929. Once complete, the car was delivered to its first owner, businessman and former Consul General of East Hungary Franz Norstrand of Copenhagen, Denmark, on 28 March 1930.
By the 1980s, the Phantom was back in its homeland of the United Kingdom. Under the care of P&A Wood, a comprehensive restoration of the Rolls-Royce began. Its bodywork was refinished to its current two-tone blue over a dark blue leather interior for the driver. In the luxurious rear passenger compartment, it retains the original cloth interior and numerous other original details such as the door handles, window cranks, and lock handles. Following the completion of this restoration, the car was shown at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club's National Concours in 1988 where it won Best in Show. It was then purchased by Italian entrepreneur Ballan Genesio, founder of the garage door and gate manufacturer Ballan S.p.A., of Padova, Italy, in 1998. They enjoyed the Rolls-Royce on special occasions until 2018, when it entered Allaert's collection. Whilst Serge Allaert focused on collecting unrestored cars, this beautifully restored Phantom I piqued his interest with its incredible original features still present.
Once in Belgium, the Phantom was taken to the experts at Arie Jean for a detailed inspection and major service. Totaling just over €16.000 in 2018, this work included extensive diagnostic and restorative work, addressing fuel delivery, ignition, carburation, electrical faults, and a clutch adjustment. Arie Jean kept on looking after the car and in total some €40.000 was spent on it in the past years. The owner has enjoyed the car on numerous occasions, including a memorable trip in 2023 that effortlessly covered more than 2,000 kilometers from Belgium to Scotland and back.
The consigning Broad Arrow Auction Specialist notes that the car is a strong-running example that the car acquitted itself admirably on a 50 kilometer drive with a systems check and inspection recently during consignment. Registered in Belgium, the car benefits from a valid technical inspection through November 2029. More than three decades after its detailed restoration, the Phantom has developed a charming patina that perfectly aligns with the character of Allaert's collection. A proven touring car, this powerful and wonderfully styled Phantom I is sure to be a fitting addition to any collection that values the effortless elegance and technical refinement that Rolls-Royce is famous for.