By 1928, director John Ford had more than 60 silent films to his credit. Even before he held the most “Best Director” Academy Awards® in history for such masterpieces as The Grapes of Wrath and The Quiet Man, Mr. Ford was already a Hollywood powerhouse. He purchased this Rolls-Royce Phantom I Kenilworth Sedan for his wife Mary from W.C. Darling on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, and had it delivered to his home on December 22, 1928, complete with a mink coat in the rear seat.

The Fords retained the Rolls-Royce until the 1970s, when it was sold to its second owner, whose family retained it until 2011, when it passed on to a new caretaker. At the time, the car was wearing deteriorated and peeling black paint that it had received at some point in its history. When invited to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 2012, however, the black paint had been painstakingly removed to reveal the original gray finish hidden beneath, complemented by its unrestored brown leather, striped cloth, and broadcloth interior. The Kenilworth Sedan additionally delighted spectators by participating in the 70-mile Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® preceding the concours.

One of just 35 Kenilworth Sedans by Brewster, the car remains remarkably untouched, boasting original finishes, trim, and plating. Its rarity, originality, and extraordinary provenance make it a deserving consideration for the vintage Rolls-Royce aficionado.