1928 Rolls-Royce Piccadilly-P 1 Roadster
The 1928 Rolls-Royce Piccadilly P1 Roadster is a car that Allen Swift received as a graduation gift from his father in 1928. Mr Swift drove the car for 82 years and is credited with owning a Rolls-Royce longer than anyone else in the world. He died in 2005 at the age of 102 and ensured that the car would be preserved after his death.
The 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I has a 7,668cc engine that some say has 113 brake horsepower. The Piccadilly Roadster style body is believed to have come from a Packard.
So by 1988, when Allen’s Rolls needed restoration, not only were we Connecticut based, but we already established 10 years of restoration experience. His pride and joy would soon enjoy a complete body off restoration, as well as engine rebuild in collaboration with one of the greatest Rolls Royce experts of that time, Frank Cooke.
Over the course of M. Allen Swift’s lifetime, he made a great impression on the local AACA meets and car scene. Allen was notorious for being spotted in his Rolls in rain, fog, and sometimes snow. Over the years of his 77 year ownership, Mr. Swift accumulated over 170,000 documented miles. When we completed the restoration of Mr. Swift’s car, he was already at the age of 88. Asking whether he would like us to deliver the car for him, or have him transport the car, he had clarified that neither of which would work, as he intended on driving his freshly restored Rolls immediately. Sure as it would be, Mr. Swift hopped in his Rolls as if it were new once again, and immediately got on the highway and headed home.
Mr. Swift is known for owning a Rolls Royce longer than anyone else in the world- Rolls Royce presented him with a Spirit of Ecstasy award in 1994 for his length of ownership. Reportedly, it still presents incredibly well, and runs like a top.
The Rolls Royce was donated to the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, along with $1 million dollars to care for and preserve the vehicle. You can still see Allen’s car there today, in their transportation gallery.
