All Stories

$10 million Rolls-Royce Jonckheere Coupe Found In Junk-Yard

In the heart of New Jersey, amidst the forgotten relics of yesteryears, a treasure was unearthed that would captivate the world of automotive enthusiasts: the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Jonckheere Coupe valued today at upward of $10 million. The story of its discovery reads like a modern-day fairy tale, where a car of such regal lineage was found in the most unassuming of places - a local junkyard. Legends and speculation abound about how this masterpiece of coachbuilding ended up there. Some whisper of an eccentric millionaire who, after his fortune dwindled, left his prized possession to decay, while others suggest it was part of a forgotten automotive collection, lost to time and neglect.

The "Round Door" Rolls, known for its unique circular entry points and aerodynamic design, was a product of Jonckheere's innovative Belgian craftsmanship. How it made its way to a New Jersey junkyard is a mystery wrapped in speculation. Perhaps it was hidden away during the tumultuous years of the Great Depression or World War II, only to be rediscovered decades later. This particular model car, once a symbol of luxury and speed in the 1920s and '30s, had transitioned from the glamour of European and American high society to the anonymity of rust and decay.

Its rediscovery sparked a frenzy among historians and collectors. The car, covered in layers of dust and cobwebs, was initially overlooked as just another piece of scrap until its distinctive bodywork caught the eye of a keen observer. The process of extricating this gem from its resting place was a delicate operation, requiring a blend of reverence for its history and the practicalities of salvage. Once freed from its decades-long slumber, the Jonckheere Coupe became the subject of intense interest, with experts debating its provenance, original owners, and the stories it could tell.

After its dramatic rediscovery, the journey of the Jonckheere Coupe took a turn towards restoration and revival. It was meticulously restored, every curve and contour of its unique bodywork brought back to life. The car went from being an anonymous lump in a junkyard to a celebrated artifact at the Petersen Automotive Museum in California, where it now stands as a testament to the art of coachbuilding. Its story, from obscurity to prominence, not only highlights the unpredictable paths of history but also celebrates the enduring allure of automotive design, reminding us that even the grandest of creations can find their way back to glory.

If you are interested in exploring advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.

Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com

Charles Rolls' Final Journey: A Tale of Triumph and Tragedy

On a balmy summer day in 1910, Charles Stewart Rolls, co-founder of Rolls-Royce, embarked on what would be his last ride in life. His vehicle of choice for this fateful journey was not one of his illustrious cars but a Wright Flyer aircraft, showcasing his passion for the burgeoning world of aviation. With the wind in his hair and the thrill of flight in his heart, Rolls made his way from London to Bournemouth, where an air show was set to dazzle spectators. His Silver Ghost, the epitome of automotive luxury, carried him to the airfield, a silent participant in the drama that would unfold.

(copyright credit: Rolls-Royce archive)

The air meet at Bournemouth was not just any event; it was the first International Aviation Meeting in Great Britain, a celebration of human ingenuity reaching for the skies. Charles Rolls, already renowned for his contribution to motoring, was a star attraction with his daring aerial maneuvers. He had just made history by being the first to make a non-stop double crossing of the English Channel by plane, a feat that had the world watching. But on this day, fate had a different plan. During a display, his Wright Flyer suffered a catastrophic failure; the tailplane broke off, sending the aircraft into an uncontrollable spin towards the ground.

The crowd, initially in awe of the flying spectacle, was plunged into silence as the plane plummeted. Charles Rolls was instantly killed, becoming the first Briton to lose his life in a powered aircraft accident. His last ride, which began with the quiet hum of a Rolls-Royce engine, ended in the roar of an engine silenced too soon. The irony of a man known for creating some of the world's safest and most luxurious cars meeting his end in the volatile infancy of aviation was not lost on those who knew him. His Silver Ghost, a witness to his departure, stood by as if in mourning, its engine cold.

(copyright credit: Hagerty)

The legacy of Charles Rolls, however, was far from over. His death sparked a wave of reflection on the risks and rewards of aviation, much like how his life had pushed the boundaries of automotive excellence. Today, his memory in history is honored not just through the cars that bear his name but also through the stories of his pioneering spirit. The Silver Ghost that accompanied him on his final journey is remembered not just as a car but as a symbol of a man whose quest for innovation transcended the roads to dare the skies, leaving behind a legacy of courage, curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of progress.

If you are interested in exploring advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.

Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com