The listing states: “Fresh off her performance in The Blue Angel, which catapulted her to international stardom, actress Marlene Dietrich arrived in Hollywood as part of a two-film deal with Paramount Studios.
The 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)
“When Dietrich alighted from the train at Pasadena in April 1930, director Josef von Sternberg was there to welcome her with two gifts.
“The first was a bouquet.
“The second was this Rolls-Royce Phantom I, one of only five Springfield-built Phantom I models with the versatile Transformal Phaeton body by Parisian coachbuilders Hibbard and Darrin.”
Inside the 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)
The car featured all the hallmarks of its creators, including a prominent beltline molding, scrolled door handles, a patented second windshield, and unique trapezoidal side windows.
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It even co-starred with Dietrich in her debut Paramount film, Morocco, and was formally transferred to her ownership just days before the movie opened.
Chassis S317KP later passed through several owners, including collectors and enthusiasts in the United States.
The 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)
It underwent an exacting, multi-year restoration by marque expert Rick Hamlin, who recreated its original green finish, fine interior hardware, and book-matched wood inlays.
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The Phantom I has been displayed at prestigious events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, earning multiple awards.
RM Sotheby’s is set to auction the iconic car on Thursday (9 Oct) in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with a guide price of £205,000 to £240,000.
The 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)The 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)The 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)The 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)The 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)The 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s) Inside the 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s) Inside the 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)Inside the 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)The engine of the 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s) The engine of the 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I ‘Transformal’ Phaeton once owned by movie legend, Marlene Dietrich. (Jam Press/Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)
