From 1921 to 1931, Rolls-Royce built cars in the United States at a factory in Springfield, Massachusetts, operated by Rolls-Royce of America. The plant built nearly 3,000 chassis — Silver Ghosts and later Phantom Is — adapted for American roads and tastes, many with bodies by New York coachbuilder Brewster. The Great Depression ended the venture, but “Springfield Rolls-Royces” remain prized by collectors as a unique chapter of American automotive history.

At a glance
Company Rolls-Royce of America, Inc.
Location Springfield, Massachusetts
Years 1921–1931
Models Silver Ghost, Phantom I
Production Nearly 3,000 chassis
Coachbuilder Brewster & Company (acquired in the 1920s)

Why build in America?

Import tariffs and shipping costs made British-built Rolls-Royces extremely expensive in the U.S., the world’s biggest market for luxury cars. Building locally, with American suppliers and craftsmen trained to British standards, was intended to reduce costs.

Adapted for Americans

Springfield cars eventually moved to left-hand drive and used some American components, such as electrical parts, wheels and tires sourced from U.S. suppliers. Brewster produced elegant bodies designed for American buyers, often given English-sounding names such as “Piccadilly” and “Pall Mall” for different body styles.

A British factory in New England

Rolls-Royce sent experienced staff from Derby to train American workers and insisted on the same inspection standards as in England. Early Springfield cars were almost identical to British cars; over time, the two diverged as American suppliers and preferences shaped the product. Springfield chose Massachusetts partly because New England had a strong tradition of precision manufacturing.

How to spot a Springfield car

Collectors identify Springfield Rolls-Royces by their chassis numbers and details such as left-hand drive (on later cars), American instruments and fittings, and Brewster coachwork plates. Many were ordered by wealthy families in New York, Boston and Philadelphia, and some survive with remarkable histories.

Why it closed

The Depression collapsed demand for luxury cars. Rolls-Royce’s newer models were not built in Springfield, and the American company ended production in 1931, with remaining work continuing briefly afterward.

Legacy

Springfield Rolls-Royces are cherished by collectors and appear at events such as the Hershey Fall Meet and Greenwich Concours. Read the Silver Ghost, Brewster & Company and the history of Rolls-Royce.