During WW I, production of the Silver Ghost ceased. In 1919, production resumed for the backordered vehicles. Engine and chassis parts from the pre-War Ghosts were used in 1919 and a starter motor was added. Lord Ivenforth of Amos Grove, Southgate, London was the first owner of Chassis 20PP. He commissioned this car to be of nickel finish and placed an order for Barker & Co. Ltd of London to fit a seven-passenger limousine body. The completed car carried Greater London registration LW8003. In 1927 it was with Miss Rea Farr of London, and then moved to Sir Harry Peat by 1932. Movements are then uncertain until the car was purchased by R. Lovell of Thetford, Norfolk by 1948. Subsequently, at least from 1959 to 1965, it served as a tow truck, with J. Flannery of London carrying registration LE7465. After passing through the hands of Gordon Cussens, also of London, 20PP appears to have crossed the Channel to France. It was owned by Jean Claude Caveng from 1970 to 1974. When the tow truck body was removed, 20PP was fitted with a delightful Kellner landaulette body. Founded in 1860, and located in central Paris, La Carrosserie Kellner had built ambulances and aircraft during the Great War. This once again elegant car, now carrying registration GE2526, was marketed in 1983 by Gerry Porter Ltd of South Kensington, London. Captions to its media photographs were glowing: ‘… a most imposing open-drive landaulette, one of the most interesting bodies we have come across in some time. …The interior is in the best elaborate Edwardian drawing-room style, with brocade seats and trim, tasseled blinds, railway carriage window-openers, and complete matching vanity sets on either side. Driving as well as it looks this delightful Ghost will please both the established collector and new investors.’ Another Porter advertisement noted that the car, finished in embassy black, had ‘… a multitude of charming fittings such as silk blinds and speaking tubes…’ With the car in that stunning format, what buyer could have imagined 20PP as once a breakdown vehicle? A greater adventure awaited 20PP. Daniel Howard of California USA purchased the car and it crossed the Atlantic by 1985. Gary Gattner of Seattle, Washington held it from 1987 to 1991. At that time it was acquired by Sydney enthusiast Keith Wherry, who retained the car in the USA for use in Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost events and tours. It was since sold and in 2009 Bob Jefferson undertook a full frame off restoration. Everything was mechanically restored. Also included were new paint, a new top, beautiful green brocade interior in the rear and new leather in the driving compartment. Mr. Jefferson’s invoices totaling over $370,000 are available. It was then shown at the RROC National Meet in Williamsburg, Virginia. This car successfully completed 3 Silver Ghost Association tours in the mountains of Colorado and in the White Mountains in New England in 2014. Prior to its first tour, it went to Steve Littin of Vintage and Auto Rebuilds to be fitted with an overdrive, rebuilt shocks, alternator and a rewound magneto. After each tour it was returned to Vintage & Auto Rebuilds for complete service including all new fluids, points, compressions checks, valve clearances, etc. The 6 Lester tyres are like new. This wonderful Silver Ghost shows minor wear from its long tour and show history, but is very well maintained and again ready for all SGA or CCCA events. It is now designated “Full Classic” by the Classic Car Club of America. A stunning addition for the most discriminating of collectors.
