Vehicle Description
Upon its debut in 1907, the Rolls-Royce 40/50 horsepower "Silver
Ghost" was considered to be the most advanced motorcar money could
buy. With Henry Royce's impressively over-built 7,428cc side-valve
inline six-cylinder engine as the centerpiece, the Silver Ghost was
a true engineering marvel and a great leap forward in automobile
design. The magnificent engine was both incredibly strong but was
also light weight thanks to the use of an alloy crankcase. While
competitors struggled to achieve reliability due to their long,
flexible crankshafts; Royce's design utilized a crank that was
shorter, stronger and supported by seven oversize main bearings. At
the factory, Rolls-Royce mechanics assembled the 40/50hp using
precise machine work and hand-polishing of mating surfaces to
ensure smooth and smoke-free operation - a characteristic that was
virtually unheard of for the time. Features such as pressurized
oiling, fixed heads to eliminate leaks, and a twin ignition system
via magneto or distributor were advancements that established the
Silver Ghost as the world standard for fine motorcars. Of course,
the Ghost was more than just the engine; the chassis was similarly
overbuilt to withstand virtually anything an owner could throw at
it. Such was its strength that a vast majority of the approximately
6,500 Silver Ghosts built over its 18 years in production still
survive today. Given its remarkable quality, a Silver Ghost 40/50hp
chassis would often outlive its original body. Similarly, as an
owner's tastes changed with the times, a body may be eschewed in
favor of something newer and more fashionable. Our featured
example, chassis 85TG (P-Series), is a rare exception in that it
still wears its original five-passenger touring body by Grosvenor
Carriage Co. of London. Grosvenor is best known for its close work
with Vauxhall in the pre-war period, though they also supplied a
handful of bodies for Daimler and Lanchester. It is not known if
any other Rolls-Royces ever wore a Grosvenor body, but this is
believed to be a one-off design. The coachwork is clean and
charming with many interesting details such as the close-fitted
wings, the low-slung body sides, dual windscreens and running board
toolbox. According to copies of the Schoellkopf card and RROC
historical documents, 85TG was originally delivered wearing this
Grosvenor coachwork through Paddon Brothers, to a French artist
named Maxwell Norman. Norman soon sold the car to his family
physician, Dr. Chario who reportedly used the car in Capri for two
years. After its time in the Italian sunshine, it was shipped to
Long Island, New York and stored for some time before being
acquired by Harold Priest of Gleasondale, Massachusetts. It then
passed to F.R. Schreiter also of Massachusetts and in 1947, who
then sold it to William Gregor of Flint, Michigan who drove 85TG
home from New England and began a complete chassis, mechanical and
cosmetic freshening. The car was enjoyed regularly by Gregor in
club events such as the AACA and RROC, then stored until 1960 when
it was acquired by Jack Skaff, another Flint local. Mr. Skaff sold
the car to Calvin T. Zahn of Ann Arbor, Michigan; an avid
enthusiast and collector of important early motorcars. With Mr.
Zahn, the Ghost found a long term home and was cherished by his
family for the next 57 years. Today, this Silver Ghost is
handsomely presented in a dark gray livery with six matching
wheels, over a black interior and newly restored black top. The
original Grosvenor body is in remarkably good condition, with
excellent paint highlighted with polished nickel fittings and fine
detailing. The body features a number of lovely details such as the
polished alloy bonnet, dual side-mount spare wheels, running-board
tool-boxes, a period trunk, large Klaxon horn, and fine original
nickel Lucas King of the Road lamps. The included build sheets show
85TG was originally trimmed with "antique grained black leather"
which is how the car presents today. It is very possible that the
seats are original, as they are of this unusual correct-type
material and appear to match the original door and kick panels.
Original instruments include the Waltham speedometer, clock and
minor instruments, as well as supplemental gauges added later in
the car's life when it was used as a trusty touring machine. An
array of dash plaques are worn like badges of honor celebrating
85TG's exploits through the years. They include one for the 1960
CCCA Grand Classic and another proclaiming 85TG as a recipient of
the coveted AACA "Foo-Dog Trophy" in 1949; a prize established in
1945 by AACA President D. Cameron Peck to honor an outstanding
Rolls-Royce automobile in a National Meet. Mechanically, the engine
and chassis present in fine order with the car is very enjoyable
out on the road, with the feel of a well-loved touring veteran.
This remarkable Silver Ghost would be a compelling choice for AACA
events, Rolls-Royce Owner's Club tours and CCCA CARavan tours, as
it enjoys a rich and fascinating history with all three of these
storied organizations. With its high-quality and unique coachwork
and handsome presentation, this Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is simply
overflowing with character.
