Estimate:
$750,000 - $850,000
- A coveted London-Edinburgh-specification example
- Delivered new to Albert Janesich of the illustrious Janesich
Jewelry family
- Discovered in Paris in the 1990s; a comprehensive restoration
followed
- Documented in The Edwardian Rolls-Royce by John Fasal and?
Bryan Goodman
The Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP "Silver Ghost" made its spectacular debut
in 1907, recognized almost immediately as the finest motor car
money could buy. At the heart of the 40/50 HP was Henry Royce's
impressively powerful and reliable 7,428 cc side-valve inline six.
In its day, the inline-six configuration was considered a folly, as
competitors could not cope with the issue of long, flexing
crankshafts. But Royce's engine had a crank that was shorter and
stronger and which was supported by seven large main bearings.
Exacting, precise machine work and hand-polishing of internal
components ensured near-silent, smoke-free operation. 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 standard of the world for motor
cars. When compared to other machinery of the period, the Silver
Ghost is a true marvel of sophisticated engineering and build
quality, capable of delivering a luxurious experience for drivers
and passengers alike.
In Rolls-Royce's early days, their chief competition came from
Napier. Under the directorship of S.F. Edge, Napier had embraced
the idea of the publicity stunt in order to drive sales and prove
its machinery in the toughest of conditions. Rolls-Royce was rather
more conservative yet relented under the pressure from their
London-based rivals. In 1911 Rolls-Royce took on the RAC-sanctioned
London to Edinburgh Challenge to prove they built the finest, most
reliable, and best-performing cars in the world. The challenge was
the perfect venue to showcase the latest upgrades to the 40/50 HP
model.
Chassis number 1701 was the second such car to receive improved
specification that included a massive torque tube sending power to
the strengthened rear axle, a larger carburetor, and a
higher-compression-ratio engine. Fitted with a sporting,
close-coupled light-touring body by Holmes of Derby, Ltd., that car
completed the entirety of the 800-mile challenge in top gear,
achieving an average consumption of 24.32 miles per gallon. Later,
that same car achieved 78.26 miles per hour at Brooklands. The
success in the London-Edinburgh challenge led to a raft of new
orders for similarly spec'd cars�heretofore known as the London to
Edinburgh Ghost. Between the spring of 1912 and October 1913
(ending with chassis 2699), just 188 examples were built�a mere
fraction of the total Silver Ghost production of 6,700 cars.
Offered here, chassis number 2371, is a desirable example of one of
the coveted London-Edinburgh-specification cars. Original build
sheets indicate this car was a direct copy of chassis 2148, which
in itself was a direct copy of the famous "1701" Works car.
Originally clothed in a popular Torpedo-style body by Barker, 2371
was delivered new to one Albert Janesich of the illustrious
Janesich Jewelry family. Highly detailed notes on the factory build
sheets indicate it was specified with Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels,
Dunlop grooved tires, C.A. Vandervell lighting, multiple Brooks
trunks, cobra horn, speedometer calibrated in kilometers, and an
additional clock. Janesich's fabulous new Rolls-Royce was briefly
registered in the UK, though very soon sent across the channel to
Paris. Originally finished in silver grey with ivory lines and
upholstery, it would no doubt have been a striking machine to see
motoring the streets of Paris.
A small accident necessitated a return to the factory for a
comprehensive rebuild in 1927, though from there the trail of the
history remains a mystery. As with many such cars in Europe at the
time, 2371 was most likely dismantled and hidden from the Germans
during World War II. It wasn't until the 1990s when the chassis was
discovered in Paris by two enthusiasts who were tipped off to the
possible existence of a Silver Ghost in the city. Following its
discovery, the chassis would pass to noted marque enthusiast Walter
Wilson of Ireland, who, working with James Black, would commission
a comprehensive rebuild. As the original engine had long since been
missing, Wilson and Black found a comparable unit from 1914, engine
number 10 K. Interestingly, the body that 2371 wears today was once
fitted to the original Works London-Edinburgh chassis, 1701 having
been fitted with the body by Kenneth Neve in 1970. A later
restoration of 1701 made that body available, becoming a fine match
for chassis 2371. As a finishing touch to the restoration, the
original 1913 British registration number, R 1733, was officially
returned to the car.
Walter Wilson thoroughly enjoyed his restored Ghost for the next
two decades before passing it to the most recent owner in 2014. It
is currently presented in white with tan leather upholstery and
beautiful nickel-plated fittings. It has a delightfully low-slung
and sporty appearance, thanks in part to its correct Rudge
Whitworth wire wheels. The restoration has held up extremely well,
with an inviting, broken-in appeal, thanks to Mr. Wilson's time
spent enjoying his motor car.
The Rolls-Royce remains mechanically sound and would make the ideal
companion for long-distance touring. Mechanically and cosmetically
sound, and with a fascinating history documented via build sheets
as well as within the pages of the respected reference work The
Edwardian Rolls-Royce by John Fasal and? Bryan Goodman, chassis
number 2371 is a well-known, delightfully attractive, and usable
example of this highly desirable Silver Ghost.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.