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, representing a great leap forward in
automobile design. The impressive engine was both incredibly strong
yet was also lightweight thanks to the extensive use of aluminum
alloy, particularly in the large 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 with
unprecedented levels of precision, finely fitting each component
and hand-polishing 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 any abuse an owner could throw at it. Given its
remarkable durability, a Silver Ghost 40/50hp chassis would often
outlive its original body, sometimes several times over. It is a
true testament to the quality of these cars that a vast majority of
the approximately 6,500 Silver Ghosts built over its 18 years in
production still survive today. Even as many Silver Ghosts have
surpassed the century mark, a global community of dedicated
aficionados continues to enjoy them as intended on the road, and
few veteran cars can match the experience of piloting a mighty
Silver Ghost. Our featured 1915 Silver Ghost is chassis number
30ED, a mid-production G-Series model fitted with unique and
striking coachwork. Nicknamed "Dragonfly" as much for its
purposeful styling as its iridescent green paintwork, this fabulous
motorcar is built with a focus on spirited driving. Beautifully
finished and detailed, 30ED is an alluring prospect for any
enthusiast seeking a rapid and exciting machine for veteran car
touring. Documents provided by the current owner as well as the
Rolls-Royce Foundation reveal that chassis 30ED has led a rich and
fascinating life. Interestingly, the file includes two factory
invoices, the first showing the car initially slated to receive
Barker coachwork for a member of the Nobel Family in Russia. For
unknown reasons, that order was canceled and a second invoice shows
the car was sold on August 9, 1916, to a Mr. Loewenstein. Equipped
with limousine coachwork and registered R2503, this Silver Ghost
traded hands among various English and Welsh owners into the late
1920s. By the 1930s, the car made its way to the city of Tangiers,
Morocco. As is typical with many Ghosts, the chassis had already
outlived the coachwork, and later in the decade, it was still in
Morocco serving as a breakdown recovery vehicle! By the 1960s, 30ED
was in France and reportedly configured as a torpedo-style tourer.
It was sold via a Christie's auction in 1970 and returned to
England after that. In 1978, Mr. John E. Tanner mated an existing
Melhuish & Co. Canopy Brougham body to the chassis and continued to
enjoy the car. The current configuration is courtesy of Mr. H.J.T.
Channing of Guernsey, England, who acquired 30ED in 1993. In 1998,
he commissioned a full restoration and the construction of this
marvelous Skiff-inspired, dual-cockpit coachwork. Mr. Channing
showed the car in England and seemed to have used it in Veteran Car
Club events, as it proudly displays its V.C.C. registration plate.
Channing sold the Ghost to noted American Rolls-Royce enthusiast
Don Meyer in 2005, who imported it to the USA. The current owner
acquired the car from Meyer shortly after that and has continued to
care for and cherish it as part of his extensive collection. Rakish
and sporty, the 2/4 passenger twin-cockpit skiff body is
beautifully constructed in the finest English coachbuilding
tradition. Framed in wood and skinned in aluminum, the body is
wonderfully proportioned. The cut-down cockpit, boattail treatment,
and long bonnet give the Dragonfly a speedster-like quality. The
quality of the craftsmanship is outstanding, and lovely details
abound, particularly around the driver's compartment with its
subtle scalloped treatment and gracefully arched rear deck panel.
The dark opalescent green paintwork is in excellent condition, laid
down on straight, crisp panels. Complementary green leather
upholstery presents with an inviting character from use. The same
materials repeat in the rear dicky seat, which allows room for two
additional passengers. Aside from looking marvelous, the purposeful
coachwork no doubt offers a handy weight saving, lightening the
load on the 7.4-liter inline-six, and letting the Dragonfly live up
to its evocative looks. Mechanically, the Dragonfly is in top
health. The chassis is clean and detailed, appearing
well-maintained and very tidy. Showing engine number 1.U (matching
the Schoellkopf card), the big six is in excellent condition and
presents with a pleasing patina from use and care. Under the
stewardship of the current owner, Silver Ghost expert Steve Litton
updated the car with an electric starter, amplified ignition, and
air cleaner assembly to ensure smooth, reliable running on tour.
Now ready for touring and veteran car events the world over, the
Silver Ghost 30ED - or Dragonfly if you prefer - will no doubt
provide its next keeper with many miles of thrilling, open-air
motoring. Offers welcomed and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6412-1915-rolls-royce-silver-ghost-skiff/
