I purchased the car from my niece’s mother-in-law in Dallas, Texas in 1993. I first saw it in 1987 when my wife and I were visiting relatives in Dallas. During a discussion about antique cars, my niece asked if I would like to see her mother-n-law’s 1955 Rolls Royce. Of course, I said yes, and we drove to a private airport just outside Dallas. Her mother in law met us there and sitting in a private hanger beside her husband’s Lear Jet was this beautiful Rolls Royce Silver Dawn. She allowed me to drive it around the tarmac and for some reason, I asked her if she would give me refusal, should she ever decide to sell it. She told me that this would be very unlikely since it was a wedding present from her husband. Six years later, I received a phone call from her and she asked if I still wanted her car. She explained that due to serious health issues, she was no longer able to drive, and wanted someone to have the car who would love it as she did. My wife and I flew to Dallas the next day and bought it on the spot. We have kept it and loved it for 28 years.
The car has never spent one night outside, nor has it ever been wet since we have owned it. We use a California Duster and spray polish, but never wash it because we do not want water in the doors. We have never driven it in the rain or bad weather.
We have a tradition of taking it on a “special date “ at least once a year. The most memorable was New Year’s Eve, 2000 when we drove it to the Peabody in Memphis to celebrate the new century. We also have a tradition of taking our grandchildren for a ride every Christmas Eve. Another fun time was when our grandson accompanied us on a 150-mile drive from Memphis to Alabama. The only issue was responding to the many “thumbs up “ that we received.
We have never put it in a car show or parade. We bought it for our own pleasure and enjoyment.
The previous owner had the original engine and drive train replaced with a 6 cylinder Chevrolet engine and drive train in order to accommodate air conditioning. The engine and air conditioner run perfectly. The engine has 9700 miles on it, which is what is showing on the odometer. The paint is original, except for the left front fender, which was repaired due to a minor accident. The paint matched perfectly.
tires were recently installed and have less than 200 miles on them. Have also replaced the exhaust system recently. A new master cylinder and wheel cylinder were recently installed. We had new suede seat covers installed 20 years ago. They are like new. All lights work.
We have made the painful decision to sell the car because of the need to downsize due to age and health issues. We have loved and pampered it for 28 years and hope that it finds a new home where it will be loved as much as the last two owners have.
