Vehicle Description
Upon its debut in 1907, the Rolls-Royce 40/50 horsepower "Silver
Ghost" was undoubtedly the most advanced motorcar money could buy.
Henry Royce's astonishingly overbuilt 7,428cc side-valve inline
six-cylinder engine was the centerpiece of this true engineering
marvel, which rendered virtually every other automobile obsolete
overnight. The impressive engine was durable yet 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. Rolls-Royce engineers and machinists assembled the
40/50hp with surgical precision, finely fitting each component and
hand-polishing mating surfaces to ensure turbine-smooth, smoke-free
operation - characteristics 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. Over the
eighteen-year production run, the design underwent numerous
refinements, gaining significant improvements, including four-wheel
brakes, revised suspension, improved steering, and much more. It is
a true testament to the quality of these cars that a vast majority
of the approximately 6,500 Silver Ghosts produced 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. Chassis number 355XH
is a beautifully restored Silver Ghost wearing striking and sporty
'Playboy' roadster in the style of Brewster. It boasts a
fascinating history and a marvelous, nut-and-bolt restoration by a
highly respected marque specialist. According to published records,
chassis 355XH was originally sold to Mr. Huntington Reed "Tack"
Hardwick of Boston, Mass. Hardwick was a star football player at
Harvard who later served as an artillery officer for the US Army in
World War I. When he returned home, he built a highly successful
career with the trading firm Benton & Stone. He was one of the
first owners of the Boston Nighthawks hockey team, and he helped
found the Boston Garden. For a man so ingrained in Massachusetts,
it is fitting that his Silver Ghost was built in nearby Springfield
and fitted from new with Pall Mall Tourer coachwork by Merrimac. By
the 1930s, 355XH had left Hardwick's ownership and was reportedly
offered for sale in Tom Mix's Boston showroom. In 1938 it was
purchased for $1750 by a man named Fred Roe - a young car
enthusiast who was so smitten with his purchase that he went on to
be one of five founding members of the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club.
Fred is a legendary character in the world of collector cars, and
much-loved copies of his seminal book on the Duesenberg marque sit
on the shelves of many motoring enthusiasts. 355XH passed through
several more hands, including those of Everett and Cort Pauls, both
former RROC officers. In the 1940s, before Everett Pauls's tenure,
the original Pall Mall body was removed and fitted to Springfield
Ghost chassis 320KG, replacing that car's worn-out Windsor body.
Remarkably, 355XH's original body still exists on 320KG, which is
owned by the Heritage Museum & Garden in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Everett Pauls acquired 355XH sans coachwork, ultimately settling on
a period appropriate Playboy-style roadster. In the 30s, Playboy
bodies were only fitted to pre-owned chassis, often when there was
an abundance of formal cars in stock. While most Playboys were
convertible coupes with roll-up side windows, this car's
dramatically cut-down doors necessitate the use of side curtains.
According to Pierce Reid, who restored 355XH from the ground-up,
the fenders and bonnet are original to this chassis. Fred Roe had
described his very first drive in the car in 1938, when he learned
the perils of 2-wheel brakes on wet roads and slid gently into the
back of his mother's limousine, bending the front wings! Reid found
evidence of the repairs - properly hammered back to form and leaded
smooth. As offered here, 355XH is in superb condition. The
respected specialist Pierce Reid, now of The Vintage Garage in
Stowe, Vermont, performed the exquisite nut-and-bolt restoration
for himself in the early 2000s. The exhaustive project included a
total engine overhaul, including new Hepworth pistons, new
bearings, and correctly restored hardware. The radiator was
re-cored by American Honeycomb, and the fuel system was totally
renewed. Likewise, the chassis was restored and virtually every
component was replaced or rebuilt before being detailed to
concours-quality standards, ensuring it is road-ready for years to
come. The cosmetics are restored with the same meticulous attention
to detail and quality. The coachwork is superb, and the subtle
two-tone gray paintwork suits the elegant yet sporty style. Details
include gorgeous nickel-finish drum headlamps, six red-painted wire
wheels with alloy discs, an authentic Springfield-made mascot
(supplied to Reid by John Webb de Campi), wood running boards, and
a fully restored metal trunk in matching gray. The beautiful top
and interior were restored by Petter Davidsen of New Hampshire to
concours-quality standards and are presented in excellent order
today. Also included are a matching top boot, a Silver Ghost tool
kit, and a restored original jack. Silver Ghosts are renowned for
their superb road manners, and 355XH is certainly no exception. The
Ghost is highly sought-after by RROC and CCCA touring enthusiasts
because few other veteran cars offer the same levels of
performance, reliability, and ease of use. 355XH is strikingly
beautiful remains entirely suitable for concours events, though it
will also make an exceptional touring car thanks to the
comprehensive nature of the restoration. With its fascinating
history, beautiful looks, and superb mechanical condition, Silver
Ghost 355XH is an excellent choice for concours events or touring
and is sure to be a highlight of any prestigious collection. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7162-1923-rolls-royce-silver-ghost-playboy-roadster/
