Vehicle Description
From the moment the Rolls-Royce 40/50 horsepower "Silver Ghost"
debuted at the 1906 London Motor Show at Olympia, it moved the
goalposts of what an automobile could achieve. With Henry Royce's
astonishing overbuilt 7,428cc side-valve inline six-cylinder engine
as the centerpiece, the Silver Ghost was an engineering marvel,
representing a great leap forward in automobile design. While
competitors struggled to achieve reliability due in part to long,
flexible crankshafts, Royce's design utilized a shorter, stronger
crank 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 redundant ignition systems via magneto and distributor
were advancements that established the Silver Ghost as the world
standard for fine motorcars. Much more than just the engine; the
40/50hp 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 often outlived its original body,
sometimes several times over. It is a true testament to their
quality that a vast majority of the approximately 6,500 Silver
Ghosts built over a span of 18 years still survive today. Even as
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 car experiences compare to that of piloting
the mighty Silver Ghost. Today's enthusiasts covet the Silver Ghost
in all its forms, but the pre-World War I 'parallel bonnet' models
command the most attention from collectors. Offered here is chassis
number 2006, a desirable early '2000-series' car wearing handsome
'Roi des Belges' touring style coachwork by Wilkinson. This car has
a fascinating, globetrotting history, beginning in 1912 when it was
delivered to Mr. James M. Niall, equipped with a landaulette body.
Mr. Niall was a successful wool industry mogul, with homes in
London and his native Melbourne, Australia. At some point during
his ownership tenure, Niall exported the car down under, where it
spent much of its early life. Several subsequent Australian owners
are documented by Mr. Tom C. Clarke in his superb book, Rolls-Royce
in the Sunburnt Country. The original Landaulet was replaced with a
locally-built six-light limousine body, and by the 1920s, 2006 was
offered for hire by Mrs. Barton's Safety Coach Service in Canberra
- a company still in operation today as CDC Canberra, though not
offering any Silver Ghosts for hire! In 1958, chassis 2006 was in
the care of Maurice Markoff, a Melbourne-based Rolls-Royce
enthusiast who commissioned a new tourer body to replace the
existing limousine. In 1965, Markoff advertised the restored Silver
Ghost in the RROC, where it was discovered by James Leake of
Muskogee, Oklahoma. An active trader of vintage vehicles, Mr. Leake
had a particular love for Silver Ghosts, and he retained 2006 for
over twenty years until his collection was dispersed in 1987. Under
new ownership in 1989, the car traveled to Denmark, undergoing
additional restoration work. It was then when it received the
current coachwork, a beautifully finished recreation of Barker's
famed Roi des Belges tourer crafted by the respected British firm,
I. Wilkinson & Son. In 2000, it joined an extensive private museum
collection, spending the next 22 years largely on static display.
Importantly, the engine bears the stamping '7W' corresponding with
factory records as the original unit - a remarkable feat after 112
years! It is lavishly presented in deep burgundy with abundant
brass accents; the Ghost has lost none of its visual impact. Since
emerging from the museum collection in 2022, chassis 2006 has
undergone extensive mechanical and cosmetic recommissioning to
prepare it for touring - an activity in which Silver Ghost owners
take part with tremendous pride. To make touring an even more
pleasurable and relaxed experience, it is updated with electric
start, electric headlamps, tail lamps, brake lights, and dual snake
head horns hiding discreet LED marker lights in their open mouths.
It was fitted with a new convertible top at considerable expense in
2024 and new Stutzman's wheels and tires in 2023. The Wilkinson
coachwork is of outstanding quality and has aged gracefully with
time and enjoyment. Included with the sale are an original owner's
manual, service receipts and a comprehensive history file.A rare
and desirable parallel bonnet Ghost, chassis 2006 makes an
impressive statement with its handsome coachwork and fascinating,
well-traveled ownership history. It will undoubtedly bring many
miles of joy touring the open road with fellow Silver Ghost
enthusiasts. Offers welcome, trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
