Vehicle Description
More Photos and Information at www.VintageMotorCarsUSA.com A Legend
Born in America: The Story of S335RL When Rolls-Royce established
its American subsidiary in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1919, it
marked the start of a bold new venture. By 1921, the first
American-built Silver Ghost was complete, carrying forward the
marque's impeccable standards while tailoring details to suit
American tastes. Subtle but significant changes appeared: left-hand
drive layouts, American Bosch or Westinghouse electrical systems,
fuel pumps replacing the British Autovac, and refinements like drum
headlamps and tubular bumpers. Over the next decade, most
Springfield-built Silver Ghosts received bodies from either
Brewster or Rolls-Royce Custom Coachwork. Among these, the
Piccadilly roadster emerged as one of the most coveted designs a
sleek two-seater convertible with side curtains, a rumble seat, and
unmistakable open-air charisma. Of the Silver Ghosts built in
America, just 79 were dressed in this elegant style. Chassis
S335RL: An Extraordinary Life Completed in June 1926, chassis
S335RL began life as a company demonstrator and trials car.
Rolls-Royce routinely used certain cars to test new parts and
improvements, in this case, the car was equipped with factory
installed four-wheel brakes for testing, an option not previously
available. After two years in this role, the car was
comprehensively refreshed at the factory and sold on December 28,
1928, to its first private owner, A.J. Davis of St. Louis,
Missouri. Its sale price was a remarkable $13,450 at a time when
the average American earned less than half that in a year. S335RL
passed through the hands of several notable custodians over the
decades. Edward M. Bergen acquired it in 1937, followed by John B.
Davis of Missouri and then Carroll Vail, a prominent St. Louis
collector and then-president of the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club. Vail
later sold the car to Conrad Karras, who drove it on the 1973
Alpine Tour a challenging European rally known for steep mountain
passes and breathtaking scenery. The car later joined the esteemed
collection of William B. Ruger, the founder of Ruger Firearms and
an avid Rolls-Royce enthusiast. Ruger kept the car until his estate
sale in 2002, after which it underwent a significant mechanical
restoration. Work included installing two new cylinder blocks,
rebuilding the gearbox, brakes, front axle, and kingpins overseen
by the respected Frank Cooke's Vintage Garage. Revived for the Road
The next owner Lynn Boynton, then president of the Silver Ghost
Association, added a Gear Vendors overdrive for modern touring
capability and a stainless-steel exhaust system. In 2003, he and
his wife entered the car in a reenactment of the historic Alpine
Trials a grueling, three-week, 1800 mile European trek that
included the formidable Stelvio Pass between Austria and Italy. The
car completed the journey flawlessly. In 2022, S335RL found a new
caretaker, who entrusted Rolls-Royce specialist Steve Littin of
Vintage and Auto Rebuilds (Chardon, OH) as well as RM Auto
Restoration (Blenheim, ON), to perform a comprehensive service and
repairs totaling over $100,000. Six brand new wire wheels were
fitted, shod with Excelsior radial tires. Discreet LED headlamp and
sidelight conversions were made within the original housings for
improved night driving. The period-correct tail lamps were retained
and made fully functional, with the addition of subtle turn signals
for added safety. Several other mechanical repairs were completed
including rebuilt wheel bearings and seals, wiper motors, clock,
cooling fan, steering gear and column. Newly fitted, water pump,
fuel pump and lines, alternator/generator, battery, clutch,
exhaust, brake booster and more. Further updates included a new
convertible top and side curtains, a fresh period-style trunk, and
reupholstered black leather front seats, rubber flooring with
leather binding. The entire body was refinished in a striking black
over gray livery with matching black fenders. A Rolling Piece of
History Today, S335RL stands as one of the very few surviving
Piccadilly roadsters built by Rolls-Royce Custom Coachworks. With
its rich, well-documented provenance and a remarkable history of
continuous use, restoration, and touring, this car remains a
standout example of prewar motoring elegance. Whether displayed on
a concours lawn or driven through mountain passes in Europe, this
Silver Ghost is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and
spirit of Rolls-Royce.
