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
