For Sale: 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost in Saint Louis, Missouri

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