Chassis 30ED
- Chassis 30ED with matching engine number 1.U
- Striking twin-cockpit skiff body finished in dark opalescent
green
- Fascinating history spanning England, Morocco, France, and the
United States
- Restored in 1998 and later updated by Silver Ghost specialist
Steve Litton
- Electric starter, amplified ignition, and air cleaner added for
improved touring reliability
Upon its debut in 1907, the Rolls-Royce 40/50 horsepower "Silver
Ghost" was considered to be the most advanced motorcar money could
buy. With Henry Royce's impressively over-built 7,428cc side-valve
inline six-cylinder engine as the centerpiece, the Silver Ghost was
a true engineering marvel, representing a great leap forward in
automobile design. The impressive engine was both incredibly strong
yet was also 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. 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 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. It is a true testament to the quality of these
cars that a vast majority of the approximately 6,500 Silver Ghosts
built over its 18 years in production 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.
Our featured 1915 Silver Ghost is chassis number 30ED, a
mid-production G-Series model fitted with unique and striking
coachwork. Nicknamed "Dragonfly" as much for its purposeful styling
as its iridescent green paintwork, this fabulous motorcar is built
with a focus on spirited driving. Beautifully finished and
detailed, 30ED is an alluring prospect for any enthusiast seeking a
rapid and exciting machine for veteran car touring. Documents
provided by the current owner as well as the Rolls-Royce Foundation
reveal that chassis 30ED has led a rich and fascinating life.
Interestingly, the file includes two factory invoices, the first
showing the car initially slated to receive Barker coachwork for a
member of the Nobel Family in Russia. For unknown reasons, that
order was canceled and a second invoice shows the car was sold on
August 9, 1916, to a Mr. Loewenstein. Equipped with limousine
coachwork and registered R2503, this Silver Ghost traded hands
among various English and Welsh owners into the late 1920s. By the
1930s, the car made its way to the city of Tangiers, Morocco. As is
typical with many Ghosts, the chassis had already outlived the
coachwork, and later in the decade, it was still in Morocco serving
as a breakdown recovery vehicle!
By the 1960s, 30ED was in France and reportedly configured as a
torpedo-style tourer. It was sold via a Christie's auction in 1970
and returned to England after that. In 1978, Mr. John E. Tanner
mated an existing Melhuish & Co. Canopy Brougham body to the
chassis and continued to enjoy the car. The current configuration
is courtesy of Mr. H.J.T. Channing of Guernsey, England, who
acquired 30ED in 1993. In 1998, he commissioned a full restoration
and the construction of this marvelous Skiff-inspired, dual-cockpit
coachwork. Mr. Channing showed the car in England and seemed to
have used it in Veteran Car Club events, as it proudly displays its
V.C.C. registration plate. Channing sold the Ghost to noted
American Rolls-Royce enthusiast Don Meyer in 2005, who imported it
to the USA. The Dragonfly subsequently was acquired by a devoted
collector of the British marque, and following its stay in that
collection, it was sold through us to a connoisseur of pre-war
motoring.
Rakish and sporty, the 2/4 passenger twin-cockpit skiff body is
beautifully constructed in the finest English coachbuilding
tradition. Framed in wood and skinned in aluminum, the body is
wonderfully proportioned. The cut-down cockpit, boattail treatment,
and long bonnet give the Dragonfly a speedster-like quality. The
quality of the craftsmanship is outstanding, and lovely details
abound, particularly around the driver's compartment with its
subtle scalloped treatment and gracefully arched rear deck panel.
The dark opalescent green paintwork is in excellent condition, laid
down on straight, crisp panels. Complementary green leather
upholstery presents with an inviting character from use. The same
materials repeat in the rear dicky seat, which allows room for two
additional passengers. Aside from looking marvelous, the purposeful
coachwork no doubt offers a handy weight saving, lightening the
load on the 7.4-liter inline-six, and letting the Dragonfly live up
to its evocative looks.
Mechanically, the Dragonfly is in top health. The chassis is clean
and detailed, appearing well-maintained and very tidy. Showing
engine number 1.U (matching the Schoellkopf card), the big six is
in excellent condition and presents with a pleasing patina from use
and care. Under the stewardship of the current owner, Silver Ghost
expert Steve Litton updated the car with an electric starter,
amplified ignition, and air cleaner assembly to ensure smooth,
reliable running on tour. Now ready for touring and veteran car
events the world over, the Silver Ghost 30ED - or Dragonfly if you
prefer - will no doubt provide its next keeper with many miles of
thrilling, open-air motoring.
Offers welcomed and trades considered.
