1922 ROLLS-ROYCE 40/50HP SILVER GHOST PALL MALL TOURER

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This year marks the Centenary of the meeting of the Hon. Charles S. Rolls and Henry Royce (then Frederick Henry Royce). When they joined forces in March 1904, the motor car was just beginning to develop in terms of sales and popularity, but Rolls astutely saw a niche market in the upper echelons of society for a refined luxury car, which Royce's excellence in engineering could provide. Initially, in keeping with other manufacturers a variety of models were built. But guided by their directors, within two years they had focused on a single model policy, building their legendary six cylinder 40/50hp car, which legendary quickly earned their cars the reputation of 'The Best Car in the World'. The Rolls-Royce was not the most expensive car in its day, but it can be strongly argued that it offered the standards far surpassing those of other manufacturers and was incredibly well-refined. It was these characteristics which made it appeal to its clientele, and marketed vociferously by Claude Johnson sales were consistently good. In a Rolls-Royce one had reliability, silence of operation and a chassis on which could be built the most luxurious of limousines or rakish sporting tourers. These key attributes have remained consistent in the development of the marque, and the magnificent Private collection that we are proud to offer here has been built to demonstrate perfectly the evolution of the marque. With examples from each major model, one can see the development from Silver Ghost through the Phantom series, to the 1990s, and underpinned by the renowned smaller horsepower cars. The collection also demonstrates the variety of coachwork styles that were available on a Rolls-Royce chassis, representing almost every configuration of whether it be a Sedanca de Ville, Open Tourer, Convertible or Limousine. One could argue that there is a Rolls-Royce for every occasion (and weather variable). Ranging in age from a 40/50hp Silver Ghost to the most incredibly specified Phantom VI we have ever had the pleasure to offer, the collection is a truly enviable selection. Fastidious attention to detail and exacting requirements have ensured that all of the cars within the collection have been professionally maintained by dedicated staff. Selectively used, the cars have enjoyed a cosseted life and individual history files are available for viewing upon request. The vendor has elected to sell the to benefit a Charitable Foundation of their choice.

Details

1922 ROLLS-ROYCE 40/50HP SILVER GHOST PALL MALL TOURER
COACHWORK BY ROLLS-ROYCE CUSTOM COACHWORKS

Registration No. El 1078
Chassis No. 76 UG
Engine No. 20 H 149
Cream with tan interior

White with tan interior and tan canvas top
Engine: six-cylinder, side valves, 7,428cc, 65bhp at 1,250rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual with overdrive; Suspension: front, semi-elliptic leaf springs, rear, cantilever; Brakes: two wheel drum. Right hand drive.

Claude Johnson, Rolls-Royce's great marketing and promotional genius, felt that demand for Silver Ghosts in America after World War I, combined with a punishing U.S. import duty on automobiles, called for an American-based assembly plant for Derby's motor cars. After some exploratory study, a decision was made that a Rolls-Royce of America manufacturing entity should be established. American financing was secured, capital stock was issued beginning in late 1919 and suitable plant locations were investigated.
Finally, in February 1920, an existing facility of the Wire Wheel Corporation of America in Springfield, Massachusetts was acquired. Intense work commenced in converting the plant for automotive production to Rolls-Royce standards. About one year later, the first of the Springfield Silver Ghosts rolled out of the factory, beginning a Rolls-Royce manufacturing presence in the United States that was to last until the Great Depression.

Not only did the Silver Ghost achieve a quality of engineering and performance that was outstanding in its era, but the chassis was also highly suited to a diverse range of coachwork. Consequently, the coachbuilders had many more opportunities to express themselves and designed everything from specialized golfers' coupes to the sporting open touring cars like the one offered here. The quality of the U.S. bodies was beyond reproach. Today, many American Rolls-Royce enthusiasts believe the Rolls-Royce Custom Coachwork and later Brewster bodies to be the finest ever fitted to the Rolls-Royce.

76 UG has resided in the collection for many years, and is thought to have been purchased shortly after its importation to the UK from America. The car bears a Rolls-Royce Owner's Club award winner plaque, which would we feel date its restoration to the late 1970s. Today its condition it has mellowed nicely with age, and its apparent completeness and correct detail features make for a good example of the Pall Mall model.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

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