1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost For Sale in St Louis , 2146378332 Tweet

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 Royces astonishing overbuilt 7428cc 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 Royces 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 6500 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. Todays 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. Bartons 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 Barkers 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 Stutzmans 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 owners 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 For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7916-1912-rolls-royce-silver-ghost/