1909 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Tourer with Roi-des-belges style coachwork. Delivered via L.C Seligmann to R.A Munn, a civil engineer and marine Superintendent to the Union castle line. Winner of the Stockbridge hill climbing trial in May 1914.
The Rolls Royce vehicles have always been the pinnacle of design, technology, and ambience. The loudest noise that could be heard by occupants of their vehicles was said to be the clock. In 1904 engineer Frederick Henry Royce joined with the entrepreneur and businessman, the Honorable Charles Stewart Rolls. This union became known as the Rolls Royce Company.
The Silver Ghost became available in 1906 and brought with it quality and technology to a level that had never been seen before on a motor vehicle. Most engines of the time had long and flexible crankshafts that were prone to vibration and noise.
The Rolls Royce engines had large bearings and pressurized oiling systems, secured by seven main bearings. This was then enclosed in a strong aluminum alloy crankcase eliminating much noise and creating a pleasurable driving experience for the occupants of the vehicle. The crankshaft had an accuracy of .00025 on its bearing surface.
They were hand polished to remove any surface cracks left by the grinder. Instead of using noisy chains to drive the ignition, Royce used gears. Phosphor bronze and nickel steel were used in the construction of the timing gears which were then ground and polished by hand.
The engine was further shortened by casting in triplets. Cooling problems and leaks were eliminated by the removable cylinder blocks and fixed heads. A Royce designed twin jet carburetor gave the engine all the breathing it required.
In 1919 the car was purchased by Hurbert Scott-paine, founder of the Supermarine company, aircraft and boat designer, record-breaking power boat racer, entrepreneur, inventor, and sponsor of the winning entry in the 1922 Schneider Trophy.
In recent years the car has toured all around Europe and is a dated member of the veteran car club. The last gentleman owner has owned the car since 1966 along with another Silver Ghost thus this car has not be on the market for 53 years.
This is a wonderful example of a pre war Silver Ghost with some beautiful period features such as the original gas headlamps and paraffin side lamps, running and driving beautifully. A highly sought after collectors car, worthy of any collection and if you have deep pockets then check it out at Ghost Motors
Rolls Royce vehicles became iconic and legendary, with their high standards of build, reliability and along with their elegant style. Rolls Royce went on to supply Ghosts to the royal family of Great Britain – their marketing move worked – you weren’t anybody unless you had a Rolls Royce.