1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Riviera Town Car

In 1921, Rolls-Royce opened a plant in Springfield, MA, to make the Silver Ghost. These cars were almost identical to the British-manufactured examples including right-hand drive. There were minor differences from the U.K. versions such as the wheels, tires, lamps, electrical system, and battery. Otherwise, the specifications were identical and they were made to the same high-quality standards. The engine was a 7.4 liter 6-cylinder producing about 85 horsepower. In 1925, the Springfield cars changed to left-hand drive.

This Silver Ghost Riviera Town Car, serial number 390XH, is one of the most opulent Rolls-Royces. The Riviera design was considered the epitome of Brewster coachwork. Fine carriage lamps are mounted behind the mahogany-trimmed chauffeur's compartment while the passenger compartment is upholstered in tan broadcloth embellished with an elaborate petit-point design. All hardware is gold-plated and the wood garnish moldings are inlaid in a floral marquetry pattern of rare woods handcrafted in Venice, Italy, by order of the original owner.

Brewster was purchased by Rolls-Royce in 1925, and the Springfield factory would fit the chassis with temporary seats and drive them from the Massachusetts plant to the Brewster factory in Long Island to be bodied.

This 1923 Springfield Rolls-Royce was originally fitted with a Pall Mall Touring body and sold to Mr. W.H. Harley who sold it back to Rolls-Royce in 1929. The body was removed and replaced with this beautiful Riviera Town Car made by Brewster. The Riviera model is considered one of Brewster's most beautiful creations. The two-person rear seat is in an enclosed cabin, while the front row is open-air. Only six Springfield Ghost Riviera Town Cars were made, and this example is thought to be the only example still in existence.

A.L. Humes of New York City took delivery on December 7th of 1929. While in his care, the car received the floral fabric upholstery on the rear seat, Venetian mahogany inlay, and the gold-plated trim and accessories.

It was later sold to collector Dr. Erle Health of Pittsburgh who had a full 100-point restoration done. Under Dr. Heath's ownership it won many awards, including the Scher Trophy for the best Silver Ghost at the RROC Annual Meet in 1973.

Dr. Heath sold the car in the 1980s and it subsequently passed through three more owners until collector Robert Pass acquired it in 2010 and had it reconditioned. It then won Best in Class at Amelia Island in 2012, and was shown at Pebble Beach in 2013 before joining the current owner's collection in 2014.