1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Oxford Tourer

Rolls-Royce had an American factory at Springfield, Massachusetts from 1919 to 1931. Rolls-Royce offered a range of bodies to be sold under the name 'Rolls-Royce Custom Coachwork.' Most of these were built by Brewster, but some were commissioned by Merrimack, Willoughby, Holbrook, and Biddle & Smart. They all carried the names of British landmarks—Croydon and Henley convertibles, St. Stephen and St. Alban town cars, and the Piccadilly roadster, to name but a few.

Rolls-Royce built 77 examples of the Oxford Touring Car. This example is one of the first 'Springfield Ghosts' produced. It was originally delivered to J.G. McHenry, a prominent Detroit attorney, apparently following use as a trials car at the Thompson Automobile Company. Mr. McHenry eventually sold the car to John S. Riggs, of New York, who, in 1948, passed it into the hands of Barney Pollard. The Rolls was eventually sold from the Pollard Collection into the care of Robert Merrifield, and it was maintained by him until late-2009.

The car retains its original engine chassis frame, and body. The Rolls-Royce still has under 25,000 actual miles. It is believed that the majority of the miles were acquired during the ownership of its first two caretakers. It has recently been repainted and re-chromed.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale in Scottsdale, Arizona by RM Auctions. Bidding reached $220,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013