1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Tourer

The early 'parallel bonnet' model 40/50 HP Silver Ghosts were those produced between the start of production in 1907 and 1915. They were given their name for the distinctive design of their front ends. This particular example was 'on test' on February 27, 1911, powered by engine number 45S. It was also listed as having Rudge-Whitworth detachable wooden rims and nickel trim, both of which are still present on the vehicle. It was delivered through dealer A.B. Wardman to A. Harrison of Frodsham. No coachbuilder was listed on the build records. Mr. Harrison likely commissioned the bodywork from Lawton himself. The bodywork features doors for both the front and rear passengers and was likely to have been driven, at least part of the time, by the owner.

Subsequent owners of the car are believed to have been J. Evans of Southport and then, in 1919, Sir John Wormald, KBE, of Berkshire. After World War II, ownership passed to S.J. Skinner of Basingstroke. G. Frank of Little Wenlock, Shropshire, followed, and then R.H. Stothart of Myddleton became the next owner in 1959 and owned the car for what appears to be only a brief period of time. In 1960, the car was purchased, via Jack Humphries of Birmingham, by Dr. Samuel Scher of New York City. Dr. Scher treated the car to a restoration. It was shipped to London dealers Jack Barclay who performed the work. The only major component of the car replaced during the restoration work were the fenders, which were remade from scratch. The original Lawton bodywork was refinished.

After the work was complete, the car was sent back to the United States, where it won an AACA National First Prize, followed by that organization's national Foo Dog Trophy for Best Rolls-Royce, both in 1963. That same year, it was judged in Rolls-Royce Owners Club competition at the national meet in Williamsburg, Virginia, where it was awarded the Rolls-Royce Trophy for Best of Show.

In 1969, the car was purchased by Harry Resnick. Later in the 1970s, it was sold by Mr. Resnick to the Craven Foundation of Oshawa, Ontario. While owned by the Craven Foundation, the car was exhibited at a Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club rally in Mississauga, Ontario.

When the Craven Foundation was liquidated in 1986, the car was passed to a California resident, who had it refinished in its present shade of cream, with the polished aluminum bonnet of the Scher restoration retained. Several years ago, the car was purchased by its present owner.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016