1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn DropHead Coupe

This 1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Saloon was delivered new by special order to San Francisco, California, and has remained there ever since. It has had two long-time owners and was originally finished in Metallic Dual Gray, with red Connolly leather interior, radio, the optional automatic transmission, special Wilomot-Breeden Overrider bumpers, sealed beam headlamps, and dual fog lamps. The Saloon received a rare, era-correct chrome luggage rack fitted to the roof.

The car remained with its first owner through 1976 when it entered the care of a Rolls-Royce specialist and Pebble Beach Concours judge. It was shown in various car club and RROC events where it won many awards. Eventually, the car was given a re-spare in correct Rolls-Royce Mason Black lacquer with fine red hand-painted coach line striping. The original red leather upholstery was retained. The interior features the original, hand-built cabinetry built from seasoned hardwood and veneered in polished burled Circassian walnut. The original West of England wool cloth headliner and trim remain in place.

The inline six-cylinder overhead valve engine displaces 4,566cc and is equipped with a single Zenith carburetor. There is a four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2021