1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe

Six examples of the Park Ward 'Foursome' Drophead Coupe were built and this particular left-hand drive example is one of three equipped with an automatic transmission. It wears black front fenders, a tapered rear with spats covering the rear wheels, and a dual-tone paint scheme with mint green sides over dark green, and complemented with dark green seats with mint green piping. It was optioned with a power top, power steering, power windows, and an automatic gearbox. Additionally, it received fog lamps, high-frequency horns, and a model 4200 radio.

This Rolls was delivered new to Château de Bouffémont, just north of Paris, on June 17, 1953, for the Baroness Rozelle Empain (née Rowland), the wife of Baron Jean Empain. It remained in her care until 1966 when it was to a Monsieur Sadoul of Paris's 7th Arrondissement. It is believed that it remained in France and received a restoration in the 1980s during which it was finished in its current two-tone green. In 1988 took first place at the Grand Prix de Diane Hermes, with the award given by Britain's Princess Anne.

The current caretaker acquired the vehicle in November of 2009 and it has remained on static display for the last dozen years.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021