1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe

This Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn wears a drophead coupe body built by Park Ward, one of six examples in this configuration. It is finished in a two-tone green paint scheme with gold fine lines, a green convertible top, and tan seats. The 4,257cc overhead valve inline six-cylinder engine has a single Zenith carburetor and delivers approximately 150 horsepower. There is a four-speed automatic transmission, hydraulic drum brakes, and an independent front suspension.

The Silver Dawn was ordered by R.D. Onan of Minneapolis and originally wore a triple Blue paint scheme with a blue top and blue leather interior. It had a power top, power windows, dual fog lamps, and white wall tires.

The factory completed the car on May 26, 1952, and Mr. Onan took delivery in August. In the mid-1980s, the car was restored by Hibernia Auto Restorations Inc in Hibernia, New Jersey.

When it was owned by Eric Lorentzen of Arizona, it was displayed in Monterey during 'car week' and was featured in the October 1991 issue of PRÆCLARVM, the Federal Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia.

Dr. Adolph Lombardi of Columbus, Ohio, purchased the car in January 1995 and retained it for the next twelve years. The current caretaker purchased the car in May of 2007, and has remained on static display for the last 16 years.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2023