1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Open Drive Limousine

After the original order for this chassis was canceled, it was reassigned to be clothed with limousine coachwork by Hooper. Eventually, the Rolls-Royce was acquired by C.H. (Charles H.) Angas of South Australia. Before Mr. Angas took delivery, Rolls-Royce modified the new chassis to his order, fitting an external slipper drive in front of the timing case. To accommodate this change, the radiator was repositioned and the hoodline was lengthened. Additionally, the rear axle ratio was changed, a Colonial-specification front axle was fitted, the steering rake was altered, and Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels were mounted. The Hooper body was removed and replaced by an open-drive limousine body created by Grosvenor. Styling features include body panels that flare upward, an outward-curving roofline, and a 'C-curve' through the chauffeur's compartment.

A photograph of this Rolls-Royce was published in the American publication Motor Age on November 21, 1912, while it was at the Angas townhouse on Brougham Place in Adelaide. At the time, the Rolls-Royce wore its Grosvenor coachwork with a design that mirrors it current configuration. This is significant because by the late 1930s, it was at the railroad station in Koomooloo, with an open body mounted for use as a 'hack.' By the early 1950s, it was at the Koomooloo refuse facility, and its chassis was actually being used as part of the fencing.

Recognizing the car's potential, the Rolls-Royce was eventually rescued by Robert Murray and brought to his friend Colin Angas, grandson of the original owner. A short time later, Colin sold the car to Gavin Sandford-Morgan. In 1963, the car was purchased by Charles Wright of Adelaide and many years were dedicated to the car's restoration to its original condition, although with bodywork of considerably more conservative design.

The Silver Ghost remained with Mr. Wright until 2001, when it was purchased by Malcolm Jones, who undertook further authenticity and cosmetic improvements to the restoration, such as extensively reworking the coachwork to the original Grosvenor design. Additionally, Lucas self-generating headlamps were fitted and the spare wheel was relocated.

In 2012, the car was purchased by its current caretaker, who further improved its restoration while also maintaining it in fine order.

It is believed that this Rolls-Royce retains all of its original mechanical components as rebuilt by the factory for delivery to Mr. Angas. The gearbox, however, is a correct replacement from another chassis.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024