1920 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Roadster

The Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP, now known as the Silver Ghost, was first built in 1906 with quality that had never been seen before on a motor vehicle. The 40/50's large bearings and pressurized oiling system eliminated the noise and unwanted vibration that were then common on other cars. The chassis was also built to much higher standards than most models of the day. This 1920 Silver Ghost wears coachwork by Barker. One of the most original Silver Ghosts in the world, it has had very few changes in ownership during its 94 years of existence. In 1937 the car was put on blocks in the lower level of San Francisco's Green Street Garage, and there it remained until 1967 when it was sold. The car was then moved to the new owner's basement garage where it remained for the next forty years. In 2008, it was moved to a local restoration ship where it was found to be in excellent shape considering its age. The car was brought to running condition in preparation for the 2008 Pebble Beach Auction. Its current owners acquired the car in 2013.

Possibly the most significant car ever built, the Silver Ghost was produced from 1907 through 1926. Thousands of examples remain on the road and are used extensively, a testament to their design and construction. This car wears coachwork by Barker

Originally called a '40/50', this chassis style was first produced in Manchester and later at the Derby factory. Then between 1921 and 1926 in Springfield, Massachusetts. While the name 'The Silver Ghost' was originally given to chassis no. 60551, the title 'Silver Ghost' was taken by the press. The name was used to emphasize the ghost-like quietness of the car.

This 1920 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Roadster wears coachwork by Barker and is one of the most undisturbed Silver Ghosts in existence. It has had only two owners in its 88 years of existence. In 1937, its owner put the car on blocks in the lower levels of San Francisco's Green Street Garage. Just prior to coming to auction in 2008, it had not moved under its power since 1937. The car remained in the garage until 1967 when it was sold to the current owner by the estate of the prior owner.

The car was moved from the garage to the new owner's basement garage where it would remain for the next forty years. In May of 2008, it was moved to a Monterey Peninsula classic restoration shop where it was found to be in excellent shape, considering its age. All of the fluids in the car had been drained and the cylinders filled with oil. The car was brought to running condition in preparation for the Gooding & Company auction, held in August of 2008 at Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $350,000. Bidding exceeded those estimates as the lot was sold for $429,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009