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1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi-des-Belge Tourer

The Rolls-Royce model first introduced in 1906 was not initially referred to as a Silver Ghost, but rather the '40/50', referring to its 40 taxable HP and 50 true HP. Silver Ghosts became known not only for their incredible reliability but also for their virtually silent operation, smoothness and absence of vibration. It has 40/50 hp, 7428cc L-head six-cylinder engine with a three-speed manual transmission, solid front ale, live rear axle, two-wheel mechanical brakes and a 142.5-inch wheelbase. In 1958 it was bought and imported to the United States. Finished in garnet red, with black trim and gold pin striping, the car is trimmed in rich tan leather with tan top, tonneau and side curtains, it is simply one of the most striking Silver Ghosts extant. The coachwork is accented with flawlessly restored brass bright work.

Quite simply, a Silver Ghost didn't wear out and as Rolls-Royce said, 'The quality will remain when the price is forgotten.' Simply stated in a 1911 catalogue, 'The Rolls-Royce Car is bought by people who will have the best and nothing but the best.' The company unabashedly claimed The Best Car in the World as its mantra.
This Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost has a period Roi-des-Belges Tourer body with coachwork that is believed to be by Alford & Alder. It is an RROC national Meet Best in Show, AACA Senior National Award Winner. It has been given a professional restoration since new and remains in excellent condition in modern times.

The car is powered by a 7428cc inline, L-Head, six-cylinder engine (number 74) with a single updraft carburetor, developing 48 horsepower at 1000 RPM. The engine is coupled to a three-speed manual gearbox and braking is comprised of two-wheel drum brakes. The suspension on this right-hand-drive vehicle consists of semi-elliptic leaf springs on the front and three-quarter elliptic on the rear.

The car has all bright-work in brass, a Boa bulb horn and Smith's speedometer and trip odometer. Additional features consist of a tilting windscreen, a full set of spring gaiters and a complete set of engine and transmission pans.

In 2009, this Rolls-Royce was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Auction in Pebble Beach. The lot was estimated to sell for $600,000 - $700,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $682,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2010

2012 RM - Milhous Collection, Fla

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $700,000-USD $900,000 
Sale Price :
USD $836,000

2009 Pebble Beach Auction : Gooding & Company

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $600,000-USD $700,000 
Sale Price :
USD $682,000

2007 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $800,000-USD $1,100,000 
Sale Price :
USD $797,500

1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost

(Data based on Model Year 1911 sales)
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Open Drive Limousine 'The Dreamer' by Grosvenor
Chassis#: 1524
Sold for USD$280,000
  2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey
 
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Drophead Coupe by Barker
Chassis#: 1713
Sold for USD$385,000
  2019 RM Sothebys : Hershey
 
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Limousine
Chassis#: 1850E
Sold for USD$940,000
  2019 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roadster
Chassis#: 1592
Sold for USD$1,017,500
  2013 RM Auctions - Monterey
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi des Belges Tourer
Chassis#: 1677
Sold for USD$869,264
  2012 Aalholm Automobile Collection
 
1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Seven-Passenger Roi des Belges
Chassis#: 1574
Sold for USD$836,000
  2012 RM - Milhous Collection, Fla
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  
1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette
Chassis#: 1797
Sold for USD$506,000
  2011 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi-des-Belge Tourer
Chassis#: 1574
Sold for USD$682,000
  2009 Pebble Beach Auction : Gooding & Company
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost ROI_DES_BELGES
Sold for USD$522,500
  2008 Worldwide Auctions - The Auburn Auction 2008
 
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost
Sold for USD$990,000
  2007 Gooding & Company
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost Roi Des Belges
Chassis#: 1574
Sold for USD$797,500
  2007 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost
Sold for USD$858,000
  2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost image  
1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Landaulette
Sold for USD$401,500
  2003 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall
 

Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghosts That Failed To Sell At Auction

1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1911 ROLLS-ROYCE 40/50 HP SILVER GHOST TOURER16062023 Gooding & Company : London Auction $500,000$700,000
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Tourer17172021 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours Auction $1,000,000$1,500,000
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Tulip-Backed semi open drive Pullman Limousine15432020 Bonhams : The Golden Age of Motoring Sale (1886 1939) $1,000,000$1,300,000
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Tourer by Lawton15442016 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island$2,100,000$2,500,000$3,500,000
1911 ROLLS-ROYCE 40/50 ROI-DES-BELGES 2015 Bonhams : The Frederiksen Auction $3,500,000$5,000,000

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1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost

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