1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Tourer

The 40/50 Silver Ghost is the Rolls-Royce model which, in 1907, earned the accolade, 'the best car in the world.' At a time when most 'horseless carriages' were noisy and cantankerous, the smooth, powerful, near-silent six-cylinder engine and silky ride of the Silver Ghost represented a revolutionary advance in motoring.

Production of the Silver Ghost lasted from 1907 and 1925, with a hiatus during World War I.

By 1923, an increase in engine displacement from 7 to 7.5L, dual magneto and coil ignition, large rear drum brakes, four-speed transmission and sturdier frame were incorporated to handle the heavier coachwork of the period. The side valve engine with dual ignition produced about 100 horsepower. The cone type clutch was connected to a 4-speed gearbox driving the rear wheels. Bodies were provided by independent coachbuilders to individual customer order.

29LK, a long wheelbase chassis, was sent to Barkers to be fitted with a 'Pullman Limousine' body on May 11, 1923, and was subsequently rebodied with its current straight sided Barker style tourer body by Jim Marland.

29LK has participated in numerous tours, including the 1997 Scottish Tour, the 1999 South African tour, the 2003 Alpine Celebration and the Annapolis to Monterrey Cross Country tour in 2004, and has been driven over 100,000 miles in the past 30 years. Its longest trip was a 12,000 mile round trip in 2010 from North Carolina to Alaska. It participated in the 2013 Centenary Alpine Trial in Europe and was driven to and from tours in New Mexico, Canada, and Michigan.