1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

The Rolls-Royce 40/50hp, later to become known as the 'Silver Ghost,' was produced from 1906 through 1926 with 7,874 examples produced. 6,173 were built at Manchester and Derby factories and a further 1,703 were built in the United States at the Springfield plant. This was the longest production run of any model from Rolls-Royce.

The 40/50 was in reference to its 40 taxable and 50 true horsepower output. They would quickly gain a reputation for their virtual silence and uncannily smooth, almost vibration-free operation.

Prior to focusing on a single model, Rolls-Royce had produced a variety of models at its Manchester premises. The company was founded by engineer Frederick Henry Royce and entrepreneur the Honourable Charles Stewart Rolls, and early products included two, three, four and six-cylinder models, and even an abortive V8, before Managing Director Claude Johnson's decision to concentrate on the range-topping 40/50hp. It first appeared in 1906 at the London Motor Show, a year later becoming known as the 'Silver Ghost' when chassis number '60551' was exhibited wearing silver-painted tourer coachwork by Barker & Co. It was the 13th chassis of the series built and wore aluminum silver-plated exterior fittings and a silver-plated brass plate bearing the name 'Silver Ghost.'

Powering the Silver Ghost was a 7,036cc (later it grew to 7,428cc) side-valve six-cylinder engine equipped with seven-bearing crankshaft and pressure lubrication. The engine was installed in a sturdy chassis comprised of channel-section side members and tubular cross members were suspended on semi-elliptic springs at the front and a 'platform' leaf spring arrangement at the rear (the rear setup was later revised). The original four-speed transmission with overdrive on the top gear was used until 1909 when it was replaced by a three-speed gearbox with direct-drive top gear. Many improvements and changes were implemented during the Silver Ghost's long production lifespan, including the adoption of servo-assisted four-wheel brakes near the end of 1923.

Chassis number '60551' was a factory demonstrator, and following a successful 2,000 mile trial under RAC supervision, it was entered in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trial, completing the 15,000-mile run and setting a new World Record. Unfortunately, the Rolls had to make an unscheduled stop at 629 miles caused by a faulty petrol tap shaking shut. The car had been driven day and night, resting only on Sundays, until 15,000 miles had been covered. It had traveled 14,371 miles without an involuntary stop, setting a new world record. After the 15,000 miles, the car was dismantled under the supervision of the R.A.C., with all parts reported 'as new.'

In September of 1911, chief test driver Ernest W Hives journeyed from London to Edinburgh in a Rolls-Royce (chassis 1701) using only top gear. This stunt had just been completed by rivals Napier, and Rolls-Royce felt obliged to respond. The Rolls-Royce traveled the 400-mile journey averaging 24.32 miles per gallon. After the trip was completed, it was taken to the Brooklands racetrack where it was timed at 78.26 mph. Chassis 1701 had a larger carburetor, increased compression, under-slung cantilever rear springs, and a lightweight sports-tourer 'torpedo' body wearing coachwork by Holmes & Co of Derby. After the tremendous accomplishment, orders for replica London-to-Edinburgh models poured in.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2019