Description
DESCRIPTION
Although not the first Rolls-Royce model, the landmark 40/ 50 horsepower, better known as the Silver Ghost, introduced in 1906 was certainly the first to become a commercial success for the famous marque, earning the accolade of 'The Best Car in the World'. A combination of superb engineering, materials of the finest quality and unsurpassed production techniques ensured that every Silver Ghost was a machine of the highest calibre. Debuting at the 1906 Olympia Motor Show, the 40/ 50 Rolls-Royce employed a powerful six-cylinder engine made up of two-cylinder blocks with a common crankshaft, with a modern pressure lubrication system and twin ignition. Shaft-drive transmission was chosen over chain, with cable-operated brakes operating on the rear wheels and a pedal-operated transmission brake. The Silver Ghost underwent almost constant refinement, with numerous improvements carried out over the course of decades-long production life. The engine was enlarged to 7. 4-litres by raising the stroke from 114. 3mm to 120. 7mm, while three-quarter elliptics were employed from 1908, followed by cantilever rear springs from 1913 onwards. Post Armistice cars benefited from self-starters and the adoption of an Autovac for fuel pressure. However only on the very last Ghosts were front-wheel brakes adopted. Coachwork from the finest British and Continental coachbuilders graced the Silver Ghosts, ranging from heavy formal bodies to lightweight tourers. Between 1906 and 1924, Rolls-Royce constructed 6173 Silver Ghosts with a further 1703 built in America, and a remarkably high percentage of these not only survive but remain on the road, testimony to the brilliance of Sir Henry Royce's original design. Thanks to its reliability, the Silver Ghost found a ready market in Australia, with local agents Kellow-Falkiners supplying many wealthy farmers with Colonial models specially adapted with greater ground clearance, stiffer springs, and a larger radiator to cope with local conditions.
HISTORY
- Iconic Rolls Royce 40/ 50 Silver Ghost Tourer
- Very late Alpine Eagle chassis
- Complete, ‘oily rag’ condition
- Known history
Originally delivered to England in 1922 but almost at once brought to Australia, this 1922 Rolls Royce 40/ 50 HP Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle Tourer was owned early in its life by the McKellar family. Clad in aluminium skinned tourer coachwork in the style of a Barker body, with a full hood, this Rolls was one of the very last high performance Alpine Eagle chassis produced and still has its original factory fitted, matching number, high compression engine. The 40/ 50 HP was upgraded early in its life by the Sydney dealer to a later Ghost front axle, which gave it the benefit of front brakes, meaning it can be driven to its full potential without the fear of not being able to pull up in a timely manner. The low rake of the AE steering column and the light alloy body creates a great and sports like driving experience, and the owner reports that this Rolls gives trouble free motoring and has in recent years been on many long drives without incident. A new custodian could further improve 51TG by refitting the original type 23” wheels and an original steering wheel. It is priced here at an entry level for such a desirable car and could either be enjoyed in its current ‘oily rag’ condition or cosmetically upgraded to a beautiful, fully restored light weight tourer. Previously on Victorian club registration, this 1922 Rolls Royce 40/ 50 Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle Tourer is being offered for sale here unregistered.
Note: Shannons advise that all potential buyers research all vehicles before purchase to authenticate originality.
