1920 Rolls-Royce 40/ 50HP Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle Skiff Torpedo
Coachwork by Labourdette
Registration no. 4928 DG
Chassis no. 40FW
* First owned by Marcel Boussac
* Updated with a Hispano Suiza front axle and servo-assisted brakes
* Professionally repainted and re-trimmed in 2011
* Offered from a private collection
* Exceptionally well maintained and 'on the button'

A luxury motor car, the 'Silver Ghost' was not designed with motor sport in mind but that did not deter the more enthusiastic owners. In 1912 Mr James Radley privately entered his 40/ 50hp in the Austrian Alpine Trial only to find that the three-speed gearbox's limitations prevented him from negotiating the Katschberg Pass. As a result, Rolls-Royce prepared four cars for the 1913 event, equipping them with four-speed transmissions and more powerful engines producing 75bhp (up from 60 horsepower) courtesy of a raised compression ratio and larger carburettor. These changes made for a dramatic improvement and the team cars won six awards, including the prestigious Archduke Leopold Cup. Inspired by this success, the factory began producing cars of the same specification for customers. Officially they were 'Continental' models but are better known by the evocative 'Alpine Eagle' nickname given them by Ernest Hives.

The Silver Ghost remained in production in England until 1925, 6, 173 being completed at the Manchester and Derby factories, and until 1926 at Rolls-Royce's Springfield plant in the USA where a further 1, 703 were made, the longest production run of any model from this celebrated company.

Little is known of this Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle's history other than that its first owner was textile manufacturing entrepreneur and racehorse breeder Marcel Boussac, who at that time was regarded as the wealthiest man in France (the Prix Marcel Boussac horserace is still run at Longchamps to this day). It is also worth mentioning that in addition to the Alpine Eagle specification mentioned in the build sheets, the chassis is designated 'high speed'. Boussac had his sporting Silver Ghost bodied by Labourdette, one of the oldest of Parisian master coachbuilders, and the result, with its dual cowl and long doors, is undeniably very elegant. Other notable features include a top-opening windscreen; rear Auster screen; Lucas 'King of the Road' headlights; scuttle-mounted sidelights; and Toby diver lamps at the rear – all recently re-plated in nickel.

West Hoathly Garage repainted the 'Ghost in 2011 to a very high standard while the interior was beautifully re-trimmed at the same time, featuring deep-buttoned light grey leather upholstery; a wooden dashboard; and blue carpets. Front and rear tonneau covers are present also. Sensible upgrades include a Hispano Suiza front axle; servo assisted brakes; Smiths 0-80mph speedometer; Smiths 8-day trip clock; electric fuel pumps; and a fuel gauge concealed within the glove compartment.

Part of a private collection, exceptionally well maintained and 'on the button', this most elegant Rolls-Royce is ideal for 20 Ghost Tours and many other prestigious historic motoring events.