Descrição
This is lot number 522 in the Bonhams Beaulieu Sale on September 14th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Originally a Barker-bodied Enclosed Drive Pullman Limousine
Original engine stamped S75
Once played the part of one of T E Lawrence's armoured cars in the 1962 motion picture, Lawrence of Arabia, starring Peter O'Toole.
Now presenting with a Barker-style Open Tourer
Known ownership history
Present ownership since 2022
Extensive history file
This Silver Ghost once played the part of one of T E Lawrence's armoured cars in the 1962 motion picture, Lawrence of Arabia, starring Peter O'Toole. '82EM's provenance has been validated by 'The 20-Ghost Club'.
Chassis '82EM', engine number 'S75', began construction at Rolls-Royce in December 1923. It was ordered by Barker & Co Ltd on 8th January 1924 as a 'stock car' to be fitted with a 5/ 6-seater Enclosed Drive Pullman Limousine body. In 1924 '82EM' was displayed at the British Empire Exhibition in the newly built Wembley Stadium. The car's first owner was a Grimsby fishing industry magnate. Interested parties should note that first owner of '82EM' purchased two Spitfires for the Nation and then declined a knighthood. A Spitfire mascot has been frequently worn by '82EM' in his honour and is available by separate negotiation. Rolls-Royce records show that '82EM' had front-wheel brakes and an Autovac fuel system retro-fitted in 1925. '82EM' also benefits from the desirable Barker patented dipping head lamps. The Ghost passed through two more owners before the outbreak of WW2 when it was repurposed as a commercial vehicle
Circa 1961 the Ghost belonged to the 'Jack O' Lantern Garage' near Romsey, Hampshire. Here it acquired a replica armoured body in preparation for appearing in Lawrence of Arabia. Post filming, the armoured body remained in place and '82EM' went on to featured in several collections.
In 1973, the seventh owner, Jack Mount, commenced a five-year programme of restoration, which included a full engine rebuild and the commissioning of highly respected coachbuilders Jarvis to build and fit a Barker-style open tourer body. There is a detailed letter from P&A Wood commenting on the particularly fine quality of this Barker-style open tourer body. The eighth owner was a member of 'The 20-Ghost Club', as has been every subsequent owner including the vendor, its twelfth custodian. Our vendor, who has owned the Rolls-Royce since March 2022, has researched and written a highly informative, detailed and helpful history of the car (perusal highly recommended).
The paintwork presents in excellent overall condition as does the interior trim. The wheels are in fine fettle, as is the brightwork. More recent work includes having the Bosch ZR6 magneto rebuilt in 2023 and, at a cost of £4, 800 in 2019, having the radiator completely refurbished. Most recently, the Clutch mechanism has been completely overhauled with full photographic evidence. A detailed summary of maintenance and key refurbishments from 2017 onwards is available along with a very detailed archive of supporting photographs that shall be made available to '82EM's new custodian.
Our vendor has covered over 4, 000 miles in total in '82EM' since his purchase in 2022. Before the 2, 500 miles he has travelled in the car this year, he had the engine overhauled. The car has been well received everywhere it has gone and has been a joy to drive. He would happily drive the car from the UK to the south of France today. There is a genuine reason why this Silver Ghost is regrettably offered to the open market, this example is highly recommended.
