Description
THIS VEHICLE IS TO BE AUCTIONED AT GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING 19TH APRIL
** 1954 Rolls-Royce 4½-Litre Silver Dawn Saloon**
Registration no. VPK 325
Chassis no. SUJ74
• Only five owners from new (two from the same family)
• Automatic transmission
• Original bodywork
• Acquired by Peter Stevens _circa_ two years ago
The policy of rationalisation begun in the late 1930s continued at Rolls-Royce after WW2 and for the first time there was factory bodywork. This 'standard steel' body was available at first only on the Mark VI Bentley, the equivalent Rolls-Royce - the Silver Dawn - not appearing until 1949. A separate chassis was retained, the same basic design being built in three different wheelbase lengths, while other notable features were independent front suspension and hydraulic front brakes.
The range featured a new 4, 257cc six-cylinder engine (enlarged to 4, 566cc in 1951) with inlet-over-exhaust valve gear, which had been under development since the mid-1930s. The company used belt drive for the water pump and dynamo for the first time on this engine, which employed a Zenith Stromberg carburettor in Rolls-Royce configuration. The latter was preferred to the Mark VI's twin SUs as it offered smoother running and a cold start facility, which was not available on the SU-equipped Bentley until 1952. Only 760 Silver Dawns were built, and this landmark model is considered by many to be one of the most attractive 'standard steel' models from either Rolls-Royce or Bentley.
Finished in factory Black with Tan hide interior, this highly original Silver Dawn has the superior 4½-litre engine and automatic transmission, making it a highly capable long-distance tourer. The Silver Dawn was delivered new on 15th November 1954 by Rolls-Royce agent, Clarkes of Pirbright to its first owner, Mr J M Finn, a London stockbroker. Mr Finn kept the car until 1957 when it was sold to Mr Harry Willshaw of the Dunlop Rubber Co, remaining with him until it was acquired by a Mr Godfrey in 1970. The Rolls-Royce subsequently passed to Mr Godfrey's son, the immediately preceding owner, who sold it to Peter Stevens via a Rolls/ Bentley specialist dealer circa two years ago. It was the first time the car had been offered for sale on the open market in over 50 years.
At the time of its sale, the car was said to be in 'truly outstanding condition throughout, complete with all small and large tools, perfect woodwork and stunning bodywork'. The then odometer reading of 96, 000 miles was believed correct. A rare opportunity to acquire a very rare, late Silver Dawn.
