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Description

Perhaps one of the best restorations in the world. This C2-08 Silver Ghost Rothschild body was meticulously restored by Frank Kullkers.

Chassis 9LG was tested at the Rolls-Royce works in Derby in August 1921. Factory specifications were dispatched to the Australian consignee on 16 August 1921. The completed chassis was delivered on 7 October 1921.

Specification at completion: • Elliott 80mph speedometer (£18/18/-) • Low-geared rear axle (for long-distance touring) • Jeavons spring gaiters • Locks to bonnet • Full Lucas lighting equipment

Engine O265 is a six-cylinder, 7,428cc unit. By 1921, the Silver Ghost had been in continuous production for fourteen years. This chassis represents a mature, refined example of the type — not an early or experimental build.

Chassis 9LG was shipped aboard SS Mamari on 7 October 1921, consigned through Dalgety & Company Limited to Thomas Baker of Abbotsford, Victoria.

Thomas Baker (1854–1929) was the Australian representative of Kodak International and principal of Kodak (Australasia) Ltd. He operated under Baker & Rouse Pty Ltd, with offices at Melbourne Mansions, Collins Street. He registered multiple vehicles under Manyoung Pty Ltd at the Kodak company site.

These details are documented registry provenance. Thomas Baker's identity, his Kodak connection, his Collins Street address, and the delivery chain — Derby to SS Mamari to Dalgety & Co. to Baker — are established in the historical record.

The coachwork for chassis 9LG was constructed by Burlington Motor Body Building Pty Ltd, operating from 287–293 Spring Street, Melbourne, with additional premises at 267 Burwood Road, Hawthorn.

The body was finished in apple green exterior with black wheels and nickel trim. Factory records indicate body number 287–293. The completed motorcar was displayed on the Burlington stand at the 1922 Melbourne Motor Show.

The coachwork was built in Melbourne — not imported. This adds a further layer of Australian identity to a chassis already distinguished by its executive ownership and documented delivery chain.

uring mid-century ownership the chassis was adapted for practical utility use in Western Queensland, reflecting the working life many early motor cars experienced in rural Australia. The rear Burlington coachwork was replaced with a timber utility body, and the vehicle was used to transport wool bales to railhead.

Documented modifications at this period include: • Timber utility rear body • American-style mudguards • Wheels cut down for 20-inch tyres (1930s conversion) • Phantom I steering wheel installed • Modified hood (re-rigged fabric) • Homemade oversized petrol tank • Extensive non-original wiring • Outside handle added to utility body

The bonnet (with 15 short vents), cowl, and three original hinged front doors survived intact, retaining their original leather grab straps. The structural elements that defined the car's identity endured.

Regarding Rolls Royce Chassis No. 9LG Engine No. O265 Vehicle acquired Western Queensland circa 1959. Condition at acquisition as follows: Front axle — corrected and re-bushed. New bearings fitted throughout. Six wheels rebuilt. Brakes relined. Steering assembly dismantled, straightened, and reassembled. Engine — dismantled completely. New sleeves and rings fitted. Bearings re-metalled. Dynamometer overhauled. Chassis — straightened. Dumb iron repaired with donor section. Petrol tank replaced, repositioned correctly within chassis rail. Note: chrome plating applied at some period — this is incorrect. Original specification is nickel. Correct finish to be applied during any future restoration. Original bonnet with 15 short vents survives intact. Cowl and three front hinged doors survive with original leather grab straps. Outside handle added to utility body at some stage. Stan Marquis-Kyle.

Further notes — continued. Rear body: timber utility construction. American-style mudguards fitted. Wheels cut down to 20-inch tyre size — common 1930s conversion. Phantom I steering wheel installed in place of original. Hood re-rigged in fabric — modified from original configuration. Oversized petrol tank fabricated — homemade construction. Non-original wiring throughout. Vehicle used for transport of wool bales to railhead during working period in Queensland. Coachwork: only bonnet, cowl, and front three doors survive of original Burlington construction. Rear body — utility construction, not original. Vehicle retained by S. Marquis-Kyle from c.1959 until mid-1990s. These notes compiled for the benefit of any future custodian and provided at time of sale. S. Marquis-Kyle, Brisbane

https://chassis9lg.com/

Condition & Registration

Condition category: Restored
Historical license plate
Registered

Ready to drive
Accident free

Self assessments

Engine (Seller assessment)

★★★★★

Paintwork (Seller assessment)

★★★★★

Interior (Seller assessment)

★★★★★

Technique (Seller assessment)

★★★★★

Inspection Report

Grade 5

Report available
Condition grade: 5
Report provider: Bill Nickovski

Condition grade 5

Documents & Invoices (1)

Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make: Rolls-Royce
Model series: Silver Ghost
Model name: 40/50 HP Silver Ghost
First registration date: 11/1921
Year of manufacture: 1921
Mileage (read): 850 mi
Chassis number: 9LG
Engine number: 0265
Gearbox number: Not provided
Matching numbers: Yes
Number of owners: 2

Technical details

Body style: Convertible
Power (kW/hp): 55/75
Cubic capacity (cm³): 7428
Cylinders: 6
Doors: 6
Steering: Right (RHD)
Gearbox: Manual
Gears: 4
Transmission: Rear
Front brakes: Drum
Rear brakes: Drum
Fuel type: Petrol

Individual Configuration

Exterior color: Red
Interior color: Black

Interior material: Leather

Location

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1921 | Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost

Description

Condition & Registration

Self assessments

Inspection Report

Documents & Invoices (1)

Technical Details

Vehicle data

Technical details

Individual Configuration

Location

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