1914 | Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost

Sold | £195,500 GBP

• A desirable Colonial-specification Silver Ghost with four-speed gearbox
• Retains its handsome original coachwork
• Used during World War I by His Majesty King George V to inspect the Western Front
• Offered directly from single enthusiast ownership for over 35 years

Chassis number 64RB is among the rarefied few pre-World War I “parallel bonnet” Silver Ghosts to retain original coachwork, with many examples long since fitted with recreation bodies of varying quality. In this instance, the Rolls-Royce wears a magnificent formal limousine design by Hooper & Company that is finished in black with maroon fine lines and fitted to one of the uprated ‘Colonial’ chassis with four-speed transmission—as noted on its original build records. This configuration is much sought after by modern enthusiasts.
The car was originally delivered to Mortimer L Schiff, a prominent New York banker also remembered as a pioneering advocate of the modern Scouting movement. Given the car’s specification, it is likely that Mr Schiff intended it for touring use in continental Europe. Indeed, it was delivered to him in France, as noted in correspondence included within the history file. In September 1914, with the Great War quickening in pace, Schiff’s Silver Ghost was commandeered by the British Military Authorities in France. In its war service, it was used by His Majesty King George V for inspections on the Western Front. It bore War Office registration “M.1728”, as seen in photographs published in John Fasal’s well-known reference, The Edwardian Rolls-Royce and as noted by commemorative plates still present on the coachwork.
At the war’s end, chassis number 64RB was included in a Ministry of Munitions auction held at Earls Court on 12 November 1919. Subsequent owners are recorded by Mr Fasal as a Lt Col Donahue of London (presumably the successful bidder at the auction) followed by P Fontanels and A Portarella of Spain in 1979.
The car was subsequently acquired in 1979 by Alfred Essex of London and next in 1989 by the present owner, a long-time collector and connoisseur of very original early automobiles. It has since been maintained enthusiastically, with assorted pieces of interesting correspondence and invoices included within the file, including charming letters between the owner and Mr Essex as they negotiated the acquisition of the car. It retains such charming features as CAV Model D headlights, while the engine appears to have been replaced by another correct unit earlier in life. Furthermore, in current ownership the car has been properly VCC dated as a 1914 model, with paperwork on file noting the only modifications as a dynamo and starter for ease of use. After a period of static display, the Rolls-Royce has been returned to running condition, but bidders are encouraged to perform a mechanical inspection prior to returning the car to the road.
An extremely charming, historic parallel-bonnet Silver Ghost, this car—with appropriate recommissioning after years on display—would be enjoyable in any number of events.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/.