Rolls-Royce "Silver Ghost" goes up for auction...again!
17 August 2012
No need to feel too upset about missing out on 'The Corgi' Rolls-Royce, which fetched 4.7 million pounds in the Goodwood auction last month, another rare member of the Silver Ghost clan is coming up for sale – and this time it's a sporty number.
This Rolls-Royce 40/50hp (the official name of the Silver Ghost) is entirely 'matching numbers' and its historically correct. And while The Corgi is more of a fancy minibus, this one is a racy two-seater.
The Chassis 1557 was built in 1911 and was originally fitted with a Landaulette body, which would suggest it was meant to be chauffeur driven vehicle. The very first owner was a man by the name of Sir Adolph Tuck, not only did Adolph have a great name; he was also the heir to a postcard empire called Raphael Tuck & Sons.
The Chassis 1557 was later rebodied by Rippon Brothers Ltd as a period two-seater Tourer. They got the right men for the job because Rippon Brothers have a long and storied history, it's even said that they are the oldest coach builder in the world – dating back to 1555 at the very least.
The company came with a fantastic history and reputation; they even built a "chariot throne" for Queen Elizabeth I in 1584, over 300 years before getting to work on the Silver Ghost. They continued their association with Rolls-Royce up until 1959 which brought an end to a long and successful partnership which included winning the 'Coachmakers Cup' at the London Motor Show on several occasions – including eight in a row in the 1930's.
The royal connection doesn't end there though; the Chassis 1557 was used at Queen Elizabeth II's 1977 Jubilee Parade, cementing its place in British History. In 2001, a 12 month restoration has left the car in tip-top shape; it even went on to win a series of Concours awards at Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club rallies recently.
Normally a 2 seater sports car would set you back an arm and a leg but when you consider that The Corgi went for 4.7 million pounds then The Chassis 1557 has to seem like a bargain, it will be featuring in the Historics at Brooklands auction on the first of September and is estimated to go for between £450,000 and £550,000.
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