“Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough.”

the

Silver Ghost

-Henry Royce

History

The model name Silver Ghost can initially be confusing to some. The first widely produced automobile manufactured by Rolls-Royce, it refers to both a car model and to one specific car from that series. 

Originally and simply called a “40/50,” the chassis of this car was first produced at Royce’s Manchester works and later produced from 1908 at the Derby factory (still in use for aviation engine production) and between 1921 and 1926 in Springfield, MA, USA. While the name “The Silver Ghost” was originally given to chassis no 60551 and other cars were given individual names as well, the title “Silver Ghost” was taken by the press, although the Company did not recognize the series as such until the introduction of the new Phantom range of cars in 1925.

The Silver Ghost was a logical progression of the development of motor cars by Royce and introduced as a Rolls-Royce model after Royce’s infamous collaboration with Rolls in 1905. The car has a new side-valve, six-cylinder, 7000 cc engine with the cylinders cast in two units of three each. The cars were originally fitted with a four speed overdrive transmission. When engine displacement was increased to 7400 cc in 1909, a three speed transmission was fitted, later changed to a four speed transmission in 1913. Two spark plugs were fitted to each cylinder, with each set fired by a trembler coil (later ignition coil and distributor) and magneto. Continuous development of the engine allowed power output to be increased from 48 brake horsepower to 80 brake horsepower at 2,250 RPM. Electric lights were fitted to the cars, replacing older technology oil or acetylene lamps. The substantial chassis had rigid axles and leaf springs on all corners. Early cars had only brakes on the rear wheels with a transmission brake acting on the drive shaft. Later cars had a dual brake system on the rear wheels with front brakes finally appearing on the English cars in 1923 and American cars thereafter.

“A Rolls in the desert is above rubies.”

-T.E. Lawrence

Production of the cars ceased during the war, but because of their durability and reliability relative to their peers, the chassis and engine were successfully used in a range of armored cars, made famous by Lawrence of Arabia’s exploits in the deserts of the middle east. Following the war, the decision was made to start production of an identical car in the United States and Rolls-Royce of America opened a factory in Springfield, MA. 

Despite the continuous improvements made by the company, by the early 1920s the performance and quality of some of Rolls-Royce’s competitors started to approach that of the Silver Ghost and sales began to decline. The car was replaced by the new Phantom (today referred to as a Phantom I) in 1925 in Great Britain and in 1926 in the United States.

In all, a total of 7,874 Silver Ghost cars were produced from 1907 to 1926 including 1,701 built in the Springfield, MA plant. It is estimated that remarkably, nearly 1,500 survive today. The car is regarded still today as the nonpareil, the exemplar of all that is right about engineering accomplished to the very highest of standards, with the highest level of precision.

What makes the Silver Ghost an unrivaled vintage car to own?

The qualities which made the Silver Ghost a superb car in its day, make it the ideal vintage car today. The attributes embodied in the Silver Ghost, which are enhanced through SGA membership, can be enumerated in part as follows :

  • The great reliability of the Silver Ghost, making it ideal for touring 

  • It is an automobile which was designed by Sir Frederick Henry Royce to be massively overbuilt and under stressed

  • The inherent drivability of these cars with their large, high torque engines and excellent ride quality

  • Their light and precise steering

  • Their quiet operation

  • The surprising availability of parts and service specialists

  • A multitude of body styles to suit an owner's preference

  • The support available to owners through SGA membership including a tech advisor, club ambassadors, a club store filled with parts and supplies, and a welcoming, supportive membership.

  • Taken together, no other vintage car can compare with the Silver Ghost ownership experience. Why not own " The Best Car In The World?"