Every once in a while here on Barn Finds we come across an example that is way out of the ordinary, and this 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is definitely one of those uncommon cars. It’s currently listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace in Las Vegas for a sum of $180,000, although the seller is also taking other offers.
The Silver Ghost was produced from 1907 through 1926. In the early days of automotive production, higher-end cars were often made with bodies and chassis purchased and built separately, meaning they could be highly customized. This particular example is given Chassis # 152JH and Engine # 22-227. The body style is Oxford Tourer, which was a 7-passenger touring car of which only 77 were made. Unfortunately, this listing doesn’t have any images of the interior (an online search provided this image as an example of what it could look like), nor does it tell us anything about the operational condition of the car. With an asking price of $180,000, that doesn’t seem unreasonable to ask for. However, the car does look fantastic in the photos that are included. While I think it’s hard to beat the color of the original Silver Ghost with actual silver paint, the blue body, black fender, and cream wire wheels are an attractive combination. It’s hard to tell if this Rolls is original or has received a restoration at some point.
This image of the dash shows a glimpse into the condition of the interior. The wood looks to be in excellent condition, and the gauges are free of damage. It appears there is a woodblock wedged against the steering columns (right-hand drive, by the way), though I’m not sure what the purpose is.
The engine is a work of art! It’s a 7.4-liter straight-six that was rated at around 80hp. Even though the seller doesn’t mention details, I would not be surprised to find out that this engine fires up almost immediately. Probably some fresh gas and a quick check of the ignition system is all that is needed. This car is definitely a lot of money, but with it comes the prestige and refinement that could only be provided by an antique Rolls-Royce.
block is to keep the clutch pedal depressed (although with inflation it should be depressed enough) to prevent the disc from sticking to either the flywheel or pressure plate.
Prestige desire is a sign of immaturity. Real car people ignore it and strive for self fulfilment.
The wood block looks like it’s keeping the clutch pedal pressed. I’m guessing that’s so the clutch doesn’t freeze to the flywheel while the car sits unused.
FB Marketplace is a strange way to offer a car like this. Maybe an inheritance and the owner doesn’t know much about it, or how to market it.
President Woodrow Wilson had an Oxford that looked a lot nicer than this one and it sold for $161,000. One does have to wonder why cars like this are listed on Marketplace.
This will give you an idea what they have sold for in the last few years.
https://www.classic.com/m/rolls-royce/silver-ghost/year-1923/
Look at all those spark plugs on that motor. At least there easy to get to.
Many engines during those early years had duel ignitions. (2 plugs per cylinder) They had a distributor as well as a magneto ignition. This allowed for greater dependability. Most all fire equipment had duel systems.
The reason the plugs are easy to get to is that people built them back then and not a robot .No antipollution gear and plastic covers we now have now to hinder assess.
The reason the plugs are easy to get to is that people built them back then and not a robot .No antipollution gear and plastic covers we now have now to hinder access.
What is the instrument that seems to be coming apart?
Cowl vent adjuster
My guess it may be the engagement for the windshield wipers.
Actually vacuum powered wiper
Cowl vent adjuster
Gary, you really need to quit trolling this site. Your comments are neither wanted, appreciated, or respected. Thank you.
Interesting car. I wonder what someone is willing to pay for it.
I love this Gary guy!
Who doesn’t? That man is a gem.
My thoughts turn to the scene in Paper Moon, where the main character tries to trade his brand new 36 Ford touring car for a near-dead Model TT flatbed truck, to which the truck owner declines, citing “Kaynt haul nuttin’ init !”.
Stunning and wonderful car, but for $180 large, I am betting I get just as many smiles per mile with my TT, AND I can haul hay, firewood, and boulders with ease !
You haul all that in your Audi? insert winking emoji here.