The Silver Ghost was an opulent automobile built by Rolls-Royce largely between 1921 and 1926. And – contrary to what you might think – it was not produced in the U.K. These later examples were assembled in Springfield, Massachusetts – right in the good old USA. This 1924 edition looks to be in good condition and has finally reached its 100th birthday, but it doesn’t run though we’re told the engine turns freely.
Rolls-Royce has long been thought of as building some of the finest cars in the world. And, to many, this began with the Silver Ghost in the 1920s. The automobiles were powered by a 453 cubic-inch inline-6 with a 4-speed manual transmission. The engineering for these vehicles was a cut above what most other automakers were doing at the time, which helped solidify the reputation that R-R was hoping to achieve. Production numbers were small, as you might expect, as one of these class acts sold for nearly $12,000 when new (equal to more than $200,000 today).
We understand that the name of the Silver Ghost was selected to highlight the vehicle’s “ghost-like quietness.” I’ve never had the pleasure of riding in a Rolls, so I assume this is true of these cars whenever they were made in the last century. The seller doesn’t provide much information on this stately example. Except to say that it hasn’t run in many years, has stayed indoors, and is an overall solid piece of machinery.
The seller adds that the dash control plate is missing, but I’m not sure how much of an issue this is. Located in a warehouse in Greenville South Carolina, this statuesque machine is available here on eBay. The current bid is $40,100 though the seller’s reserve is north of that.
I doubt that I am making it to 100, but if I do I doubt I’ll look this good. Having seen these cars up close, they are impressive machines
Leno where you at? The seller has other oldies listed too.
1st and foremost, what a magnificent machine. Even I recognize very little, and operation must be for the very skilled. It’s like looking at the towns antique Kissel fire engine. 2nd, what are future generations going to do with this monstrosity? I don’t know if even I could get it started. Having driven semis, I could probably get used to driving it, others might not. I know it looks mighty impressive, and it is, however, not to sell our cars short, some of our full classics from the period are just as nice. Pretty clear, royalty rode in this car, where as in America, cars like this were somewhat popular as they enjoyed new found wealth blissfully unaware of what lie ahead. I’d be interested in what those college grads that never touched a steering wheel thinks of this car?
About thirty years ago, I read a review of a new RR. The writer stated, “the only thing you can hear at 70 miles per hour is the ticking of the clock.” Rolls Royce came back with, “we’ll fix the clock.”
It probably was a very loud TIK! TIK! TIK! TIK! and no TOK!
How long is this car? Will it fit in my garage?
Hey there Russ, I’m a little disappointed that your history of the Silver Ghost is all wrong. Ghosts were made by Rolls Royce from 1906 through 1926, mostly in England. The American models made in Springfield Mass. between 1921 and 1926 (they also built the “New Phantom” in Springfield between 1926 and 1931 after Ghost production ended) accounted for about 1700 of the total Ghost production of roughly 7900 cars. In the 1920s they we built simultaneously in both England and the US. And the right hand drive on the car offered (as well as the other Silver Ghost offered by the same seller) indicates these are British made cars.
Also the Springfield Rolls Royce motor cars had barrel shaped headlights, not bullet shaped like the British cars. Another point, EVERY Rolls Royce has “Ghost like quietness.” I had a Shadow 2 which had seen many, many miles but it was so quiet that I had to open the window to ensure that everything outside the car was still alive! Every time I had to stop at a light I wasn’t sure that the engine was still running until I drove off again!
Also another interesting tid-bit, The Springfield cars were converted to 6 volt electrics as that was the most common voltage at the time in America. The English built cars were all 12 volt systems
A late friend of mine was trailering this Weyman bodied saloon Rolls Royce to a motor show and the trailer became detached from the tow vehicle and overturned. He parked the wreck in a car port for about 20 years before the roof collapsed on it! His son has since sold it on and hopefully it is in the process of being restored, although I should think it will be a convertible and not a saloon! Such a pity for a 98 year old Rolls Royce motor car!
I wondered about this being right hand drive. This is a video of a Springfield Rolls and the steering wheel is definteley on the left: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA6vgW0irZ4
Rolls-Royce Ghost production started in 1908, same as the ModelT Ford. The American cars were built, not merely assembled in Springfield and finally there was correctly only one Silver Ghost, carrying registration number AX201. Succeeding examples are Ghosts or 40/50 models. The word Silver was not a part of their name.
That Silver Ghost AX 201 still survives here in a UK museum. Not sure which one as it moves around quite a lot. Still in beautiful, running condition.
Would be nice to have some provenance. This car looks very much like a blue Springfield Ghost that was sold when the Arthur Rippey Collection in Denver closed in about 1977.
Is this longer than the Mercury Marquis in today’s BF? Kind of looks like it is to my eye. What a magnificent automobile. I wonder what prevents it from running? It sure deserves to be back on the road. I think it would be a hoot to pull into C&C with this 100 year old masterpiece. I can only imagine what it would take to actually drive this confidently. Thanks BF for another unique vehicle to peruse.