Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

Key facts

Year

1909
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

7,046cc
Cylinders

6
Valves

Side valve
Output

48bhp at 1,200rpm
Performance

65mph
Price new

£985 (chassis only)
Owner

Montagu Collection
Manufacturer

Rolls-Royce Limited, Derby

The Rolls-Royce 40/50 or Silver Ghost is one of the most famous cars ever built. This example originally had a seven-seat tourer body by Hooper of London. It was rebuilt as a hearse by Craigie & Mitchell of Laurencekirk in 1924 and later used as a breakdown truck by John Morris, the Dundee Rolls-Royce agents. In 1954 it was acquired by Lord Edward Montagu. The current Roi des Belges style body was built by Leslie Willis in 1961.

The first Rolls-Royce car was built in 1904; designed by Henry Royce and marketed by Charles Stewart Rolls. Rolls-Royce Ltd was formed in 1906, with the 40/50 model being launched at the Olympia Motor Show that December. The 13th car to be built had its body painted silver, with silver-plated lamps and fittings, and became known as ‘The Silver Ghost’. It was used for extensive trials, accumulating 15,000 miles in just a few weeks. The Silver Ghost name was eventually officially adopted for the 40/50 model.

Public sales of the 40/50 commenced in September 1907, with production continuing until 1925. Production of private cars stopped during the First World War but the 40/50 proved a popular choice for military service, particularly as armoured cars.