Register presence for Historics’ sale of Silver Ghost
With Silver Ghosts rarely offered at public auction, Historics’ matching numbers car is entirely correct, and as the epitome of elegance, is anticipated to command offers in the region of £450,000 to £550,000 at auction on September 1st.
Arguably the most famous luxury car in history, and still the most desirable pre-war veteran amongst collectors, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was designed to showcase the highest level of engineering skill alongside an unrivalled passion for quality, and became known as the ‘Best car in the world’.
Awarded the title by Autocar magazine in 1907 - following its launch to great acclaim at Olympia in 1906 - the 40/50hp gained the ‘Silver Ghost’ moniker from members of the press in recognition of its serene presence, with auctioneer Historics at Brooklands bringing an example with such spirit to its autumn sale.
Chassis 1557 was built in 1911, the same year a Silver Ghost completed an entire run from London to Edinburgh and back in top gear, and with a fuel consumption of 24 mpg, highlighting Rolls-Royce’ renowned marriage of power and legendary reliability.
The car was delivered on 1st April 1911 to Sir Adolph Tuck of London, whose father founded the company Raphael Tuck & Sons, selling prints and postcards during the ‘postcard boom’ of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Originally fitted with a Landaulette body in order to be chauffeur driven, the motor car was latterly re-bodied as a period two-seat tourer by Rippon Brothers Ltd., who are widely considered the oldest coach building company in the world, having built a coach for the Earl of Rutland in 1555, and a ‘chariot throne’ for Queen Elizabeth I in 1584.
Producing bespoke bodies for numerous Rolls-Royce models right up until 1959, Rippon Brothers Ltd. won the coveted ‘Coachmakers Cup’ at the London Motor Show on a number of occasions, including eight successive titles in the 1930s, demonstrating their shared belief of the Rolls-Royce ideals.
Chassis 1557 boasts an equally impressive award winning history, and in 1977 attended the Queen’s Jubilee parade through Windsor Castle to the Silver Ring at Ascot Race Course.
More recently a complete nut and bolt restoration was commissioned in 2001, with the painstaking 12-month process resulting in a finish of the highest possible standard. Subsequent Concours prizes at annual Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club rallies attest to its quality.
Complete with Acetylene head and side lamps, Boa Constrictor horn and a complete original tool kit under the passenger side running board, #1557 is coach-painted in dark blue, with red coachlines matching that of the opulent red leather interior.
Commenting on the consignment, Historics’ Auction Director Edward Bridger-Stille enthused: “With nine sales now under our belts and nearly 1000 cars put forward, this is one of the finest examples we’ve had the pleasure of bringing to auction. The opportunity to acquire a Silver Ghost – particularly one as beautiful as this - is extremely rare, and I anticipate that this significant, museum quality example, should generate interest from all corners of the world.”
Viewing at Brooklands will be on Friday 31st August from 10am – 8pm, with offers welcomed on the day in person, via commission or telephone bids, or indeed online via www.i-bidder.com.
For more information, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk.
…ends
For further press information, interviews and high res. images:
Historics at Brooklands Press Office
Contact: Chris Hodges
Tel: 01491 411777
Mobile: 07812 051886
E-mail: chris.hodges@mph.co.uk
Editors Notes:
About Historics at Brooklands
The independent auction house, Historics at Brooklands was established in March 2010, by private investors, to provide a highly-knowledgeable and professional resource for the sale and purchase of fine quality classic and collector cars.
All staff are highly experienced within the classic car sector, and are themselves classic car owners and enthusiasts.
With a permanent home at the evocative venue, Brooklands Museum, but independent in ownership, Historics has hosted eight auctions to date, and in the first sale of 2011, achieved a rare ‘white glove’ sale of the 56-strong collection of American classics from the film ‘Captain America – The First Avenger’. The first auction of 2012 saw Historics present over 100 vehicles at a new winter sale home at Mercedes-Benz World.
For full results of Historics auctions and to view a video of the first sale, visit www.historics.co.uk.
