An Edwardian 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Semi-Open Drive Limousine, estimate $1.3 to 1.7 million, is the lead car for the Bonhams Golden Age of Motoring Sale 2020 in London.
Bonhams announced a 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Semi-Open Drive Limousine, estimate £1,000,000 – 1,300,000 ($1,300,000 – $1,700,000), as the lead car for the Bonhams Golden Age of Motoring Sale 2020 in London. It will compete with the previously announced 1930s ‘showman’s road locomotive’ — the 1932 Fowler ‘B6’ Super Lion, estimate £800,000 – 1,200,000 ($1,000,000 – $1,600,000), as the star attraction at the classic car auction.
Bonhams London Veteran and Vintage Cars Auction 2020
Bonhams special The Golden Age of Motoring Sale ‘1886-1939’ will feature only veteran, vintage, and post-vintage motor cars, i.e. cars produced before the Second World War. It is scheduled for 30 October 2020 az Bonhams New Bond Street salesroom in London, UK. (This auction was previous the London to Brighton Run Sale but sponsorship has changed.)
The live auction will allow for limited in-room bidding, as well as regular telephone, internet online, and absentee bidding. Cars may be inspected in person by appointment only.
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Semi-Open Drive Limousine
The 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Semi-Open Drive Limousine, estimate £1,000,000 – 1,300,000 ($1,300,000 – $1,700,000), is the epitome of Edwardian engineering and coachbuilding excellence.
The Silver Ghost, so-called due to the silver paintwork of the 1906 Motor Show display car, was the flagship of Rolls-Royce, with a reputation as the ‘best car in the world’ not least due to the factory demonstrator setting a new world record in the 15,000-mile Scottish Reliability Run.
At the heart of the Silver Ghost was a magnificent 7-liter engine that was mated to a three-speed gearbox, not only offering reliability and superlative performance but a civilized driving experience that was smooth and ‘ghostly’ quiet compared with that of its rivals.
The Silver Ghost’s engineering excellence was more than matched by its elegant style which is beautifully represented by the example on offer. Its coachwork was fashioned by Joseph A Lawton & Co of Liverpool, who designed its tulip-backed limousine body to the specification of its first owner, Mrs Benger of the Benger’s Foods company, a neighbor of Henry Royce.
Superbly finished in deep red with black wings and fine coach lines, the Silver Ghost’s fittings are all made of brass, including the spectacular French opera lamps.
The separate chauffeur’s compartment is traditionally trimmed with deep-buttoned black leather upholstery, while the driver’s instruments include a speedometer, dashboard-mounted fuel pressure gauge, an electric klaxon, and a speaking tube to communicate with passengers.
The rear compartment is sumptuously fitted out with silk blinds and curtains, beveled glass rear windows, and outstanding burr walnut door paneling and headlining. Other opulent features include a courtesy lamp, cocktail cabinet, full-width vanity tray with scent bottles and a flower vase, and rear clock. A luggage rack is provided for the long-distance motor tour.
The marque record holder for the most-expensive Rolls-Royce car ever is a 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost „The Corgi“ with coachwork by Barker that achieved $7,343,000 (£4,705,500) at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed sale in 2012.
The Bonhams The Golden Age of Motoring Sale ‘1886-1939’ will showcase the finest and rarest veteran, vintage, and post-vintage vehicles. For other previously announced highlights see 2020 Bonhams: London Veteran Cars Sale (Steam Car & Highlights Announced).