Edwardian Rolls-Royce Highlights 2020 Amelia Island

Gooding & Company recently announced an extraordinary antique machine with a prize-winning restoration for the company’s 11th annual Amelia Island Auction to be held on March 6, 2020. Exemplifying rolling art in its finest form, this classic car from the legendary marque radiates sophistication and style.

The ever-iconic Rolls-Royce 40/50-horsepower has always been considered the benchmark model from the famed British company. Better known as the Silver Ghost, the 40/50 HP is celebrated for its driving ease and reliability, which warranted the title “the best car in the world” by the Pall Mall Gazette in November 1911. Not only was the Silver Ghost state-of-the-art for its time, but the extensive testing and precise manufacturing that went into completing each individual model draws praise even to this day.

Chassis 67RB is fitted with the most desirable specifications on the pre-World War I cars including the large, London to Edinburgh carburetor and 22” radiator, a high compression engine, stronger springs, C-type steering, nickel fittings, and a four-speed gearbox. This chassis was sent to Kellner Frères of Paris in May of 1914, where it received this sporting open torpédo coachwork before being delivered to its original owner, M.M. Castanheira, through the Rolls-Royce agents Rugeroni Ltd., in Portugal.

Nearly 100 years later, after being discovered in Portugal, 67RB underwent a three-year, no-expense-spared restoration conducted by Silver Ghost expert Steve Littin of Vintage & Auto Rebuilds, Inc. Chassis 67RB’s debut came at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. It received numerous awards at its first concours including: Most Elegant Open Car, Revs Program at Stanford Award, First in Class, and was one of three Best of Show finalists. This Silver Ghost has also achieved worldwide recognition, including a class win and the Chairman’s Award at the Concours d’Elegance of America in 2017, the Most Elegant Rolls-Royce Trophy at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, and certification by FIVA, also in 2019.

Whenever an opportunity arises to buy an early, original-bodied Silver Ghost, serious collectors take notice. This offering is a rare example that combines the best elements of the Rolls-Royce experience: the Colonial chassis, exotic torpédo coachwork by Kellner, and an award-winning restoration. This Rolls-Royce is a true prewar masterpiece that will have enthusiasts and collectors alike marveling when it graces the stage at the Goodings Amelia Island Auction.

Source: Gooding & Company