1925 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST PICADILLY ROADSTER COACHWORK BY ROLLS-ROYCE CUSTOM COACH WORKS Chassis No. S54LK Engine No. 22543 Cream and maroon with dark red leather upholstery Engine: six cylinder, 7,428cc, side valves, 65bhp at 1,250rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: two wheel drum; Suspension: front, semi-elliptic leaf springs, rear, cantilever. Right hand drive. Claude Johnson, Rolls-Royce's great marketing and promotional genius, felt that demand for Silver Ghosts in America after World War I, combined with a punishing U.S. import duty on automobiles, argued for an American-based assembly plant for Derby's motorcars. After some exploratory study a decision was taken that a Rolls-Royce of America manufacturing entity should be established. American financing was secured, capital stock issued beginning in late 1919 and suitable plant locations investigated. Finally, in February 1920, an existing facility of the Wire Wheel Corporation of America in Springfield, Mass. was acquired. Intense work commenced in converting the plant for automotive production to Rolls-Royce standards. About one year later the first of the Springfield Silver Ghosts rolled out of the factory, beginning a Rolls-Royce manufacturing presence in the United States which was to last until the Great Depression caused it to cease in the early 1930s. The car offered here is one of the most desirable body styles on the Springfield Ghost chassis, as the Picadilly was the only true roadster body style offered by the firm at that time. It was delivered to its first owner, a P.E. Barbour of Quincy, Mass. on April 2nd, 1925. It then went into storage on a New England estate for many years, eventually passing into the well known Zimerman Automobilorama Collection in Pennsylvania, then to the famed Blackhawk Collection in California and then to Mr. Lutgert in 1987. As is standard practice with Picadilly roadsters, this car has a dickey seat with a hideaway door entrance built into the rear compartment area. It is complete with a full set of spring gaiters and correct engine and transmission pans. Dashboard instruments are complete and correct and the low mileage indicated on the odometer is believed to be genuine. This motorcar represents a sporting example of American Rolls-Royce production that is ready for the new owner to tour or exhibit.
1925 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST PICADILLY ROADSTER COACHWORK BY ROLLS-ROYCE CUSTOM COACH WORKS Chassis No. S54LK Engine No. 22543 Cream and maroon with dark red leather upholstery Engine: six cylinder, 7,428cc, side valves, 65bhp at 1,250rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Brakes: two wheel drum; Suspension: front, semi-elliptic leaf springs, rear, cantilever. Right hand drive. Claude Johnson, Rolls-Royce's great marketing and promotional genius, felt that demand for Silver Ghosts in America after World War I, combined with a punishing U.S. import duty on automobiles, argued for an American-based assembly plant for Derby's motorcars. After some exploratory study a decision was taken that a Rolls-Royce of America manufacturing entity should be established. American financing was secured, capital stock issued beginning in late 1919 and suitable plant locations investigated. Finally, in February 1920, an existing facility of the Wire Wheel Corporation of America in Springfield, Mass. was acquired. Intense work commenced in converting the plant for automotive production to Rolls-Royce standards. About one year later the first of the Springfield Silver Ghosts rolled out of the factory, beginning a Rolls-Royce manufacturing presence in the United States which was to last until the Great Depression caused it to cease in the early 1930s. The car offered here is one of the most desirable body styles on the Springfield Ghost chassis, as the Picadilly was the only true roadster body style offered by the firm at that time. It was delivered to its first owner, a P.E. Barbour of Quincy, Mass. on April 2nd, 1925. It then went into storage on a New England estate for many years, eventually passing into the well known Zimerman Automobilorama Collection in Pennsylvania, then to the famed Blackhawk Collection in California and then to Mr. Lutgert in 1987. As is standard practice with Picadilly roadsters, this car has a dickey seat with a hideaway door entrance built into the rear compartment area. It is complete with a full set of spring gaiters and correct engine and transmission pans. Dashboard instruments are complete and correct and the low mileage indicated on the odometer is believed to be genuine. This motorcar represents a sporting example of American Rolls-Royce production that is ready for the new owner to tour or exhibit.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
