Beschreibung:

Photo Credit: Lighthouse Imaging FROM THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. RUGER The ex-Company Demonstrator 1926 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST PICCADILLY ROADSTER COACHWORK BY ROLLS-ROYCE CUSTOM COACHWORKS Chassis No. S335 RL Engine No. 22355 Black over gray with black fenders, black leather interior and black soft top Engine: six cylinder, in-line, two sets of three cylinders, L-head, 7,428cc, 453.26ci, 65bhp at 1,250rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual; Suspension: front, semi-elliptic leaf springs, rear, cantilever; Brakes: two wheel drum. Left 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 US import duty on automobiles, called for an American-based assembly plant for Derby's motor cars. After some exploratory study, a decision was made that a Rolls-Royce of America manufacturing entity should be established. American financing was secured, capital stock was issued beginning in late 1919 and suitable plant locations were investigated. Finally, in February 1920, an existing facility of the Wire Wheel Corporation of America in Springfield, Massachusetts 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 that was to last until the Great Depression. Not only did the Silver Ghost achieve a quality of engineering and performance that was outstanding in its era, but the chassis was also highly suited to a diverse range of coachwork. Consequently, the coachbuilders had many more opportunities to express themselves and designed everything from specialized sedans and town cars to the more sporting open touring and roadster body styles like the one offered here. The quality of the US bodies was beyond reproach. Today, many American Rolls-Royce enthusiasts believe the Rolls-Royce Custom Coachwork and later Brewster bodies to be the finest ever fitted to the Rolls-Royce. One of the most popular coachwork designs on a Springfield Silver Ghost was the handsome and sporty Piccadilly Roadster which was built by the Merrimac Body Company. According to the excellent book by John W. deCampi, Rolls-Royce In America , some 79 Silver Ghosts and 20 Phantom Is were fitted with Piccadilly coachwork. Chassis number S335 RL has been part of the Ruger Collection since 1987. The car was the 65th from the last Springfield Silver Ghost and importantly retains both its original engine and body. When new this car was a demonstrator model and was first purchased by A.J. Davis of St. Louis, MO who took delivery on 28 December 1928 when it was about two years old. He later traded the car for a Phantom I. The body appears sound and the paintwork is generally good with a few scratches in places. The interior has black leather upholstery and matching door panels and the foldaway rumble seat has also been retrimmed in black leather. Bausch & Lomb drum lamps, vertical radiator shutters and tubular bumpers are all features of this example, which is also fitted with whitewall tires and twin side mounted spares. Lyle Pattersen did a top end rebuild of the engine which included fitting two brand new cylinder blocks as supplied by Frank Cooke. Also the brakes, kingpins, front axle and steering box have all been renewed or rebuilt since when the car has travelled just about 300 miles. This original Springfield Ghost is eligible for activities with the Silver Ghost Association, the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club and the Classic Car Club of America as well as most national antique car clubs in the US. WITHOUT RESERVE