The success of the Silver Ghost in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trials validated Rolls-Royce as “The Best Car in the World.” Due to their durability and modern ride, these Edwardian Ghosts were preferred by members of royalty and high society. At a time when many automobiles still resembled carriages, and featured one- or two-cylinder engines, Rolls-Royce ensconced its occupants in luxury, and provided effortless torque in any of its three forward gears.

The Silver Ghost presented here, chassis 1204, was delivered to its first owner, Andrew T. Reid Esq. of Auchterarder, Scotland, in January 1910 via L.C. Seligmann. Upon his passing in 1941, chassis 1204 was stored at the Reid family home before being sold, along with two other Rolls-Royce, following WWII.

In 1957, chassis 1204 was acquired by the Neale brothers, whose name is synonymous with Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost restorations. The car’s present Brainsby & Sons landaulette coachwork was originally mated to a 1908 Minerva, and was removed in the 1920s, when that Minerva was rebodied. H.R. Grist purchased this coachwork in Plymouth, UK, in 1958 from Cecil Bendall, an important early car collector and founding member of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. The body was then sold to John Birchell, who in turn sold it to the Neale brothers, who mated it to chassis 1204.

While it is not known which coachbuilder originally provided the body on this Silver Ghost, an inventory of Mr. Reid’s estate from 1912 lists a “Rolls-Royce Landaulette,” thus supporting the possibility that 1204 was sold new with similar landaulette coachwork.

After completion by the Neale brothers, chassis 1204 was sold to George Hardwick of West Ewell, London, on July 9, 1966. Mr. Hardwick would be the steward of this Silver Ghost for more than two decades, during which time he participated in the 1977 Royal Jubilee. A copy of a period photograph on file shows him in the parade procession, driving past HM Queen Elizabeth II. In 1988, Tim Scott of Ilkeston, UK purchased 1204, and he too would own this Silver Ghost for over two decades, until the current owner acquired it in 2010.

Since that time, this magnificent Silver Ghost has received mechanical attention from marque specialist Steve Littin of Vintage & Auto Rebuilds in Chardon, Ohio, as documented by invoices on file totaling over $40,000. The consignor notes that Mr. Littin recently suggested that the wooden wheels should be rebuilt before any extended road use of the vehicle.

Well suited for Silver Ghost and Brass Era events worldwide, this grand Landaulette is sure to provide its next owner with incomparably modern performance for an automobile of this period.