Introduced in 1949, the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn was an “export only” model and initially unavailable in Britain’s home market until 1953. Essentially the Rolls-Royce counterpart to Bentley’s new Mk VI, the Silver Dawn was mainly available with factory-built standard steel bodies supplied by the Pressed Steel Company Limited, plus a small number (64) of coachbuilt models. From 1951 to the end of Silver Dawn production in 1955, displacement of the inline six-cylinder engine was increased from 4,257 cc to 4,566 cc. As few as 761 examples of the Silver Dawn were produced in all, with 591 4 1/2-liter cars among them, including chassis STH47, the late-production example offered here.

Showing under miles at the time of cataloguing, this right-hand-drive 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Saloon was a long-term component of Richard Donner’s classic vehicle collection, having been purchased from Frank Cox in 1971. Handsome in a two-tone black over metallic gray exterior, the Silver Dawn is complemented by burgundy Connolly leather upholstery and burled wood trim. Passenger amenities include a steel sunroof, rear picnic trays and footrests, an AM radio, and updated Clarion AM/FM cassette stereo mounted beneath the dash. A proper 4.6-litre engine delivers power in concert with a four-speed automatic transmission and power steering provides driving ease. Semaphore turn indicators, factory steel wheels with styled wheel covers, and period-style bias-ply whitewall tires round out this decidedly elegant postwar Rolls-Royce. An operating handbook, document binder, tools, safety equipment, and mounted spare are also included in the sale. Looking for a new home for the first time in 50 years, this rare and highly drivable, late-production Silver Dawn offers a unique opportunity for the Rolls-Royce enthusiast.