1920 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Coupe Chauffeur
In the aftermath of World War I, as the world began to rebuild and reimagine itself, a remarkable automobile emerged from the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby, England. The 1920 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Coupé Chauffeur combined cutting-edge technology with unparalleled luxury, capturing the imagination of the wealthy and discerning motorists of its era.
The exterior of the Silver Ghost underwent significant transformations during its lifetime. Originally commissioned by Monsieur Vallee, the car first featured a limousine body by Charpentier. However, it was later updated to a coupé chauffeur body in 1930 by the renowned Parisian coachbuilder Henri Binder.
This body style, characterized by its elegant proportions, reflects the updated art deco styling of the period. The higher radiator and shutters, along with the distinctive French Grebel headlights, gave it a contemporary look akin to the Phantom I of the same era.
Beneath the hood lay a formidable 7,428 cc side-valve inline six-cylinder engine. This powerplant, rated at 40/50 horsepower for tax purposes (see note below), delivered impressive performance (significantly more hp than the taxable rating suggested).
Note: The car’s “40/50 hp” designation refers to its taxable horsepower, a system used in various countries to determine vehicle taxes. Taxable horsepower was a formula-based rating rather than an actual measure of the engine’s power output. This system was designed to standardize tax rates for vehicles based on certain engine characteristics, such as bore and stroke dimensions, rather than their true performance capabilities.
Power was transmitted through a four-speed manual transmission. The Silver Ghost’s suspension system provided a comfortable ride, featuring a live front axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and friction dampers, complemented by a cantilever rear suspension.
Inside, the vehicle showcased Binder’s exceptional craftsmanship. The interior was adorned with exotic Thuja wood, which was reportedly sourced by Bedouins in the French colony of Morocco.
This luxurious material adds a unique touch to the car’s already opulent design. The attention to detail in the interior fittings underscores the level of luxury that Rolls-Royce aimed to provide its customers.
In the competitive landscape of luxury automobiles of the time, the Silver Ghost stood out for its engineering and design. Other luxury brands, such as Bentley and Hispano-Suiza, also produced high-end vehicles, but the Silver Ghost was often considered the benchmark for quality and reliability. Its ability to evolve with updates like front-wheel brakes and an Autovac fuel system kept it relevant and desirable over the years.
The 1920 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Coupé Chauffeur is not just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history. Its journey from a limousine to a coupé chauffeur, along with the various mechanical and aesthetic updates, reflects the dynamic nature of early automotive engineering and design.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
