1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe

Coachwork by Park Ward & Co. Ltd.

4,566-cc Inline F-Head 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
130-hp (est.)
4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front and Live Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*One of only six made, three with automatics
*Delivered new to Baroness Rozelle Empain
*Heavily optioned with power featured
*Exceedingly rare, coachbuilt luxury

THE SILVER DAWN

The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn was the first completely new car Rolls introduced after World War II. Manufacture began in 1949 and ran through 1955. The war had changed the market, and the Silver Dawn was advertised as a car the owner could drive rather than be driven in. It was also the first model to offer standard factory bodies, as well as coach built ones. Because England was in the throes of a post-war financial crisis and needed hard currency, the Silver Dawn was an export-only model until 1953. Consequently, the bulk of the production is left hand drive. Only 760 were made, 60-some receiving custom bodies. The engine was a 4.3-liter, straight six upon introduction, rising to 4.6 in 1953.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Park Ward "Foursome" Drophead Coupe is one of only six made, and adds further exclusivity by being only one of three with an automatic transmission. It has the larger engine. The swooping, black front fenders blend seamlessly into the tapered rear with spats covering the rear wheels. The dual-tone paint has mint green sides over dark green which set off the matching dark green seats with mint green piping. Attractive red piping breaks up the expanse of the black top. Left hand drive enhances the driving experience in North America.

According to copies of the factory record, this stunning Rolls was ordered by an equally stunning and flamboyant person—the Baroness Rozelle Empain (née Rowland), the wife of Baron Jean Empain. An American burlesque performer, she and her husband were known to throw elaborate, Gatsby-esque parties at their palace. While Baron Empain controlled the Paris subway, that would not be how he or his wife would travel. This Rolls was delivered new to Château de Bouffémont, just north of Paris, on June 17, 1953. The Baroness was assured she ride in style with her coachbuilt drophead finished in Moss Green over tan hides and optioned with power windows, top, and steering as well as automatic gearbox, model 4200 radio, high frequency horns, fog lamps, and more. The Baroness kept the Rolls until 1966, when it was to a Monsieur Sadoul of Paris's 7th Arrondissement.

It is likely the car remained in France, receiving a restoration in the 1980s during which it was finished in its current two tone green. In 1988 took first place at the Grand Prix de Diane Hermes, with the award given by Britain's Princess Anne. Acquired by the current owner in November of 2009, the Drophead has remained on static display for the last dozen years. Still retaining its restoration from the 1980s, the car has mellowed over the years but still carries with it plenty of presence, although recommissioning will be required prior to active use.

The offered lot provides the opportunity to own an almost unique coach built open car from Britain's most prestigious manufacturer during the period when the British motor industry regained its footing after the war. It is a rare beauty that would be the perfect transportation to one of the world's great automotive events, whether the driver is a participant or a spectator.