1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Saloon

4,566cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Zenith Carburetor
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Highly original, California car from new
*Two long-term custodians in the Bay Area, delivered new to San Francisco
*Serviced and maintained by Rolls-Royce specialist
*Documented by RROC records and impressive history file

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Silver Dawn introduced in 1949 was a "badge-engineered" Bentley Mark VI and became an enormously successful early post-war car. Aimed at the lucrative American market, the Silver Dawn offered an eminently usable Rolls-Royce, and appealed to the owner-driver. Its silky road manners are quite simply delightful, and entirely suitable for modern motoring.

Delivered new by special order to San Francisco, California, this fine Silver Dawn has remained in California ever since, while thoughtfully used and meticulously maintained by two long-time owners. As Works chassis card documents validate, it was originally finished in Metallic Dual Gray, with red Connolly leather interior, radio, the optional automatic transmission, special Wilomot-Breeden Overrider bumpers, sealed beam headlamps and dual fog lamps. An era-correct, rare and attractively designed chrome luggage rack was fitted to the roof and adds a stylish panache.

Purchased by the second owner in 1976 - a Rolls-Royce specialist and Pebble Beach Concours judge - he enjoyed displaying his Silver Dawn, competing and winning in various car club and RROC events. Eventually he sent his car to a marque specialist where it was correctly prepared and re-sprayed in correct Rolls-Royce Mason Black lacquer enhanced with fine red hand-painted coach line striping. The original red leather upholstery was retained, and shows a lovely patina, a reflection of its originality and careful use. The original cabinetry - hand-built of seasoned hard wood and veneered in polished burled Circassian walnut - was preserved as well, and the original West of England wool cloth headliner and trim remains in situ.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn has proven to be among the most reliable cars ever built, regardless of marque. Still retaining its original engine and transmission, complete with fitted hand and road tools, original owner's handbook and volumes of original build documents and maintenance records, this Rolls-Royce is impressive in every way. If a serious buyer is seeking an honest and well cared-for Rolls-Royce, this is the one to choose.