Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 141
1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd. Chassis no. LSHD34 Engine no. S17D
Sold for US$184,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 141
1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe
1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe
Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd.
Chassis no. LSHD34
Engine no. S17D
Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd.
Chassis no. LSHD34
Engine no. S17D
4,257cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Zenith Carburetor
150bhp est
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Delivered new to Minneapolis
* One of only six built
* Only two owners since 1995
* The pinnacle of open top luxury motoring in the 1950s
THE SILVER DAWN
The policy of rationalization begun in the late 1930s continued at Rolls-Royce after WWII; more components were bought in rather than manufactured in house and for the first time there was factory bodywork, which was better suited to the owner driver than to a chauffeur. Produced by the Pressed Steel Fisher Company, of Cowley, this 'standard steel' body was available at first only on the MkVI Bentley, the equivalent Rolls-Royce - the Silver Dawn - not appearing until 1949. A separate chassis was retained, the same basic design being built in three different wheelbase lengths, while other notable features were independent front suspension and hydraulic front brakes.
The range featured a new 4,257cc six-cylinder engine (enlarged to 4,566cc for 1951) with inlet-over-exhaust valve gear, which had been under development since the mid-1930s. The company used belt drive for the water pump and dynamo for the first time on this engine, which employed a Zenith Stromberg carburetor in Rolls-Royce configuration. The latter was preferred to the MkVI's twin SUs as it offered smoother running and a cold start facility, which was not available on the SU-equipped Bentley until 1952.
A welcome improvement to the standard bodywork arrived in mid-1952 in the shape of an enlarged boot together with associated changes to the rear wings and suspension. This design was introduced on the 'E' series Silver Dawn and was retained until the final 'J' series. The first Rolls-Royce to be offered with factory bodywork, the Silver Dawn is recognized as a landmark model in the marque's history and is fast becoming sought after as the enthusiasts' choice.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This Park Ward Drophead Coupe, design number 322, is one of only six made. The swooping, front fenders blend seamlessly into the tapered rear with spats covering the rear wheels. The very subtle two-tone green paint with gold fine lines is beautifully matched by the tan seats and green convertible top. Left hand drive enhances the driving experience in North America.
According to copies of the factory record, this stunning Rolls was ordered by R.D. Onan of Minneapolis, an executive at his family business, D.W. Onan & Sons—a major manufacturer of generators and generator parts. Originally finished in triple Blue—paint, leather, and top, it was fitted with a power top and windows, extension speak to the radio, dual foglamps, white wall tires, and all the accoutrements required for the American market.
Completed at the factory on May 26, 1952, Mr. Onan took receipt in August of that year. There is no recorded history for the car until 1985 when a plate on the firewall indicates the car was restored by Hibernia Auto Restorations Inc in Hibernia, New Jersey. Legendary for their top-quality work, the Rolls was displayed in Monterey during car week when it was owned by Eric Lorentzen of Arizona with a picture of the Drophead being featured in the October 1991 issue of PRÆCLARVM, the Federal Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia. Sold in January of 1995, the next owner was Dr. Adolph Lombardi of Columbus, Ohio. A careful steward of the rare Rolls for the next 12 years, copies of invoices on file show regular maintenance was conducted by his local shop, Specialty Sports Cars. Acquired by the current owner in May of 2007, the Drophead has remained on static display for the last 16 years. Still retaining its restoration over two-decade old restoration, as well as an later Sony headunit as well as a modern generator and A/C compressor, 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.
Single Zenith Carburetor
150bhp est
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Delivered new to Minneapolis
* One of only six built
* Only two owners since 1995
* The pinnacle of open top luxury motoring in the 1950s
THE SILVER DAWN
The policy of rationalization begun in the late 1930s continued at Rolls-Royce after WWII; more components were bought in rather than manufactured in house and for the first time there was factory bodywork, which was better suited to the owner driver than to a chauffeur. Produced by the Pressed Steel Fisher Company, of Cowley, this 'standard steel' body was available at first only on the MkVI Bentley, the equivalent Rolls-Royce - the Silver Dawn - not appearing until 1949. A separate chassis was retained, the same basic design being built in three different wheelbase lengths, while other notable features were independent front suspension and hydraulic front brakes.
The range featured a new 4,257cc six-cylinder engine (enlarged to 4,566cc for 1951) with inlet-over-exhaust valve gear, which had been under development since the mid-1930s. The company used belt drive for the water pump and dynamo for the first time on this engine, which employed a Zenith Stromberg carburetor in Rolls-Royce configuration. The latter was preferred to the MkVI's twin SUs as it offered smoother running and a cold start facility, which was not available on the SU-equipped Bentley until 1952.
A welcome improvement to the standard bodywork arrived in mid-1952 in the shape of an enlarged boot together with associated changes to the rear wings and suspension. This design was introduced on the 'E' series Silver Dawn and was retained until the final 'J' series. The first Rolls-Royce to be offered with factory bodywork, the Silver Dawn is recognized as a landmark model in the marque's history and is fast becoming sought after as the enthusiasts' choice.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This Park Ward Drophead Coupe, design number 322, is one of only six made. The swooping, front fenders blend seamlessly into the tapered rear with spats covering the rear wheels. The very subtle two-tone green paint with gold fine lines is beautifully matched by the tan seats and green convertible top. Left hand drive enhances the driving experience in North America.
According to copies of the factory record, this stunning Rolls was ordered by R.D. Onan of Minneapolis, an executive at his family business, D.W. Onan & Sons—a major manufacturer of generators and generator parts. Originally finished in triple Blue—paint, leather, and top, it was fitted with a power top and windows, extension speak to the radio, dual foglamps, white wall tires, and all the accoutrements required for the American market.
Completed at the factory on May 26, 1952, Mr. Onan took receipt in August of that year. There is no recorded history for the car until 1985 when a plate on the firewall indicates the car was restored by Hibernia Auto Restorations Inc in Hibernia, New Jersey. Legendary for their top-quality work, the Rolls was displayed in Monterey during car week when it was owned by Eric Lorentzen of Arizona with a picture of the Drophead being featured in the October 1991 issue of PRÆCLARVM, the Federal Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia. Sold in January of 1995, the next owner was Dr. Adolph Lombardi of Columbus, Ohio. A careful steward of the rare Rolls for the next 12 years, copies of invoices on file show regular maintenance was conducted by his local shop, Specialty Sports Cars. Acquired by the current owner in May of 2007, the Drophead has remained on static display for the last 16 years. Still retaining its restoration over two-decade old restoration, as well as an later Sony headunit as well as a modern generator and A/C compressor, 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.
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