Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 78
1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Standard Steel Saloon Chassis no. LSVJ99 Engine no. S114J
Sold for US$29,120 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 78
1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Standard Steel Saloon
1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Standard Steel Saloon
Chassis no. LSVJ99
Engine no. S114J
Chassis no. LSVJ99
Engine no. S114J
4,566cc F-Head Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Solex Carburetor
130bhp (est.)
4-speed Hydramatic Automatic Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle with Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulically Assisted Drum Brakes
*Rolls-Royce's first model with factory coachwork
*A US market left-drive car, known by the Rolls Royce Foundation
*Updated with electric windows and air conditioning
*Offered from long-term display, requiring recommissioning
THE CAR OFFERED
Rolls-Royce made significant leaps toward rationalization in the 1930s which continued after the war with the company's first application of standard bodywork on the Mark VI Bentley. Rolls-Royce's first post-WWII product, the Mark VI was introduced in 1946, three years ahead of its sister car, the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. The decision to offer 'in house' bodywork had been dictated by economic realities and evolving customer demands. Despite the misgivings of traditionalists, exports and sales rose steadily.
Notable features of the new chassis included a new independent front suspension design and hydraulic front brakes. Power came from a 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. This was preferred to the Mk VI's twin SUs as it offered smoother running and a cold start facility, which was not available on the SU-equipped Bentley until 1952.
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.
Production records provided by the Rolls-Royce Owners Club in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, show that this Silver Dawn, chassis LJVJ99, was completed in late 1954 for delivery to Mrs. A.L. Kirkland of Palm Beach, Florida. It left Crewe with Standard Steel Saloon bodywork finished in Shell Grey complemented by blue hides and ivory side stripes and came nicely equipped for relaxed touring with a sliding roof and automatic transmission. Subsequent owners documented by the RROC include John R. Lyon of Greenwich, Connecticut, and H.D. Forse of Anderson, Indiana. Classified advertisements in the RROC magazine show that in 1991 it was offered out of Indianapolis, Indiana with a freshly rebuilt engine but otherwise needing restoration.
By 2002, the LJVJ99 was again offered for sale, this time refinished in silver and requiring interior work. The subsequent owners restored the interior in its current vivid red and fitted upgrades including electric windows and air conditioning with a modern-style Sanden rotary compressor. It was most recently on display in a large private collection held by a passionate marque enthusiast. With minimal preparation, this handsome Silver Dawn would make a fine choice for club events and casual touring. Please note that since coming into the care of the consignor, this vehicle has been on long-term static display in a dry climate, it has not been started while in Bonhams care, and will require recommissioning prior to use.
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