LOT 218

1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Limousine Coachwork by Barker & Co Registration no. WY 8329 Chassis no. 56HG Engine no. P489

Estimate: £50,000 - £70,000

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Lot 218

1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Limousine

The Golden Age of Motoring Sale|30 October 2026, 17:00 GMT|London, New Bond Street

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1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Limousine
Coachwork by Barker & Co
Registration no. WY 8329
Chassis no. 56HG
Engine no. P489

•Long-wheelbase chassis
•Original UK registration
•Ownership history substantially known
•Engine professionally rebuilt in 2013 (bills available)

Chassis '56HG' was ordered in December 1922 and delivered in chassis form on 31st January 1923 to Barker & Co Ltd, the favoured coachbuilders for the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The completed car was delivered to G Dugdale & Co Ltd of Deansgate, Manchester, for their valued customer Sir Amos Nelson of Manor House in Thornden-in-Craven, a Yorkshire cotton manufacturer. The Ghost was still in use in 1938 in the ownership of an S White, and in 1963 passed through the hands of notable dealer Cecil Bendall, who sold the car to an Oliver Purks. In 1964 the car passed into Dutch ownership and some 30 or so years later was back in England before crossing the water to Ireland. While in Irish ownership the Silver Ghost was most actively campaigned in Ireland Section R-REC events, covering long distances, as well as participating regularly in the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club's Gordon Bennett Rally.

Almost 20 years ago the Silver Ghost was purchased by a Hampshire wine maker and used infrequently for local jaunts and tours of the vineyard properties. During this time the car underwent an engine overhaul by A & S Engineering, much of which was entrusted to marque specialist Alan Glew, at the same time the radiator was rebuilt.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost '56HG' is built on the long-wheelbase chassis and carries formal upright limousine coachwork. The car is smartly presented in dark blue and cream livery, contrasting with the polished aluminium bonnet. Distinctive features include twin side-mounted spare wheels; running board-mounted spare petrol can; luggage rack for longer tours; and the distinctive Rolls-Royce 'Spirit of Ecstasy' mascot. During the last ownership a period-correct temperature gauge was sourced and fitted, together with a new exhaust manifold. Accompanying documentation includes copies of factory build sheets; a file of bills while owned/used in Ireland; photographs of the engine overhaul (2013); bills from A & S Engineering (2009-2013); a V5C Registration Certificate; and a few old MoTs.

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