The name Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost conjures a mystique, an image of quality and the reputation as “The Best Car in the World,” although the term only applied to a single motorcar from 1907. That car was one of the 6,173 British and 1,701 Springfield 40/50 HP models built, but that name came to be applied to all 1907 through 1925 Silver Ghosts. Built in 1915, this car—Chassis No. 15BD and Registration No. AO-43—is a prime example of the mystique of that model. Pre-World War I Silver Ghosts are already some of the most desirable and valuable early brass era automobiles, but this one, built to rare London-to-Edinburgh/Colonial specification brings that value to a higher level. This right-hand drive chassis has a wheelbase of 135.5 inches and rides on a solid-beam live front axle with parallel semi-elliptic leaf springs and a live rear axle supported by parallel cantilever leaf springs. Like all London-to-Edinburgh chassis, this one is equipped with large, 25-inch diameter, steel-spoke wire wheels and correct 895- 135 Dunlop Cord black tires with white letters. The wheels are painted green to match the body color, and mechanical rear-wheel-only drum brakes provide the stopping power. Like all 1915 Silver Ghosts, the engine in this chassis is a 7428cc L-head 6-cylinder with cylinders cast in two blocks of three. The compression ratio is raised to 3.5:1 in the London- to-Edinburgh/Colonial version. This special engine is also equipped with a larger carburetor that increases its horsepower to 58. The engine is resplendent in brass and copper pipes and fittings that sparkle when polished. Power is sent to the rear axle by a 4-speed manual transmission with a gated shifter. The engine and transmission have correct 15BD stampings. This car was originally delivered with a Barker open tourer body but was later fitted with this Wilkinson Sports Torpedo coachwork. This body is finished in green and is embellished with numerous German Silver fittings and accessories, including the windshield frame, horn and headlamps. A C.A. Vandervell electric lighting system operates the head, side and tail lamps, and a folding rear compartment windscreen is provided at the back of the front seat. A black, steel, folding luggage rack at the rear is equipped with an original tan leather trunk, while a black, fabric-covered spare tire and wheel is mounted at the right side of the body. The front of the car is immediately identified by its iconic German Silver Rolls-Royce radiator, and an original-appearing folding tan convertible top is included. The interior is trimmed in original-appearing, red, button-tufted leather. A large, wooden, thick-rimmed, four-spoke steering wheel and brass and nickel controls complete the look. Original Rolls-Royce build and service cards are included. This car was acquired by Thomas Brahmer in 1959, who commissioned a no-expense-spared restoration that was performed over the course of eight years. The car subsequently participated in the 1973 Great Alpine Rally in Switzerland wearing its Wilkinson Sports Torpedo coachwork. The car was later sold at the 1974 Christies Auction for 26,000 pounds. From 1982 to 2021, it was prominently displayed at the Wakui Museum in Japan. A recent mechanical service and sympathetic detailing was completed by Frank Sloan. This Silver Ghost would be an impressive addition to any Rolls-Royce collection and a sure hit at an RROC, RREC or Silver Ghost Society tour or show.
