The Elegant 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost: A Timeless Classic
Imagine cruising down the road in a 1925 Rolls-Royce 40/50, a car that proudly stands among the elite 1,700 Silver Ghosts produced in Springfield, Massachusetts. This isn’t just any vehicle; it’s one of a mere 77 adorned in the luxurious Oxford seven-passenger touring coachwork. Our star, Chassis S142ML, is a left-hand-drive beauty that was initially commissioned by none other than philanthropist and shirt company heiress, Nellie A. Cluett. Picture it now: delivered fresh and ready for the open road in Troy, New York, on May 15, 1926.
Fast forward to 1951, when the car was taken on by an owner from Plymouth, Massachusetts. He lovingly retained it until the early ’70s. From there, it had an eventful journey—spending time in the Rick Carroll collection in sunny Florida before being snapped up by Friendly Ice Cream Company founder, Prestley Blake, in 1984. I mean, if that isn’t a rich history, what is? In the early ’90s, it found itself in the hands of an academic in Massachusetts, and then later, a New Hampshire couple kept it for over two decades, participating in events like the 2004 RROC Sea To Shining Sea Tour. They even had it refurbished in the mid-2000s.
Recent Triumphs
After being acquired by the selling dealer in 2021, this refined Silver Ghost has racked up some impressive accolades:
- Best in Class at the 2023 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
- Primary Division First Prize at the 2023 CCCA Annual Meeting
- Special Award at the 2024 San Marino Motor Classic
- Third-place class award at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Decked out in striking burgundy, it features a 7.4L L-head inline-six engine that was overhauled back in 1998. It received a refreshing touch-up in 2007 and is coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. Here’s a sneak peek at the features that add to its allure:
- Single updraft carburetor
- Dual-plug ignition
- Mechanically actuated rear drum brakes
- Cantilever rear leaf springs
- 21” wire wheels finished in black
- Dual side-mount spares
- Removable rear-compartment windscreen
- Black convertible top
- Red leather upholstery
- Middle-row jump seats
This stunning Silver Ghost Oxford tourer comes complete with plenty of documentation: copies of its Schoellkopf cards, service invoices totaling over $260,000 from 1998 to 2024, two tonneau covers, recent concours awards, and a pristine Arizona title. It’s basically a moving tribute to automotive excellence.
A Deep Dive into the Silver Ghost Legacy
The roots of the 40/50 h.p. platform go way back to the 1906 British Motor Show. Remember how this prestigious moniker, “Silver Ghost,” was birthed? It came from a single demonstration car that wowed onlookers in 1907. Post World War I, Rolls-Royce set up shop in Springfield, Massachusetts, starting to churn out cars for the U.S. market in 1921. The production of these Silver Ghosts in Springfield continued right until 1926, with a delightful variety of body styles crafted by Brewster and other American coachbuilders under the Rolls-Royce Custom Coach Work name. It’s a story steeped in elegance and engineering brilliance.
Revamped and Restored
Let’s talk about the visual character of this beauty. The four-door Oxford touring coachwork enjoys an exquisite burgundy finish with black fenders, all thanks to a robust refurbishment in 2008 by Competition Motors in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Recently, some fine detailing work was done, including stylish pinstriping removal in 2023. The black convertible top? Yes, it got a refresh during that extensive 2007-2008 project—not to mention the addition of some turn signals to keep things modern.
What about those wheels? Stripped and powder-coated in black during 2023, these wire wheels boast Lester tires that measure a sleek 7.00-21, ready to grip the road under mechanical braking force.
Luxurious Cabin Aesthetic
Stepping inside is like entering a time capsule of luxury. During the 2008 refurbishment, the cabin was reupholstered in sumptuous red leather, draping over front and rear split bench seats, with additional room courtesy of those fold-out middle-row jump seats. And of course, the details matter:
- Color-keyed door panels and carpeting
- Central shifter
- Footwell vents
- Door pockets
- Rear robe rope
- Rear footrest
- A fire extinguisher for peace of mind
Let’s not forget that the four-spoke steering wheel sits on the left-hand side, a feature introduced to Springfield-built Silver Ghosts midway through 1925. A wooden dashboard with classic dials and gauges rounds off the luxury experience. With only 82,000 miles on the clock—about 400 added under current ownership—this car embodies history and charm.
Power Packed Performance
Now, let’s dive under the hood. The 7,428cc inline-six engine consists of two blocks housing three cylinders each, running side valves and a single updraft carburetor, all energized by dual-plug ignition. Overhauled by Mike Cooke of The Vintage Garage in 1998, the engine received further enhancements from Steve Littin of Vintage & Auto Rebuilds between 2006 and 2007. Recent fluid changes, including an oil change in August 2024 and others in 2023, keep this timeless classic in prime condition.
And let’s not underestimate the engineering marvel behind the powertrain. The rear-wheel drive is managed via a four-speed manual gearbox, paired with a torque tube and a sturdy rear axle, all nestled comfortably within its cantilever leaf spring suspension. Ah, the sophistication!
In the grand tapestry of automotive history, this 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost stands not just as a car but as an enduring legacy, embodying opulence, craftsmanship, and a connection to a bygone era that we can only marvel at. Whether you’re a collector or a mere enthusiast, it’s not just about the drive; it’s a journey through time.