Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 46LM
Engine No. E20742
The handsome 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost we have the pleasure of
presenting here is a very well-documented example with known
history from new. Originally fitted with a Limousine body by Barker
(LS890), its Rolls-Royce build sheet indicates it was delivered to
its first owner, a Mrs. Pulitzer in 1924. From 1926 to 1928 the
Rolls-Royce was in the possession of Mr. Emile Vancura and it was
during his stewardship that the coachwork was upgraded from the
closed Limousine style to the more fetching Convertible Sedan
style. Notably, Mr. Vancura was the chief mechanic for Brewster in
New York and it is reported that his firm was also responsible for
upgrading out-of-fashion coachwork on similar cars of the period.
Additional work on the car undertaken by Vancura included upgrading
the car's braking system to all-wheel brakes, replacing the 23 inch
wood artillery wheels with 19 inch wire spoke wheels, and upgrading
the radiator with one equipped with Thermostatic shutters.
Following Mr. Vancura's ownership, the Rolls-Royce passed through
multiple owners' hands, all the while remaining in nicely cared for
condition, and notably, the long chain of ownership surrounding the
Ghost gives us a window into its history. Information courtesy of
an advertisement in the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club publication
indicates that its most recent restoration appears to have been
executed in 1979 with the car having received as-needed maintenance
since that time.
Today, the Rolls-Royce presents nicely and while not in concours
condition, it shows well as a testament to its previous thorough
restoration, recent care, and stewardship. Finished in a lovely
dark green with a matching leather interior, the paintwork and
interior show well and complement one another nicely. On the
exterior, the contrasting green belt molding with cream pinstripe
adds a subtle flare. The wire wheels are painted the same green
color as the pinstripe creating a cohesive exterior livery.
As the car has had limited activity for some time, a thorough
mechanical sorting is likely in order prior to significant road
use. The car starts and runs well and has been road-tested prior to
this auction. In addition, chassis number 46LM has been fitted with
a "Gear Vendors Overdrive Unit" which provides a claimed 22 percent
reduction in engine rpm at top gear, thus increasing top speed by
approximately 28 percent. As previously mentioned, the car is
accompanied by a host of informative documentation highlighting its
near 100-year history as well as what appears to be a largely
complete tool kit. Notably, these late Ghosts are some of the best
driving cars in their class, shifting effortlessly and with ease,
offering ample power and acceleration and of course, combining
smart looks with a handsome tailored appearance.
