Produced from 1907 to 1925, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is one of the most instantly recognisable cars ever manufactured. Powered by a 7428cc, six cylinder, 40/50hp engine it had a four speed gearbox with overdrive. An unconventional flexible radiator mounting, a Royce designed carburettor and attractive construction and machining are prominent in this car. The car got its name because of the silver paint and silver-plated bright work which along with the mechanicals make it so iconic.
Autocar noted that the car gave the impression ‘of being wafted through the landscape.’
This car was not just known for being quiet though, it was also very reliable. Royal Automobile Club founder Claude Johnson successfully travelled 2,000 miles between London and Glasgow without incident. After the drive, the RAC assessed the car to measure the wear. The cost of the replacement parts added up to less than £3. The Times described it as ‘the best car in the world’.
Lawrence of Arabia was a famous fan of the Silver Ghost declaring that ‘a Rolls in the desert is above rubies.’
He used a fleet of armoured Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts in operations against Turkish forces and in one day managed to destroy two enemy command posts, blowing up a bridge and ripping up many miles of railway line. The Silver Ghost also featured in many more conflicts including both World Wars.
It was used in WW1 and WW2 to great success thanks to Winston Churchill. He was a big admirer of these ‘land ships’ and insisted that Silver Ghosts were modified to incorporate armour and made ready for war.