Rare Rolls offered for Public Tender in Sydney this October
One of the most desirable of all Rolls-Royces, the Silver Ghost earnt its place in automotive history soon after its release. By the early 1920s, when this example was built, the Silver Ghost's labelof'Best Car in the World' wasn't in dispute.
The example up for tender this October through Sotheby's is a 1923 Barker-bodied 40/50hp tourer, known as 'The Riviera Car'. Chassis number 14PK has been described by journalist David Berthon as, 'one of the finest examples of the late series 40/50hp Silver Ghost in the world today' (Praeclarum Magazine No 4-04). Originally delivered to Barer & Co. to be fitted with a touring body, 14PK was dispatched by Rolls-Royce to the French Riviera to be used as its demonstrator vehicle.
The car returned to England in early 1925, when it had a new, highly effective four wheel brake system retro-fitted by the Factory. 14PK came to Canberra in the 1930s and eventually into the ownership of the late Laurie Ogle in 2000.
Maintained in marvelous running order, 'The Riviera Car' has since been restored to its original delivery specification. Complete with extensive history and documentation, 14PK is of remarkable provenance and is perhaps the ultimate Silver Ghost.
Sotheby's estimate the 1923 Silver Ghost will sell for somewhere in the region of $340,000-$440,000.
For more detail on this and other consignments for Sotheby's 'Important Collector's Motor Cars by Public Tender' sale, go to www.sothebysaustralia.com.au