The slogan of Rolls-Royce wa "The Best Car in the World", which in many ways it was. The concept was absolute quality, a totally silent and effortless performance, an ongoing warranty (including any subsequent modifications as long as the car was with the first owner) and excellence in every aspect. Quality became a legend, and even today, most of the early Rolls-Royce cars are still in working order.
The most outstanding Rolls-Royce is the 40/50, later named Silver Ghost, first exhibited at the Olympia show in 1906. Claude Johnson had carried out extensive testing on the first batch of cars. The 13th chassis was completed in April 1907 and, at Johnson’s request, was fitted with a Barker Tourer body painted silver and with silver fittings – christened "The Silver Ghost". The Silver Ghost around 1911 was thirty years ahead of its rivals. Its six cylinder engine of 7036 cc is of an incredible quality, smoothness and silence, its chassis is of the highest quality, and the steering is very direct so that driving a SIlver Ghost is effortless and unique. After World War I, the success of the Silver Ghost continued : it remained the "Best car in the world" for many more years.
This particular car is the 40/50 Silver Ghost Barker Torpédo, chassis number 33PE, and was originally delivered on October 20th 1920 to Mr Alex Symington of the Royal Yacht Club in London. This early Barker Tourer with its narrow torpedo body, attractively shaped doors and beautiful side lamp brackets is an outstanding example of the sporting Silver Ghost at its elegant best. 33PE is fitted with a particularly effective rear windscreen which provides the rear seat passengers with excellent protection when travelling with the hood down. A tool tray containing small hand tools is to be found under the front seat, and a commodious running board toolbox provides storing space for the necessities associated with long distance touring.
The ownership history of 33PE is equally interesting and unusual, as from 1920 until 1995 there were altogether only 3 owners. Dr Cesar Proenca of Rio de Janeiro purchased the car from original owner Alex Symington and imported the car to Brazil in 1928 where it remained for 42 years. It was William Maxwell Davis, former President of the Rolls-Royce Owner’s Club of America, who purchased 33PE from Dr Proenca and embarked on a comprehensive restoration to highest standards which was to immobilise the car for well over a decade. Under the supervision of noted Rolls-Royce Connoisseur Charles Howard, further work was carried out on the engine after 33PE had returned to Europe in 1995. Extensive maintenance work by world’s foremost expert P. & A.Wood in England 2010-2011 further enhanced the excellent condition of 33PE.
The performance, handling and driving qualities of the lightweight touring-bodied cars are vastly superior to those of cars equipped with much heavier formal coachwork. To drive a lightweight sporting Silver Ghost is to experience the most enjoyable motoring, affording an insight into why the Silver Ghost was truly the "Best car in the world".
Chassis n°33PE
Engine n°M171
Registration N°SV5482 (UK)
Engine specification : 6 cylinder 7036 cc
Gearbox specification : 4-speed gearbox
Coachwork finish : all Nickel finish
Colour : Olive green
Interior : Tan leather
Hood : Beige
Documentation : EEC Papers
