Beschreibung:

FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF CAMERON PECK 1909 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST THREE QUARTER LANDAULETTE COACHWORK BY BARKER Chassis No. 1120 Engine No. 1120 Dark green with black leather upholse ry appointed with dark blue brocade in the passenger compartment. Engine: six cylinder, 7,428cc, side valves, 48bhp at 1,000rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual; Brakes two wheel drum; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs, front and rear with Westinghouse Air shock absorbers. Right hand drive. The Rolls-Royce has widely been accepted as the ultimate symbol of quality for almost nine decades. The six cylinder 40/50 h.p. "Silver Ghost", introduced in 1906 at the London Motor Show at Olympia swiftly established itself as the ultimate in luxury motoring and was soon credited with the title of "the Best Car in the World." This remarkable model remained in production for almost twenty years, with only minor modifications, and was solely responsible for establishing the firm's reputation for engineering excellence. The Silver Ghost had become regarded as the finest car of its era. Rolls-Royce achieved a quality of engineering far higher than any of its competitors, and the chassis was also especially suited to a very diverse range of coachwork, from the most beautifully formed landaulette, as on offer here, to lightweight long distance rally cars. The craftsman's skills on the formal coachwork in the period were truly artistic and Barker in particular produced bodies which were the epitome of Edwardian elegance and style. The extreme height of the enclosed portions of the coachwork were dictated by Edwardian fashion - top hats and elaborate millinery for women. These formal Silver Ghosts inspired not only the pride of the owner, but also the pride of everyone who worked for them. Chassis No. 1120 is believed to be the third oldest known Silver Ghost with its original coachwork. It was ordered and built to the specification requested by Mrs. Henry Cawthra of Toronto Canada. Mrs. Cawthra was the widow of Henry Cawthra a prominent Toronto businessman. The Cawthra family were early industrialists, and Henry and Annie Cawthra earned a reputation for surrounding themselves with the finest objects available. They had built a huge estate, "Yeadon Hall", which occupied an entire city block in a fashionable part of Toronto. In 1909, Mrs. Cawthra placed an order for 1120. She wanted the Ghost to be fitted with coachwork that provided all of the luxuries of a formal limousine with the option of open air motoring. It was finished in dark blue livery with a black leather interior with blue brocade appointments and nickel plating. The original chassis cards indicate that an additional cushion for the rear compartment was made and two forward facing occasional seats. Amazingly nearly all of the original interior remains intact and in good condition (including the cushion) and much of the original blue paint is evident on the chassis and coachwork. At some early point in 1120's life it was updated with a Rolls-Royce supplied C.A.V. electric lighting and starting system, and Westinghouse Air Spring Shock absorbers. Following Mrs. Cawthra's death in 1919, 1120 remained virtually untouched in the family possession until it was purchased by noted collector Cameron Peck. Mr. A. Atwater Kent Jr., son of the electronic's industrialist, purchased 1120 in 1952 at the famous auction of the dispersal of the Peck Collection. In 1956, 1120 was donated to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for display in the state museum. 1120 is widely regarded as one of the most original Silver Ghosts in existence and as such is a highly significant motor car. In addition to retaining its original coachwork, engine, and most of its original interior, 1120 also has wonderful ancillary items, such as the undertrays that are often discarded or modified. This very early Silver Ghost with its original coachwork is one of the most significant Edwardian cars to be offered for sale in recent years.