Beschreibung:

4,257cc Inline F-Head 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
130bhp (est.)
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front and Live Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*One of only twelve made
*Delivered new to Allentown, Pennsylvania
*Heavily optioned with power featured
*Exceedingly rare, coachbuilt luxury
THE SILVER DAWN
The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn was the first completely new car Rolls introduced after World War II. Manufacture began in 1949 and ran through 1955. The war had changed the market, and the Silver Dawn was advertised as a car the owner could drive rather than be driven in. It was also the first model to offer standard factory bodies, as well as coach built ones. Because England was in the throes of a post-war financial crisis and needed hard currency, the Silver Dawn was an export-only model until 1953. Consequently, the bulk of the production is left hand drive. Only 760 were made, 60-some receiving custom bodies. The engine was a 4.3-liter, straight six upon introduction, rising to 4.6 in 1953.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This Park Ward Drophead Coupe, design number 355, is one of only twelve made. The swooping, black front fenders blend seamlessly into the tapered rear with spats covering the rear wheels. The dual-tone Grey paint set off the matching Maroon seats and convertible top. Left hand drive enhances the driving experience in North America.
According to copies of the factory record, this stunning Rolls was ordered by Hess Brothers department store in Allentown, Pennsylvania. With offices in London, Rome, and Paris, Hess Brothers were known for being purveyors of the latest fashions, so it is little surprise that their vehicle of choice was also on the cutting edge. In addition to its elegant, aforementioned colorway, it was fitted with a power top, medium wave radio, white wall tires, and all the accoutrements required for the American market.
Completed at the factory on May 29, 1952, Hess Brothers took receipt on August 25 of that year and kept by them for about nine months before heading to the Woodbridge, Connecticut garage of Sereno Clark Sperry, Jr. in June 1953. Mr. Sperry would enjoy his droptop for six and a half years, trading it in on the purchase of a brand-new Bentley Continental Flying Spur with J.S. Inskip on April 17, 1959. A copy of the invoice for the new Bentley listing the trade is on file—Inskip valued the Rolls at $7,500 at the time, leaving a $14,275 balance for the new car. In December of 1959, Inskip sold the Rolls to James C. Ryan.
There is no recorded history for the car until January of 1972 when it came into the collection of Richard Thomas of Stuart, Florida. Mr Thomas would retain the Rolls for the next 36 years, eventually restoring it and regularly showing it, including at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance where it went home with the Amelia Award. Acquired by the current owner in May of 2008, the Drophead has remained on static display for the last 14 years. Still retaining its restoration over two-decade old restoration, the car has mellowed over the years but still carries with it plenty of presence, although recommissioning will be required prior to active use.
The offered lot provides the opportunity to own an almost unique coach built open car from Britain's most prestigious manufacturer during the period when the British motor industry regained its footing after the war. It is a rare beauty that would be the perfect transportation to one of the world's great automotive events, whether the driver is a participant or a spectator.