Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn 1951
General description :
1951 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn Convertible
Chassis number SDB112
Registration number: AV7545 (New Zealand)
This car, a Rolls Royce Silver Dawn Saloon, SDB 112. was imported new by an Auckland merchant in 1951 and although he died a few years later it was kept by his widow who later re-married. The car was then barn stored for 15 years prior to acquisition by the last owner.
The last owner in New Zealand secured original Park Ward plans and photographs from the RREC and commissioned Classicar Restorations to manufacture a new body. The rebuild occurred over a period of about 4 years and is a superb job. The original plans were blown up to full size on the factory wall so that the exact measurements could take place. Classicar claim that the dimensions of the body are to within about 3 mm of accuracy over the entire structure.
The original Park Ward bodies of that period on Mk 6 Bentley and Silver Dawn chassis had Ash wood frame work and of course have deteriorated over the years. The frame in this body is of folded steel section and is totally rigid and rattle free. There is absolutely no scuttle shake and it is expected it will remain this way. The body is all new from the firewall back. The original floor pan was used and this was extended at the rear to equal the original Park Ward specs. The original seats were used but re-upholstered with genuine Connolly hide. The carpets are Wilton. The hood is German Mercedes fabric.
Whilst the body was being built, the chassis and engine etc. were subjected to complete restoration. The engine was bored and sleeved and the original pistons which were in excellent order, were re-used. The crankshaft was in perfect order but all bearing shells were renewed. The damper was overhauled and set up according to Norman Geeson who is probably the world expert on these cars. The timing gear was replaced and an S1 camshaft fitted. According to Geeson, of the 9 different camshafts used in these 6 Cyl. engines, the S1 was the best. The original oil bath air cleaner set up was replaced with the optional dry filter system, which again according to Geeson would add about 15 BHP to the output. Twin SU carburettors as used on the Bentleys of the period replaced the original Stromberg downdraught. A twin exhaust system as used on the R Types and Continentals was fitted. The result of these changes is, that although a 41/4 litre engine this one performs as well as the 41/2 litre R Type Bentleys.
The engine is extremely smooth running and very torquey. All running gear such as steering bushes, universal joints and rear spring shackles were replaced as necessary. The chassis lubrication system was overhauled and is in full working order. The twin point distributer system has been replaced with an American breaker less electronic system designed for these cars. The dual SU electric fuel pump has been factory modified as the latest pointless electronic system.
The car is an absolute delight to drive and with the top down handles like a sports car. The previous owner had the car since Jan. 1998 and travelled the length and breadth of NZ in it. It goes without saying that it is totally reliable. The current indicated mileage is 57,000.
The original radio has been serviced and is back in the car. It operates reasonably well. The car had a new radiator core at the time of restoration. The system never varies from about 75 deg. And oil pressure stays at just below 30 pounds under all circumstances. Idling pressure is about 12 pounds. The semaphore indicators are dummies and flashing indicators have been fitted to the side and taillights.
With the present economy carb. needles the fuel mileage at open road cruising is about 18 mpg. If better performance at higher speeds isdesired then richer needles could be fitted. However, the acceleration is good and the car loves a cruising speed of 70 mph.. The windscreen rakeseems to be just right and even at high speeds there is minimal wind turbulence for the front seat occupants with the hood down. The hood may be raised and lowered singlehandedly with no great effort. Withthe hood up the car is as snug and watertight as a sedan.
http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/sales/807/1951-rolls-royce-silver-dawn-convertible/
1951 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Grays by Vintage Prestige for £162000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Rolls-Royce Model : Silver Dawn Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1951 Sub type : Convertible Location : Essex
Sold
Seller Information
Sold
People who viewed this Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn also viewed similar Rolls-Royce listed at ClassicDigest
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
32500 $
Astoria
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
32500 $
Astoria
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
267500 $
Astoria
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
29950 $
4576 1/2 Worth St. Los Angeles, CA 90063
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
Essex
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur
Essex
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
Essex
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud SI
Essex
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
Essex
MG TD
Essex
About Rolls-Royce
Well, ladies and gentlemen, today we're diving into the illustrious history of a brand that has always embodied the very essence of British luxury and craftsmanship - Rolls-Royce.Our story begins at the turn of the 20th century when two visionaries, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, decided to join forces. In 1904, the very first Rolls-Royce was born, the Rolls-Royce 10 hp. It was a modest start for a company that would go on to redefine automotive excellence.
But it wasn't until 1907 that Rolls-Royce truly made its mark with the introduction of the Silver Ghost. It was hailed as the "Best Car in the World" and set the gold standard for luxury motoring. With its whisper-quiet engine and exquisite craftsmanship, it was a statement of opulence and refinement.
The 1920s brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom I, an icon of its time. It was the first Rolls-Royce to feature a 6-cylinder engine and set the stage for the legendary Phantom line. This was the era when the Maharajas of India commissioned custom-bodied Rolls-Royces that were nothing short of automotive palaces.
Fast forward to the post-war years, and we have the Silver Cloud, a symbol of post-war British optimism. The Silver Cloud was elegance personified, with its flowing lines and handcrafted interiors. It was the choice of royalty, celebrities, and captains of industry.
But if we're talking about the epitome of Rolls-Royce luxury, it's the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, which graced us with its presence from 1968 to 1991. This was a car that made the statement that "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it." Customization was the name of the game, and the Phantom VI was a canvas for the world's wealthiest to express their unique tastes.
Now, it's impossible to discuss Rolls-Royce without mentioning the Rolls-Royce Corniche. Produced from 1971 to 1995, it was a convertible and coupe version of the Silver Shadow. The Corniche was the quintessential grand tourer, a car for those who wished to traverse continents in absolute luxury.
But, alas, even the mightiest must face their decline, and Rolls-Royce was no exception. The company went through financial turmoil in the 1970s and 80s, leading to the takeover by Vickers plc. Then came the controversial BMW and Volkswagen ownership period, which divided enthusiasts.
Rolls-Royce regained its footing under BMW ownership, and the new millennium brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, a return to the company's roots of uncompromising luxury. The Phantom VII was a testament to British engineering and craftsmanship.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings us to today. Rolls-Royce continues to produce some of the most opulent, bespoke vehicles on the planet, a symbol of British imperiousness that has not waned with time. The spirit of Sir Henry Royce and Charles Rolls lives on in every car that bears the Spirit of Ecstasy, a testament to the enduring legacy of British automotive excellence.