Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Brougham De Ville

Chassis 8TE left Rolls-Royce in 1920 as a standard Silver Ghost chassis, built to carry an enclosed limousine by Barker. It was supplied new to R. McAlpine of Felcourt, East Grinstead, and factory records list four further owners up to 1937.

The body it wears now is a recreation. Coachbuilder and Silver Ghost collector Colin Laybourn bought the car in 1993, when it carried a ten-seat omnibus body and unrestored chassis. Inspired by an image in the Dalton Watson book Coachwork on Rolls-Royces, he commissioned Brougham de Ville coachwork in the style of Parisian builder Kellner. The result is lighter and more sporting than typical English Silver Ghost bodies, with long wings, an external handbrake lever and a razor-edge roof.

The restoration took fifteen years. The engine and running gear were fully restored, and the new body uses an ash frame panelled in aluminium. The front is trimmed in black hide and the rear compartment in Bedford cord with French broadcloth, with marquetry and inlay work. The wheels have been converted to take period straight-sided rims, which suits touring, and the dealer reports the car has been serviced and maintained by them. It was in the same ownership for more than 30 years.