1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Tourer (by Lawton)
Rolls-Royce’s legendary “Best Car in the World” achieved its reputation through models like the 1911 Silver Ghost, representing the most desirable “parallel hood” variants (so-called in period British terminology) produced between 1907 and 1915.
These early Silver Ghosts established standards of automotive aristocracy through their distinctive front-end design and unparalleled craftsmanship that set them apart from later production models.
The car’s 7,428 cc side-valve six-cylinder engine, cast in pairs, produced about 50 horsepower through Swiss watch-like precision engineering. Built on a 143-inch wheelbase with semi-elliptic front suspension and three-quarter-elliptic rear springs, the Silver Ghost delivered the refinement and reliability that established Rolls-Royce’s reputation for excellence.
Period touring bodies often featured low doors for both front and rear passengers, representing a departure from the popular roi des Belges open-front styling. These designs suggested owner-driver use rather than strictly chauffeur operation, making them somewhat sporty for their era.
The parallel hood Silver Ghosts utilized a foot-operated transmission brake combined with a hand-operated rear drum brake system. Original equipment typically included Rudge-Whitworth detachable wooden wheels and nickel trim, features that distinguished these early models from their successors.
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