1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster
Rolls-Royce established American production in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1920, with Claude Johnson as Chairman and F. Henry Royce as Engineer-in-Chief.
The company maintained its one-model policy, building the 7.4-liter 40/50 hp Silver Ghost to the same standards as English examples. Early Springfield cars featured right-hand drive until left-hand drive became available in 1925.
The practice of exchanging bodies between chassis was common during this period, as formal coachwork dated quickly while the refined mechanical components continued serving admirably.
Sportier designs like the Piccadilly Roadster frequently replaced upright limousine bodies to make chassis more fashionable and saleable. Coachbuilders like Brewster & Company in New York specialized in these transformations.
Power came from a 452 cubic inch L-head inline six-cylinder engine producing 85 horsepower at 2,300 rpm, paired with a three-speed manual transmission.
The Piccadilly Roadster design offered versatility with comfortable seating for driver and passenger plus a rumble seat compartment that could accommodate additional passengers or provide storage for touring.
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