1924 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Pall Mall Touring

1924 Rolls-Royce Ghost Silver Ghost Pall Mall Touring Description

This 1924 Springfield Silver Ghost, chassis number 404MF is a highly original example with numbers matching chassis & engine. Complete with a “side shift” four speed transmission with overdrive. Mechanically, this vehicle runs with the grace and smoothness that a Silver Ghost should. This car is ready for continued participation in any number of Rolls Royce Owner’s Club, Silver Ghost Association or Classic Car Club of America tours

When it comes to world-class automobiles, there is no doubt that Rolls Royce’s famous Silver Ghost is at the top of the list. Introduced in 1906 and built with refinements until 1926, the Silver Ghost was known for its silent operation, rugged construction, durability and ease of operation. It was sold to the most discriminating vehicle buyers worldwide and earned the Rolls Royce Company its slogan of “The World’s Best Automobile”.

At the end of World War I, Silver Ghosts were gaining immense popularity in the United States. Demand for Rolls Royce automobiles in America became so great that the company formed an American subsidiary called Rolls Royce of America and opened an assembly plant in Springfield, Massachusetts. The cars assembled at the Springfield facility used chassis components that were imported from England but typically had bodies that were built by American coachbuilders, such as Brewster and Merrimac. Bodies built by these companies were produced in limited numbers and cataloged by Rolls Royce under the name Rolls Royce Custom Coachworks. During this period, the majority of the automobiles built were supplied with enclosed, formal bodies such as limousines and seven passenger sedans. Sporting, open body styles were rarely produced.

This 1924 Springfield Silver Ghost, chassis number 404MF, was ordered with a sporty, five passenger touring car body labeled by Rolls Royce as the Pall Mall Tourer and built by Merrimac. It is one of only 179 Pall Mall touring cars fitted to the Silver Ghost chassis. The Pall Mall body style featured a low belt line and a narrow body profile. It was a very sporty car that epitomized the look and feel of the Roaring 20s in America.

This is a well-known Springfield Silver Ghost that has a rich history of past and current owners. It is listed in John de Campi’s definitive book “Rolls Royce in America” and has a known ownership chain from new. The car has always been well cared for and retains its original body, chassis and engine assemblies.

The first owner, Edward M. Winslow, took delivery of 404MF on Christmas Eve of 1924. Like most Rolls Royce buyers, he came from conservative, American money and was a descendent and namesake of a Mayflower passenger. The Pall Mall was owned by the Winslow family until 1956 when it was purchased by George M. Anderson, also of Massachusetts. Anderson sold the car in 1962 to the Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida and six years later, the car was again sold and returned to New England where it was owned by S. Prestley Blake of Somers, Connecticut.

Blake was a well-known collector of Rolls Royces-especially Silver Ghosts built in Springfield. He was an active member of the Rolls Royce Owner’s Club (RROC) and the Silver Ghosts Association (SGA). Being the co-founder of Friendly’s Ice Cream helped Blake to achieve a significant and well-respected collection of Rolls Royces, which he drove frequently on long distance tours. He enjoyed 404MF for over 30 years and drove it several thousands of miles during his ownership. Blake sold the car in 1998 and it was later owned by another well-known Connecticut Rolls Royce collector, John Abrahamson.

When Abrahamson purchased 404MF, it was found to be an extremely original and well-preserved car but in need of cosmetic restoration. Abrahamson restored the car in about 2003 and since then, this car has been properly cared for and regularly used.

The dark blue body and black fenders still show extremely well. The body is rock solid and the doors open and close with hardly any effort. The paint shows the expected signs of wear that one would expect from an older restoration but still retains a great overall appearance.

On the inside, the leather interior is aged beautifully and has mellowed with a pleasing glow that only proper leather can achieve. The dashboard has all of its Rolls Royce script gauges and controls. The rear seat is fitted with a folding, secondary windshield to protect its passengers. For all-weather touring, there is a set of matching side curtains along with a protective trunk cover.

The nickel-plated and German silver trim items are correct and in excellent condition. The car retains its original headlamps, side lamps, taillight, etc. The rear of the car features a period, custom-built trunk and an accessory second taillight.

Mechanically, this vehicle runs with the grace and smoothness that a Silver Ghost should. 404MF is one of the last right hand drive, Springfield cars built, and also one of the last cars built with the desirable, four-speed gearbox. The original engine, #22043, starts easily and runs extremely smooth. The car has been fitted with a modern, Gear Vendors overdrive transmission that allows the vehicle to be driven at modern speeds while reducing wear and stress to the engine. The engine retains its original carburetor and dual ignition system. The transmission and clutch are extremely smooth and the car shifts with the ease that Silver Ghosts are known for. The steering is light and responsive and the brakes stop the car firmly. This car is ready for continued participation in any number of Rolls Royce Owner’s Club, Silver Ghost Association or Classic Car Club of America tours.

Springfield-built Silver Ghosts have always been highly regarded by the most knowledgeable collectors. They were prestigious cars when they were built and today are considered benchmark automobiles that can be driven and enjoyed on numerous rallies and tours worldwide. An inspection and test drive this Pall Mall Tourer is highly recommended and we believe you will understand why the Silver Ghost gave Rolls Royce the reputation of “The World’s Best Automobile.”

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• Price: $249,900
• VIN: 404MF
• Cylinders: Inline-6
• Title: Clear / MO
• Exterior Color: Blue

• Carfax:
• Engine: 7.4 Litre L-Head
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual Side-Shifter w/Overdrive
• Mileage: 44,691
• Interior Color: Black

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