1926 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost with Tilbury Body – Chassis S360RL

"Amber"

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost from Springfield:
Masterpieces of American English Engineering

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, produced between 1921 and 1926 in Springfield, Massachusetts, represent an outstanding chapter in automotive history. With a total of 1,703 vehicles built in this series, they played a crucial role in establishing Rolls-Royce in the North American market.

A key figure during this era was Maurice Olley, who served as Chief Engineer in Springfield from 1918 to 1928. Olley, a British engineer, brought extensive experience from the aviation industry into automotive development. He was renowned for his precise analysis of chassis dynamics and driving behavior, leading to significant improvements in vehicle engineering. His work laid the foundation for many future innovations in automobile design.

The Springfield Silver Ghosts were distinguished by their exceptional smoothness and reliability. Equipped with a 7.4-liter six-cylinder engine, they offered performance suited for both luxurious drives and demanding roads. The bodies, often crafted by renowned American coachbuilders such as Brewster & Co., combined style, comfort, and meticulous craftsmanship.

What made them particularly remarkable was their adaptation to American customers: Springfield produced Silver Ghosts with left-hand drive and adjusted suspension and features to meet local requirements. The result was vehicles that were technically outstanding, reliable, and luxurious—a perfect balance of functionality and elegance.

Production in Springfield played a key role in establishing Rolls-Royce as a synonym for quality and luxury in North America. Even after production ended in 1931, Springfield Silver Ghosts remain highly sought-after collector’s cars. Experiencing one, you can feel the passion and precision embedded in every detail and the timeless fascination of a true classic.

Technical Data

• Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce of America Inc., Springfield, Massachusetts
• Vehicle Type: Limousine
• Model: 40/50 HP Silver Ghost
• Body: Tilbury 4-Saloon, coachbuilder Willoughby, body number WC-1525
• Engine Number: 22605
• Original Price: 12,800 USD (excluding options)

Engine & Performance

• Engine: Inline six-cylinder side-valve (L-head) petrol engine
• Displacement: 7,428 cm³ (7.4 liters)
• Bore x Stroke: 108 mm × 140 mm
• Power: approx. approx. 85 hp (depending on source)
• RPM: 2,300–2,750
• Compression Ratio: 3.2:1
• Ignition: Dual ignition with coil
• Fuel System: Rolls-Royce carburetor with separate starting carburetor

 
Chassis & Drivetrain

• Drive: Rear-wheel drive
• Transmission: 3-speed manual, unsynchronized
• Front Suspension: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
• Rear Suspension: Cantilever leaf springs
• Brakes: Mechanical drum brakes on rear wheels
• Steering: Mechanical worm-and-nut steering

 
Dimensions & Weight

• Wheelbase: 3,429 mm (135 in)
• Length: approx. 4,572 mm (chassis only)
• Width: approx. 1,715 mm
• Curb Weight: approx. 1,540 kg, total approx. 2600 kg

Vehicle History

• 1926: Produced in Springfield, Massachusetts
• 1927–1928: Used as a demonstration car at the Rolls-Royce Portland Trials
• 1928: First known owner: Adolph West Gilbert, San Marino, California, President of the Chapman Valve Manufacturing Company
• 1956–1970: Owner Edward E. Kachelhoffer, St. Louis, Missouri
• 1970–1983: Owner B.E. Stewart, Ohio; car offered for sale with overhauled engine
• 1983–1989: Owner Louis A. Schultz, Ohio
• 1989–2004: Owners Jo and Roger Loecy, Ohio; various restoration works carried out
• 2004–2007: Owner Terry Spilsbury, New Hampshire; comprehensive restoration and presentation on the Whooly Ghost Tour 2006
• 2007–2018: Owner Louis (Lew) Webb, California; participation in several rallies, S360RL displayed in private automobile museum
• 2018–2025: Owners Klaas de Boer and subsequently Ernest van Arendonk, Netherlands
• From March 2025: Current owner: “The Motorremise”

Special Features:

• Original Tilbury body WC-1525
• 7.4-liter six-cylinder engine with exceptional smoothness
• Left-hand drive adapted for American roads
• Faithfully restored to original condition, participating in international Silver Ghost events

S360RL today stands as an outstanding example of American Silver Ghosts, combining engineering, elegance, and history in a single vehicle, making the fascination of Rolls-Royce vividly tangible. It is rightly regarded as “The best car in the world.”