Words cannot describe this stunning 1954 Silver Dawn. Finished in black with aquamarine (light sage-teal green) Connolly leather upholstery fashioning everything in a very original and unrestored manner. She comes with a factory fitted sun-roof.
Recently from the collection of a wealthy industrialist, where the owner was an avid (and life-time) collector of collectible classic cars, this Silver Dawn is one in very original condition and perhaps amongst the best out of the collection. Its most recent owner purchased the car in 1982 and had been part of his private collection since.
The Silver Dawn was Rolls-Royce’s first step back into the “luxury” market after World War II in 1949. The Silver Wraith had been the first vehicle released post-war in 1946. With only 760 Silver Dawns produced from 1949-1955, this truly is a rare vehicle.
Body and paint is excellent with no known repaint during the industrialist’s ownership. She presents very smooth and lustrous with only the typical blemishes and imperfections you can normally expect of such an older car, albeit well maintained. She is finished off with aquamarine/teal fine lines to the side coach-work in the correct hand painted tradition. Chrome, glass and fittings all present well.
The interior is simply stunning with all its original fitments. The Connolly leather is supple soft with only very modest signs of aged hides. She does show all the lovely signs of gentle use and the warm “patina” that makes these Rolls-Royce interiors what they are (The word “patina” is used literally here, and not as a means to explain old dry and cracked leather!). The African burl walnut wood throughout is in nice condition and appears to be the only aspect of the interior that has been refinished. Carpets are excellent and the headliner without wear.
Mechanically, the car is superb. She sings like the best should sing and always come to life when called upon. Recently put through Park-Ward’s fully appointed facility with anything needing doing attended to. This aside, the car was excellent to commence with. She idles very smooth, powers well and handles the road comfortably and straight. She comes to a stand still true and strong. The tyres on the car are period correct whitewalls and are only a few years old.
Under the bonnet, the presentation is amazing. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life. Simply stunning!
As you would expect, this Silver Dawn comes with its original accoutrements, all various tools, jack, torch, a brand new spare and operating manual.
The car is of very high standard and is an undisputable 10 out of 10 driver rating and a true Preservation Class show car.
~~ This stately Silver Dawn is an outstanding example of the marque that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. She is of RROC preservation standard that can also be used for special occasion or sunny weekend enjoyment. Take her to your next Rolls-Royce meet and you will attract considerable attention, maybe pick up a prize as well! ~~
International buyers welcome ~ We regularly ship world-wide!
Interesting Information on the Silver Wraith.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn is a full-size luxury car that was produced by Rolls-Royce at their Crewe works between 1949 and 1955. It was the first Rolls-Royce car to be offered with a factory built body which it shared, along with its chassis, with the Bentley Mark VI until 1952 and then the Bentley R Type until production finished in 1955. The car was first introduced as an export only model. The left hand drive manual transmission models had a column gear change, while right hand drives had a floor change by the door. Only with the R Type based model was it officially available on the home market, from October 1953.
A mere 760 were produced between 1949 and 1955. Earlier models up to circa May 1954 had a different fascia (dashboard) from the Bentley Mk.VI and ‘R’ Type, and were fitted with a single exhaust system. Later models from the SRH chassis series had the Bentley style fascia and the twin exhaust system, as fitted to the Bentley ‘R’ Type. On the Standard Steel cars throughout the production history, all the body panels forward of the bulkhead/firewall were slightly different from those fitted to the Bentley.
The in-line six cylinder engine had overhead inlet and side exhaust valves and had a capacity of 4,257 cc until 1951 when it was enlarged to 4,566 cc. The carburettor was a single downdraught Stromberg until 1952 when it was replaced by a Zenith.
A four speed manual gearbox was fitted to all cars at first, with a 4-speed automatic becoming an option in late 1952 on the ‘E’ Series chassis, and on the corresponding Bentley ‘R’ Type chassis.
The suspension was independent at the front using coil springs while at the rear the live axle used half elliptic leaf springs. The car had a separate chassis made with traditional riveted construction until 1953 after which it was welded. Servo assisted 12.25 in (311 mm) drum brakes were used, hydraulically operated at the front but retaining mechanical operation at the rear. Although many cars were fitted with factory built bodies, others were supplied to external coachbuilders.
A factory bodied Silver Dawn with automatic transmission tested by The Motor magazine in 1954 had a top speed of 94.0 mph (151.3 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 15.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 15.4 miles per imperial gallon (18.3 L/100 km; 12.8 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £4704 including taxes.
For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below. The photos are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
Fantastic condition leather
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Fantastic condition leather
Gorgeous burl walnut wood finishes
Factory fitted sun-roof
Every tool in place
Incredibly preserved under the bonnet
Glass, chrome work, lights and lenses in excellent shape
Gorgeous burl walnut wood grains
Gorgeous burl walnut wood grains
Fantastic condition leather
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
