1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Taj Mahal owned by Maharaja of Nabha. 1964 Statesman rally in India. Image shot 1964. Exact date unknown.
The first and earliest of the two Rolls-Royces is an imposing open touring-bodied 1912 Silver Ghost, coachbuilt by Barker & Co. of London and fitted with an elaborate Taj Mahal nameplate for its Indian Raj client; the Maharaja of Nabha. This distinctive Silver Ghost has a unique place in Rolls-Royce history, it being the only surviving pre-1914 Indian trials car, with its authentic engine and chassis still carrying its original body. Remarkably, the car has only had two owners since new, with the current custodians having owned her since her return to England in the early 1990s.
Design:
- Body Style: The Silver Ghost was offered in various body styles, including open tourers and sedans, often custom-built by coachbuilders.
- Color: The original “Silver Ghost” got its name from its silver-painted chassis and silver fittings, giving it a ghostly appearance.
- Interior: The interiors were luxurious, with high-quality materials like fine leather, polished wood, and detailed metalwork.
Engine:
- Engine Type: It featured a 7.4-liter (later versions had a 7.7-liter) inline-six engine.
- Power: The engine produced around 40/50 horsepower, which was substantial for the time.
- Performance: The Silver Ghost was known for its smooth and silent operation, hence the name “Ghost.”
Technical Features:
- Chassis: The car had a strong and durable chassis, which contributed to its reputation for reliability.
- Transmission: It had a 4-speed manual transmission.
- Suspension: The vehicle featured leaf-spring suspension, providing a comfortable ride.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was a symbol of luxury and engineering prowess in the early 20th century. Its reliability was demonstrated in long-distance endurance runs, including the famous 1913 Alpine Trial.
In 1907, AutoCar magazine proclaimed Rolls-Royce as the “Best Car in the World.” This model features a 7.5 liter, 6-cylinder engine with three-speed transmission and was originally bodied with Landaulette coachwork by Hooper. This car was recreated with ‘Roi-de-Belges’ style (created in 1901 by King Leopold of Belgium) by Willis in 1972. Silver Ghosts were built from 1906 to 1925 in England and from 1921 to 1926 in Springfield, Massachusetts.