1926 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster
- Engine
- 7.4L L-head inline-six, 85 bhp at 2,300 rpm
- Colour
- French gray with black fenders
A 1926 Springfield-built Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster, chassis S335RL, is among approximately 79 such sporting two-seat bodies believed constructed at the Massachusetts plant. Originally retained by the factory as a development car, it received components intended for the forthcoming Phantom model before delivery to its first private owner in late 1928. Its history includes tenure with a president of the St. Louis Rolls-Royce Owner's Club, ownership by firearms magnate William Ruger, and a thorough restoration encompassing new cylinder blocks and major mechanical rebuilds. The car earned an Automobile magazine award at the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- 2022-09-30Auction saleSold US$395,000
- 1926-06-01 → 1928-12-28Factory deliveryRolls-Royce Springfield factoryfull documentation
Retained as a works development vehicle for several years, during which it was updated with components sourced from the forthcoming Phantom model.
- 1928-12-28 →Private saleA.J. Davis, Scullin Steel Company, St. Louisfull documentation
First private owner per factory build records; held the car for approximately nine years before it passed on via a title transfer involving Elsie Green.
- → 1938-03-01Acquisition unknownEdward M. Bergenpartial documentation
Acquired through a title transfer facilitated by Elsie Green; traded the vehicle for a new Springfield Phantom in early 1938.
- 1951-10-01 → 1953Acquisition unknownJohn B. Davis, Florissant, Missouripartial documentation
- 1953 → 1972-07-01Private saleCarroll Vail, St. Louis Rolls-Royce Owner's Club presidentpartial documentation
Retained the car for nearly two decades; noted by the prose as a Rolls-Royce expert and club president who reportedly identified factory-installed Phantom components.
- 1972-07-01 → 1986Private saleConrad Karras, Great Notch, New Jerseypartial documentation
Known to have used the car for touring during his period of ownership.
- 1987 →Private saleWilliam 'Bill' Rugerpartial documentation
Namesake of the well-known firearms company; the car was held by his estate for approximately fifteen years after acquisition.
- → 2015-03-01Private saleLyle Patterson, Ruger estate collection managerpartial documentation
Commissioned a thorough mechanical restoration including engine rebuilding with new cylinder blocks, and brake, suspension, and gearbox refurbishment; also updated the car with overdrive, a stainless exhaust, reupholstered seats, and a repainted period-correct color scheme.
- 2015-03-01 →Private saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Has exercised the car regularly; cosmetic attention has included recovering the trunk and re-nickeling certain dashboard fittings; car has not been exhibited publicly during this tenure.
Competition
- 20032003 European Alpine TourDriver: Lyle Patterson
Entered following completion of a full restoration; described as a touring event rather than a competitive race.
- 20092009 Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceAward winner — Automobile magazine award
Recognition came after cosmetic and mechanical improvements completed in 2006, including a period-correct repaint and seat reupholstery.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2006Modification
Overdrive unit added and a new stainless steel exhaust system fitted; front seats reupholstered in black leather; exterior refinished in a period-appropriate French gray with black fenders scheme.
Work described as sympathetically integrated to retain period character while improving long-distance touring usability.
- —RestorationFrank Cooke's Vintage Garage
Full restoration carried out encompassing an engine overhaul with two replacement cylinder blocks fitted, plus disassembly and refurbishment of the braking system, kingpins, front axle, and gearbox.
Commissioned by Lyle Patterson following his purchase of the car from the Ruger estate; work completed prior to the 2003 European Alpine Tour.
- —Maintenance
Trunk re-covered and selected dashboard switches re-nickeled as part of minor cosmetic upkeep.
Carried out during the current owner's tenure following acquisition in March 2015.
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