1929 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Riviera by Brewster
Chassis 390XH is a Springfield-built Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost carrying one of ten Brewster Riviera bodies and, uniquely among them, the only example constructed on a Silver Ghost rather than a Phantom I platform. Delivered in December 1929 to New York industrialist Augustine Leftwich Humes with bespoke embroidered upholstery and Venetian mahogany inlays, it passed through several distinguished American collectors including noted Rolls-Royce authority Dr. Erle M. Heath and golfer Gene Littler. Never fully restored, the car has been preserved in largely original condition and has earned multiple concours honours.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$307,500
- 1929-12-07 →Factory deliveryAugustine Leftwich Humesfull documentation
New York industrialist who commissioned distinctive embroidered upholstery and Venetian mahogany interior details not typical of contemporary town cars.
- → 1970Acquisition unknownC. Burkepartial documentation
Early Rolls-Royce enthusiast who subsequently sold the car in 1970.
- 1970 →Private saleDr. Erle M. Heathfull documentation
Pittsburgh-based physician regarded as a leading American Rolls-Royce collector of his generation; during his tenure the car won multiple awards including the RROC Scher Trophy.
- 1990 → 2009Private saleBill Pattonpartial documentation
Orange County, California collector who held the car for approximately 19 years before selling it.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownE.E. Greinerpartial documentation
Early Rolls-Royce enthusiast; no specific dates or acquisition details recorded.
- Date unknownPrivate saleInnkeeper in Mendocino, Californiapartial documentation
Acquired via a California dealer after the car left the Heath collection.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGene Littlerpartial documentation
Celebrated professional golfer and respected car collector who ranked this Riviera among his four most prized automobiles.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Rolls-Royce enthusiast with over four decades of experience; car was freshened and shown at concours events before entering this collection.
Competition
- 1973Rolls-Royce Owners ClubRROC Scher TrophyBest Silver Ghost
Awarded during Dr. Heath's ownership period.
- 20122012 Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceBest in Class
Shown following a freshening after leaving the Patton collection.
- 20132013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Displayed at the event prior to entering the current owner's collection; no stated award.
- —Hershey AACA MeetAward winner
One of several prizes earned while the car was part of the Heath collection.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Bodywork
The car received a repaint at some point in its history; aside from this, the body and interior have remained largely in their original state.
The prose emphasises that the vehicle was never subjected to a full restoration and is best characterised as a preserved example.
- —Service
Light freshening work carried out after leaving the Patton collection and ahead of the 2012 Amelia Island concours appearance.
Scope of work not detailed beyond general preparation for showing.
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