1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost torpedo phaeton (Barker-style coachwork by Wilkinson's)
- Colour
- Deep rich blue
Chassis 2018 is a pre-WWI Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost with a 'parallel bonnet' configuration, originally bodied by Barker as a torpedo phaeton and delivered new to Sydney surgeon Dr. Frank Tidswell. Discovered in New South Wales in 1957, it underwent two subsequent restorations — the second, in the 1990s, faithfully recreating the original Barker coachwork using period design drawings, with mechanical upgrades for touring. The car has since accumulated over 20,000 miles in active use, including the 1993 Alpine Trial reenactment.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$582,500
- 1968 →Private saleDerek Hartleypartial documentation
South Australian enthusiast who carried out a restoration with a replacement body styled after the Maharaja of Mysore Silver Ghost rather than the original configuration.
- 1984 → 1987Private salePeter Harperpartial documentation
Cheshire-based owner; car had returned to the United Kingdom by this point.
- 1987 → 1991Private saleW. K. Handcockpartial documentation
Northumberland-based owner who held the car until it was acquired by the next custodian.
- 1991 →Private saleBritish owner from 1991partial documentation
Commissioned a full restoration back to the original 1912 torpedo phaeton specification, using Barker design drawings and engaging Wilkinson's coachbuilders; also had the chassis and engine freshly restored with various mechanical upgrades.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryDr. Frank Tidswellpartial documentation
Prominent Sydney surgeon who was the original recipient of the car; factory records indicate he used it infrequently and had Rolls-Royce add electric starting equipment during the 1920s.
- Date unknownJ. Andrewpartial documentation
Owner at the time the car was located in Nowra, New South Wales in 1957; chassis and drivetrain were largely intact but the body was beyond repair.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Had the car refinished in deep blue with burgundy leather; accumulated over 20,000 miles in personal use and participated in tours and rallies across multiple countries.
Competition
- 19931993 Alpine Trial Reenactment
The car participated in a modern recreation of the historic Alpine Trial as part of active touring use following completion of its restoration.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1968Restoration
Full restoration completed by Derek Hartley, including fitting a new body modelled on a celebrated Maharaja of Mysore Silver Ghost rather than recreating the original coachwork.
- 1991RestorationWilkinson's
Comprehensive re-restoration to the original 1912 configuration: new torpedo phaeton coachwork built to original Barker drawings by Wilkinson's coachbuilders, and a concurrent full mechanical restoration of chassis and engine. Enhancements included a larger carburettor, high-compression pistons, overdrive, enlarged rear brakes, and power steering.
Commissioned by the British owner who acquired the car in 1991.
- —ModificationRolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce factory updated the car with a full electric starting system at the original owner's request.
Work carried out sometime during the 1920s per factory records.
- —Bodywork
Car refinished in a deep blue colour scheme with button-tufted burgundy leather upholstery; period-correct C.A.V. headlamps fitted as documented in original factory build records.
Carried out during the current owner's tenure.
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