1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

Exhibited for the first time at the 1949 Toronto, Canada International World’s Fair, the Silver Dawn was introduced to appeal to those who wished to drive their car rather than be driven in it, as was the typical Rolls-Royce fashion at the time. It was, for all intents and purposes, a Bentley Mark IV with a Rolls-Royce radiator topped with the all-important Spirit of Ecstasy. It was initially available for export-only, until 1953 when it was introduced to the home market. Outwardly, there was little difference between the two cars, but in the engine bay, there was one main difference; the Silver Dawn used a single Stromberg carburetor, while the Bentley used twin S.U. carburetors. A total of 761 Silver Dawns were produced from 1949 through 1955, of which the majority had standardized coachwork from Rolls-Royce’s in-house contract with Pressed Steel.

Auction Sales History

1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn STH21 – sold for $26,000 This 1954 Silver Dawn STH 21 was previously owned by well known Rolls-Royce and Ferrari collector Bill DeCarr. This was his favorite “get around town” transportation when he was not in his Ferrari. In 1987 Bill became custodian of this rust free Rolls-Royce and during his ownership he had new leather and headliner installed. He personally maintained the car at his Bellflower, California automobile shop. 1 of 730 Silver Dawns built from 1949-1955. A unique opportunity.

Auction Source: Monterey 2014 by Mecum Auctions

1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Park Ward Coupé – sold for $352,000 Built for pharmaceutical baron Eli Lilly Jr. One of a dozen built in this coachbuilt body style. An original U.S.-delivery example. Rare “big” engine and automatic transmission.
Auction Source: 2014 Motor City Auction by RM

1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Park Ward Drophead Coupé LSDB30 – sold for €247,250 Despite the popularity of the ‘standard steel’ body, a coachbuilt alternative remained the preferred choice of many customers. Indeed, of one’s preference was for an open car it was the only option, there being no factory-built convertible in either the Rolls-Royce or Bentley range at this time. Carrying graceful, long-wing coachwork by Park Ward Ltd, Rolls-Royce’s in-house coachbuilder, left-hand drive chassis number ‘LSDB30’ is the third car of only five produced with this magnificently stylish body. Equipped with the manual gearbox and electrically operated hood, it was supplied new to Franco Britannic Automobiles, the Rolls-Royce distributor for France, and first owned by the George V Hotel in Paris. Fully restored to concours standard, this matching numbers car comes complete with copy chassis card and its original books and tools.

Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles d’exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams

1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Sports Saloon LSNF29 – sold for $49,500 According to Rolls-Royce Foundation records, LSNF29 was shipped to the United States from Liverpool, U.K. aboard the S.S. American Chief, arriving in Newport News, Virginia on February 10, 1953. The Shell Grey car was then delivered to J. Pry, Ltd. in Washington, D.C. and sold to a J. Reynolds, Esq., owner of Reynolds Drugs, a Walgreen Agency, in Clinton, North Carolina on September 30, 1953. For the past several years it has formed part of a respected private collection. Documents are on file and are available for review.

 

Auction Source: 2010 Vintage Cars of Meadow Book by RM Auctions