1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
Rare RHD example and current family ownership since 1990

Registration No: BSK 478
Chassis No: SRH88
MOT: Exempt

• Supplied new to W. Furlong Esq by York Motors of Sydney, Australia
• Nicknamed 'Phoebe' and the subject of much expenditure including a full re-paint and cylinder head overhaul etc
• Matching chassis and engine numbers and believed to still retain the majority of its original upholstery
• Well specified with an oil bath air cleaner, automatic gearbox, sunroof and fog lamps

Unveiled in 1949, the Silver Dawn had the distinction of being the first Rolls-Royce to wear standardised coachwork. Visually and mechanically indebted to its Bentley MkVI stablemate, the newcomer was initially powered by a 4257cc straight-six engine (though, capacity was increased to 4566cc during 1951) and boasted 90mph plus performance. Updated to resemble the Bentley R-Type in 1953, it was aimed squarely at export markets. Thus, the majority of the c.761 made were to left-hand drive specification. Although, some 116 were reputedly despatched to Australia.

According to its accompanying paperwork (including RREC copy build records), chassis SRH88 was supplied new by York Motors of Sydney to W. Furlong Esq. A comparatively late Silver Dawn benefiting from the larger 4566cc OISE straight-six engine, high compression cylinder head, four-speed automatic transmission, more commodious boot and twin exhaust system, it appears to have remained in Mr Furlong’s care until 1968. Exhibited at a Canberra Motor Museum thereafter, the luxury saloon changed hands twice during the 1980s before entering the current family ownership in 1990. Purchased from Ristes of Nottingham for the princely sum of £29,000 plus shipping and import duty etc, the Rolls-Royce returned to the renowned marque specialist for fettling later that same decade. More recently treated to a bodywork refurbishment and repaint in Navy Blue by a Rippon-based firm, ‘Phoebe’ (as chassis SRH88 has long been known) has only just returned from Alan Turner Motors of Thormanby where it received attention to its head gasket, ignition system and exhaust etc. Starting readily and running well during our May 2024 photography session, the Rolls-Royce pleasingly retains its factory-fitted engine (number S-44-H) and what is understood to be the majority of its original Maroon leather upholstery not to mention a sliding sunroof, period radio, export bumpers and twin fog lights. Rare and elegant in equal measure, this appealing Silver Dawn is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737