• Originally built with limousine coachwork • Exported to Australia shortly after delivery • Previously bodied as a 'London-Edinburgh' tourer • Known ownership in Australia up to the 1990s Although its 40/50hp model would have earned its 'The Best Car in the World' soubriquet in any event, Rolls-Royce's decision to drop all other types only served to focus attention on what would become known as the 'Silver Ghost'.

Prior to 1908, cars with two, three, four and six cylinders were built, as was an abortive V8, before the decision was made to concentrate on the six-cylinder 40/50hp.

The latter first appeared at the 1906 Motor Show, becoming known as the 'Silver Ghost' the following year when chassis number '60551' was exhibited wearing silver-painted tourer coachwork by Barker.

The Ghost's heart was its magnificent engine, a 7,036cc (later 7,428cc) sidevalve 'six' with seven-bearing crankshaft and pressure lubrication.

A sturdy chassis comprised of channel-section side members and tub...