Although the 40/50hp model would have earned its ‘The Best Car in the World’ sobriquet 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, when it relocated to a new factory in Derby, the company founded by engineer Frederick Henry Royce and entrepreneur the Honourable Charles Stewart Rolls had manufactured a variety of models at its Manchester premises.

Cars with two, three, four and six cylinders were made, and even an abortive V8, before Managing Director Claude Johnson’s decision to concentrate on the range-topping 40/50hp.

The latter had first appeared at the 1906 Motor Show and became known as the ‘Silver Ghost’ the following year when chassis number ‘60551’ was exhibited wearing silver-painted tourer coachwork by Barker.

  The heart of the Silver Ghost was its magnificent engine, a 7,036cc (later 7,428cc) sidevalve six equipped with seven-bearing crankshaft and pressure l...