In 1920 Rolls-Royce made the dramatic announcement … ""A limited number of Rolls-Royce chassis will be produced at the American Works … the same quality of materials will be employed as in England.'' Claude Johnson was to be Chairman of the American operation based at Springfield, Massachusetts, and from the outset it was clear that the traditions of excellence established in England would be maintained in America.

At this time Rolls-Royce had a one model policy and the first cars to be built at Springfield were the 7.4-litre, 40/50hp Silver Ghost, adopting the English righthand drive pattern, a feature maintained until 1925 when lefthand drive became available.

The Silver Ghost had already earned for Rolls-Royce the accolade, 'The Best Car in the World', and the Springfield cars certainly maintained that reputation for the company.

There is no coachwork more versatile than the Salamanca style as carried by 11 2JH, so much favoured in the extreme climate of North America.

This exam...