1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

The Silver Dawn was built from 1949 to 1955 at Crewe, where it was offered with a factory built body, which, with its chassis, was the same as the Mk VI Bentley of the period. First introduced only in left hand drive form, it was aimed at the export market and home market cars did not appear until 1953. It had been thought that there would be little call for the grand coachbuilt bodies of the pre-war years so Pressed Steel Fisher were contracted to make a modest number. The customer could choose to ride behind the Bentley or the Rolls-Royce radiator, although in practice all body panels forward of the bulkhead were slightly different to one another. An upgrade in 1951 saw a 4.5 litre engine added. There has always been a keen following for the Silver Dawn, for its very special and comfortable ride and appointments and whose lack of flash and bling, coupled with relatively easy maintenance is appreciated by their owners.

This Silver Dawn was manufactured in 1952 but first registered in 1954. We presume it was delivered to and registered in Dublin, hence the ‘ZO’ prefix on the registration number. It has had three previous documented custodians; the current purchased the motor car in the early spring of last year as a something of an impulse buy. He has since switched allegiances to a Bentley and so to make way for that big beast, the Rolls-Royce needs to find a new home. In April 2021, almost £4000 was spent on work which included the fitting of a new clutch and release bearing, exhaust box and all exhaust gaskets, repairs to both sill panels, the fitting of replacement points, a new condenser and a new heater hose, and a carburettor overhaul. In November, the Silver Dawn was fitted with all new tyres and tubes, at a cost of over £1300. We understand that there is now a starter solenoid fault. 

Cosmetically, the coachwork is sound and solid but the paintwork could be improved if required. The interior requires some detailing, but the upholstery is very original and most of the tools are present, as well as the emergency lamp, the clock and the mascot.

The history file contains invoices for work completed during the current ownership, an original handbook for the Silver Dawn and the V5C registration certificate.

Auction Date: 24 November 2022