1951 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn

Unveiled in 1949, the Silver Dawn had the distinction of being the first Rolls-Royce to wear standard steel coachwork. Visually and mechanically indebted to its Bentley MKVI stablemate, the newcomer was powered by a 4257cc straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. Capable of over 90mph, the luxuriously appointed four-door saloon gained a larger 4566cc powerplant during 1951. Suspension was independent at the front and by live axle on semi-elliptic leaves at the rear. Braking was by servo-assisted drums all-round. A total of just 761 Silver Dawns had been manufactured by the time the model was supplanted by the Silver Cloud.

This particular example has formed part of an extensive London-based private collection since 10th April 1989. Understood to be one of just 170 4.25-litre Silver Dawns made, chassis SFC 82 was delivered new to J. Plunkett Esq. during November 1951. Completed over four decades later, a handwritten valuation form on file claims that `The engine, gearbox, rear axle, suspension and brakes have all been overhauled. Accompanying invoices and estimates suggest that The Bentley Service Centre of Nine Elms and The Chelsea Workshop undertook at least part of the refurbishment.

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