Rolls-Royce celebrates 120th anniversary of Silver Ghost model

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is commemorating the 120th anniversary of the 40/50 H.P., famously known as the Silver Ghost. Originally unveiled at the London Olympia Motor Show in November 1906, the model established the brand’s reputation for engineering precision, reliability, and quiet operation through its smooth six-cylinder engine.

The name “Silver Ghost” originated from chassis number 60551, which featured silver paint and silver-plated trim. The model gained widespread fame through rigorous endurance tests, including the London to Edinburgh run. Notably, chassis number 1701, nicknamed “The Sluggard,” completed the London to Edinburgh route in 1911 with its gearbox fixed in top gear, breaking previous speed and fuel efficiency records.

The Silver Ghost also holds historical significance as the first model to feature the “Spirit of Ecstasy” mascot, introduced in 1911. The vehicle was favored by notable figures such as Winston Churchill and was used by the British government for official state visits to India. Between 1906 and 1925, thousands of these vehicles were produced in both the United Kingdom and the United States.