Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
Dealer Info
http://www.charlescrail.com/
Santa Barbara CA, 93108
1949 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER DAWN SALOON
The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn model holds a rich history within the illustrious lineage of Rolls-Royce automobiles. Introduced in 1949, it marked a significant post-war milestone for the company, being their first car to be manufactured entirely in-house. It was renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, luxurious interiors with high-quality materials and finishes, and powerful performance, powered by a 4.3-liter inline-six engine. Like its sibling, the sporty Bentley R-Type, it has direct steering and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics, traditional styling, and old world craftsmanship. Though roomy, with substantial rear legroom, these are relatively compact cars by Rolls standards, measuring 196.5 inches nose-to-tail despite a ride comfort friendly 120 inch wheelbase. This car, LSBA6, starting out as a factory test car, was used by Rolls-Royce during the development of the Silver Dawn model, and was used for promotional and demonstration purposes as well, as in Prince Philip's tour in Monaco described below.
The 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Sport Saloon, 760 of which were made between 1949 and 1955, is a classic luxury car that exudes elegance and sophistication. It has a sleek and streamlined body with a long hood and the classic grille, giving it a timeless and iconic look. The interior is equally impressive, with luxurious leather seats and wood paneling, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The car is powered by a smooth and powerful engine, providing a comfortable and effortless driving experience. Overall, the 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Sport Saloon is a true classic that represents the pinnacle of luxury and style from the post-war era.
One aspect that adds to the allure of the Silver Dawn is its rarity, particularly in left-hand drive (LHD) configuration, of which only 150 were made. While the majority of Silver Dawns were manufactured as right-hand drive (RHD) for the British market, the limited number of LHDs were built for export, primarily destined for the American market. Consequently, the LHD Silver Dawns became highly sought-after by collectors, as their scarcity makes them particularly desirable. The combination of the Silver Dawn's prestigious heritage and the exclusivity of LHD models creates a captivating blend of craftsmanship, history, and rarity, ensuring their enduring appeal among enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, shared a fascinating relationship with the British Royal Motor Fleet and its affiliation with Rolls-Royce in the 1950s. As an avid motoring enthusiast, Prince Philip actively participated in the selection and design of vehicles for the royal family. He played a crucial role in introducing modern, sleek designs and advanced technologies, such as automatic transmissions and power steering. to the fleet, often favoring Rolls-Royce cars for their elegance and superior engineering.
In 1951, Prince Philip embarked on a tour of Monaco, a stop on the Royal Navy Fleet's summer cruise, at the request of Prince Rainier. (Note the photos of Prince Philip at this event by photographer Edward Quinn.) Behind the wheel of this left-hand drive 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Saloon, registration/license plate number LTV282, Prince Philip charmed the crowds with his regal presence and unparalleled style. The choice of the Silver Dawn, a symbol of opulence and elegance, perfectly matched the grandeur of the occasion. This tour, his first official visit to the principality, not only showcased his passion for automobiles but also strengthened the bond between the British royal family and Monaco, establishing Prince Philip as a true ambassador of British prestige and flair
According to the chassis cards, the first owner of this Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn was Richard Halliday, the husband of Mary Martin of Broadway-Peter Pan and South Pacific- fame, who resided in Grosvenor Square, London. It was later given to her as a birthday present and driven by them throughout Europe for about a year before being shipped to the USA…note the emblem of Peter Pan on the rear doors.
Dr. Thomas Shoemaker III of Princeton, New Jersey, purchased the car in 1964. It went to Ed Blumenthal, of New York and New Jersey, in 1968, after being very briefly owned by by a clothing designer in NYC who used it to ferry buyers from the garment district to his factory in the Village. I've included photos of the car with a Beatles-style psychedelic paint job taken by photographer Richard Blair in April, 1968, near Yoko Ono's apartment at 87 Christopher Street, which was next door to where he lived.
Under Blumenthal's ownership, the car underwent a meticulous restoration process, during which every part of the body and interior was removed and either refurbished or replaced. The car was finally reassembled, re-trimmed, and completed in 1997. Since then, it has won several concours awards, including the 1997 Greenwich Concours 'Elegance Debutante's Award, 1997 Burn Foundation Concours d'Elegance Bethlehem Star Award (Best 1940s), 1998 Rolls-Royce Owners Club National Meet Concours Class 3rd Place, 1998 Radnor Hunt Concours 'Elegance Rolls-Royce Class 2nd Place, and 2001 Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance 'Most Elegant Closed Car'.
The 2006 RROC directory shows Joseph Bolt of New Jersey as a subsequent owner, bought from Bonham's in 2003. In 2007 to the Real Car Company of England sold it to a a museum in the Middle East, where it was on exhibit for sixteen years until we bought it.
This left-hand drive example with standard steel saloon bodywork and 4-speed column-mounted factory manual transmission is finished in a stunning burgundy/cream color scheme with with luxurious cream colored upholstery and interior. It has a cam and roller steering wheel, 16' wheels, hydraulic front brakes and rear servo assisted mechanical brakes, a sunroof, picnic tables, and trafficator-style turn signals. When we bought the car we recommissioned it with new fluids, fuel pump, water pump, tires, and hoses as needed. The automobile comes with all original tools, restoration invoices, a copy of the build sheet files, and assorted press cuttings. As the videos show, the car is in spectacular condition.
PLEASE BE SURE TO VIEW THE VIDEOS
1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Saloon
1949 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER DAWN SALOON
The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn model holds a rich history within the illustrious lineage of Rolls-Royce automobiles. Introduced in 1949, it marked a significant post-war milestone for the company, being their first car to be manufactured entirely in-house. It was renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, luxurious interiors with high-quality materials and finishes, and powerful performance, powered by a 4.3-liter inline-six engine. Like its sibling, the sporty Bentley R-Type, it has direct steering and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics, traditional styling, and old world craftsmanship. Though roomy, with substantial rear legroom, these are relatively compact cars by Rolls standards, measuring 196.5 inches nose-to-tail despite a ride comfort friendly 120 inch wheelbase. This car, LSBA6, starting out as a factory test car, was used by Rolls-Royce during the development of the Silver Dawn model, and was used for promotional and demonstration purposes as well, as in Prince Philip's tour in Monaco described below.
The 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Sport Saloon, 760 of which were made between 1949 and 1955, is a classic luxury car that exudes elegance and sophistication. It has a sleek and streamlined body with a long hood and the classic grille, giving it a timeless and iconic look. The interior is equally impressive, with luxurious leather seats and wood paneling, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The car is powered by a smooth and powerful engine, providing a comfortable and effortless driving experience. Overall, the 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Sport Saloon is a true classic that represents the pinnacle of luxury and style from the post-war era.
One aspect that adds to the allure of the Silver Dawn is its rarity, particularly in left-hand drive (LHD) configuration, of which only 150 were made. While the majority of Silver Dawns were manufactured as right-hand drive (RHD) for the British market, the limited number of LHDs were built for export, primarily destined for the American market. Consequently, the LHD Silver Dawns became highly sought-after by collectors, as their scarcity makes them particularly desirable. The combination of the Silver Dawn's prestigious heritage and the exclusivity of LHD models creates a captivating blend of craftsmanship, history, and rarity, ensuring their enduring appeal among enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, shared a fascinating relationship with the British Royal Motor Fleet and its affiliation with Rolls-Royce in the 1950s. As an avid motoring enthusiast, Prince Philip actively participated in the selection and design of vehicles for the royal family. He played a crucial role in introducing modern, sleek designs and advanced technologies, such as automatic transmissions and power steering. to the fleet, often favoring Rolls-Royce cars for their elegance and superior engineering.
In 1951, Prince Philip embarked on a tour of Monaco, a stop on the Royal Navy Fleet's summer cruise, at the request of Prince Rainier. (Note the photos of Prince Philip at this event by photographer Edward Quinn.) Behind the wheel of this left-hand drive 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Saloon, registration/license plate number LTV282, Prince Philip charmed the crowds with his regal presence and unparalleled style. The choice of the Silver Dawn, a symbol of opulence and elegance, perfectly matched the grandeur of the occasion. This tour, his first official visit to the principality, not only showcased his passion for automobiles but also strengthened the bond between the British royal family and Monaco, establishing Prince Philip as a true ambassador of British prestige and flair
According to the chassis cards, the first owner of this Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn was Richard Halliday, the husband of Mary Martin of Broadway-Peter Pan and South Pacific- fame, who resided in Grosvenor Square, London. It was later given to her as a birthday present and driven by them throughout Europe for about a year before being shipped to the USA…note the emblem of Peter Pan on the rear doors.
Dr. Thomas Shoemaker III of Princeton, New Jersey, purchased the car in 1964. It went to Ed Blumenthal, of New York and New Jersey, in 1968, after being very briefly owned by by a clothing designer in NYC who used it to ferry buyers from the garment district to his factory in the Village. I've included photos of the car with a Beatles-style psychedelic paint job taken by photographer Richard Blair in April, 1968, near Yoko Ono's apartment at 87 Christopher Street, which was next door to where he lived.
Under Blumenthal's ownership, the car underwent a meticulous restoration process, during which every part of the body and interior was removed and either refurbished or replaced. The car was finally reassembled, re-trimmed, and completed in 1997. Since then, it has won several concours awards, including the 1997 Greenwich Concours 'Elegance Debutante's Award, 1997 Burn Foundation Concours d'Elegance Bethlehem Star Award (Best 1940s), 1998 Rolls-Royce Owners Club National Meet Concours Class 3rd Place, 1998 Radnor Hunt Concours 'Elegance Rolls-Royce Class 2nd Place, and 2001 Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance 'Most Elegant Closed Car'.
The 2006 RROC directory shows Joseph Bolt of New Jersey as a subsequent owner, bought from Bonham's in 2003. In 2007 to the Real Car Company of England sold it to a a museum in the Middle East, where it was on exhibit for sixteen years until we bought it.
This left-hand drive example with standard steel saloon bodywork and 4-speed column-mounted factory manual transmission is finished in a stunning burgundy/cream color scheme with with luxurious cream colored upholstery and interior. It has a cam and roller steering wheel, 16' wheels, hydraulic front brakes and rear servo assisted mechanical brakes, a sunroof, picnic tables, and trafficator-style turn signals. When we bought the car we recommissioned it with new fluids, fuel pump, water pump, tires, and hoses as needed. The automobile comes with all original tools, restoration invoices, a copy of the build sheet files, and assorted press cuttings. As the videos show, the car is in spectacular condition.
PLEASE BE SURE TO VIEW THE VIDEOS