1920 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys Cliveden House event, 8 July 2025.
140,000 - 200,000 GBP

• Superbly crafted Danish coachwork with wonderful fine details
• Body shown at Forum Copenhagen in 1927
• Well-preserved older restoration, with mechanical work by Jonathan Harley
• Nicely maintained and regularly enjoyed in present ownership

Believed to be the only example of Danish coachwork mounted to a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, this very attractive Drophead Coup was crafted in 1927 by Dansk Karosseri Fabrik. It was originally fitted to the 1915-constructed chassis, number 5CB, shown at Forum Copenhagen that year, as documented by a photograph included within the history file. Dansk Karosseri Fabrik was Denmarks most respected and active coachbuilder, working on virtually every significant European chassis of the era between 1918 and 1947, and was known for superb craftsmanship and engineering.

Unusually well-proportioned for a two-door body on the Silver Ghost, the Dansk drophead was handsomely and thoughtfully drawn. It featured a well-engineered hood and wind-up windows providing all-weather comfort, and a spacious interior and dickie seat, as well as Bleriot headlamps and wheel discs. It was referred to in the somewhat awkward parlance of the time as a doctors coup , but has always been in its present drophead configuration.

The body was later relocated in the 1970s to the present chassis, numbered 49RE. Originally delivered to John W Potter, scion to a fortune that had been made brokering clipper ships to the Chinese tea trade. Build sheets for the chassis are included in the file, which note its original specification including nickel trimmed hardware. In this form it was sold in 1982 in unrestored condition. In subsequent ownership, it was extensively mechanically restored by noted Silver Ghost authority and specialist Jonathan Harley. A six-year rebuild was completed to his usual high standards, and the car was also reunited with its original registration.

Part of The British Icons Collection since 2010, the car has been much-enjoyed by its Danish-born caretakers for its local heritage, and has been used for numerous extended tours and rallies both in Denmark and elsewhere over the years. During this time, it has been properly upkept to a high standard as reflected in invoices within the file, including with noted marque specialist P&A Wood. It would be an outstanding touring Ghost for its new owner, to be enjoyed with brio on either side of the Atlantic.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/.