1924 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Springfield Merrimac Picadilly Speedster

1924 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Springfield Merrimac Picadilly Speedster

Chassis Number: 317LF

Registration Number: ULD1

Merrimac Body: M1045

A quite exceptional Silver Ghost both in condition & provenance being one of four made to this design by Merrimac. The first owner was none other then celebrated boxer Jack Dempsey.

On I Ith September 1923 at the Polo Grounds, New York, in what is generally acknowledged to have been the most sensational heavyweight fight of all time, Jack Dempsey the 'Manassa Mauler', was knocked clean out of the ring and into the press seats in the first round of his title fight with 'Wild Bull of the Pampas', Luis Angel Firpo. Snarling, Dempsey clambered back and annihilated Firpo in round 2.

To celebrate his epic victory the Mauler ordered the finest car available in the world at that time - a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 'Piccadilly Speedster' This car chassis number 317 LF was delivered to the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion on the 9th of January 1924. Dempsey became hopelessly addicted to Rolls Royces; he bought six in all, equalling the number of successful fights he had for the world title. However his most valued was his first Silver Ghost..

This is a car in very orignal & untouched condition as commented upon by the late Paul Wood of P & A Wood whom gave the car high praise for its condition. It runs beautifully & wants for nothing having covered a scant 61,000 miles in its 102 year old life. The steering is taut & precise & the foot pedals show no appreciable wear. 

Pleasingly a full tool kit comes with the car safely stowed in its leather storage roll up pouch. The rear of the car has a flip up lid underneath which is a dickey seat with room for two persons. This Silver Ghost was previously supplied by P & A wood & is in simply impeccable condition. A full set of servicing information dcomes with the car from the afore mentioned company. It has drop dead gorgeous Gatsbyesque coachwork & makes quite a statement wherever it appears.

Call Richard Biddulph. Mobile ++44 (0) 7967 260673

Simone Della Corte Mobile ++44 (0) 7377070943

Sales & Valuations

Vintage & Prestige of Northampton Ltd.

richard@vandp.net

www.vandp.net

Showroom:

2 Ryehill Ct, Lodge Farm Industrial Estate, Northampton NN5 7UA

Viewings & Visits Strictly by appointment only please. We have on site long term storage for over 200 cars with 24 hour security & covered trailer delivery to customers anywhere in Europe.