1951 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

In 1951 the Silver Dawn was upgraded to a 4 ½ liter, 278.6 cu in engine with a full flow oil filter. A 4-speed manual was the only option, with the 4-speed automatic becoming available in 1952.

The car is finished in a light silver metallic which is accompanied by hand painted burgundy pinstriping down each side of the car from hood to trunk. While the paint looks fantastic, it is not without flaws. There is a deep scratch on the driver's side just slightly behind the grill, a minor scratch at the driver's side door handle, a minor scratch beneath the driver's side taillight, minor scratches at the bottom of the passenger side rear fender, several scuffs along the hood on the passenger side, and a scuff on the outside of the passenger side front fender. There are weather marks all around the license plate mount. There appears to be some bubbling in the paint on the driver's side rear fender, and along the window of the passenger door.

The interior of this Silver Dawn is brown leather with lighter tan carpeting, and a fantastic wood trim. Proper Rolls Royce floor mats are present up front for both driver and passenger. The wood looks to be in good condition. The carpets up front are fantastic, and the Rolls Royce branded floor mats look excellent. However, as with any interior, the seats are the most important. The seats here look to be in good shape. There is creasing to be seen primarily in the front seats, likely stemming from regular usage. The rear bench looks even less used, although there are some noticeable scuffs in the leather. There are no holes or tears to be seen, but it is very apparent that all the seats could use a bit of care, and maybe a coat of polish as well. The door panels have their share of scuffs in the leather. The wooden dashboard has a handful of scratches, but they can only be noticed when light reflects off of the wood. The driver's side sun visor has split into two pieces. Both pieces are with the car, but the adhesive holding them together has failed over the years.

The underside of this Silver Dawn is remarkable. The black metal has acquired some dried dirt spots, but with a bit of detailing this undercarriage is utterly flawless. Judging by this Silver Dawn’s condition, it is safe to assume there is no major damage underneath. 

From what we can tell by the records available to us, the car was delivered to Illinois in August of 1951, how soon after the car was united with its first owner is unclear. The original delivery sheet states that the car came with the following: sealed beam headlights, white sided tires, medium and long wave radio, a “Made in England” plate, no built-in rear number plate, and a special USA rear bracket and lamp. 40 years later, in 1991, we have a certificate of title from the State of California that suggests the car eventually made its way out to Santa Barbara and stayed there until at least 2008 before being bought by the seller.

This Silver Dawn is in great condition. Silver paint with orange pinstriping is a highly unusual combination and will certainly attract the attention of plenty onlookers, not that it was designed for that, of course. It’ll need some touching up inside, and likely some work done under the hood as well, but if you can handle the undertaking, you’ll come out on the other side with an adorable automobile.

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.

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