A Tribute to Charles Rolls’ Adventurous Spirit.
The 1924 Rolls-Royce 40/50 Springfield Silver Ghost, now featuring the rare balloon-car-style bodywork, holds a unique place in automotive history. Built in Springfield, Massachusetts, this vehicle is one of only 1,700 Silver Ghosts crafted in the United States. Originally delivered to Chicago with Mayfair town-car coachwork, it was later modified and eventually fell into the possession of Hollywood horror star Lionel Atwill in 1932. Its current balloon-car styling pays homage to the legendary Silver Ghost roadster commissioned by Rolls-Royce co-founder and hot-air balloonist Charles S. Rolls in 1908.
This tribute car was reimagined to capture the design and spirit of the original balloon car, now lost to history. The transformation includes custom bodywork adapted to fit a 144-inch wheelbase chassis, taller radiator, and distinct white and maroon exterior with polished aluminum accents. Equipped with CAV electric headlights and cowl-mounted Lucas oil lamps, the car embodies early 20th-century luxury and innovation. It even features a balloon basket on a custom rack, a nod to its namesake's purpose in transporting ballooning equipment.
Under the hood, the car boasts a 7.4-liter inline-six engine, showcasing a period-correct single updraft carburetor and twin-plug ignition, which is powered by both magneto and coil systems. A four-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive provide classic mechanical elegance, complemented by cantilever rear leaf springs and finned rear drum brakes. Inside, red tufted leather and a gated shifter offer an opulent, vintage driving experience.
This Silver Ghost roadster, offered with historical documents and recent maintenance records, brings the legacy of Rolls-Royce and Charles Rolls’ ballooning pursuits back to life, combining authentic craftsmanship with homage to an adventurous era.
