1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Barker Style Tourer

• Thoroughly prepared by ourselves for long distance driving and tours.
• An attractive car, having ‘matching numbers’ and being nicely detailed.
• All new weather equipment, including a full set of side screens.

This attractive sports touring Silver Ghost has been thoroughly prepared for long distance touring and, in the hands of the current owner, it has recently completed several 20-Ghost Club Tours. Featuring front wheel brakes, straight-sided wheels, an overdrive, all new weather equipment (including a full set of side screens), scuttle ventilators, discrete adjustable lumber supports to the front seats, and a large three-case trunk, this car is ready to go.

Bearing chassis number 60AU, it was ‘On Test’ on 27th September 1924 specified with a short chassis, nickel fittings, radiator one-inch higher than standard, a standard engine, ‘D’ rake steering and the springs chosen for a light owner driver saloon body. Furthermore, being one of the final series of Silver Ghosts produced, the car includes all the developments and refinements applied to the Silver Ghost including Rolls-Royce’s highly effective four-wheel servo assist brakes and a vacuum-fed fuel system (Autovac supply).

As a rolling chassis, 60AU was delivered to WC & RC Atcherley of Birmingham for the construction of ‘light owner driver Saloon’ coachwork. Only ten Atcherley bodies are known to have been fitted onto Rolls-Royce chassis.

The car’s guarantee was dated 19th February 1925 and it was registered NP-5417 by Worcester County Council. Its first owner was CA Bird Esq of Pinfield House, Barnt Green, Birmingham. Christopher Alfred Bird (1884-1965) was a younger son of Sir Alfred Frederick Bird, 1st Baronet, MP and prominent figure in the food industry. The family were wealthy food manufacturers of Alfred Bird & Sons, a company founded by Christopher’s grandfather Alfred Bird, the inventor of baking powder and the powdered custard that bears the family name.

Christopher Bird owned 60AU for just one year, selling it in February 1926 to John Collier of Westfield, Curzon Park, Chester. Then, at some stage it was converted into a hearse by a subsequent owner who was an undertaker.

The car was later owned for many years by Greville Theodore Neale. After recently making contact with Greville, we were able to learn more of the car’s fascinating history and his 50-year ownership. In 1957, aged just 16, Greville and his older brother purchased the chassis for £40 from Graham Neale (no relation), a marque specialist and master craftsman. Having acquired three Silver Ghost chassis with plans to recommission them all, Graham ultimately sold the car to Greville due to limited time and other projects.

For over twenty years, the car remained as a bare chassis and spent a period of time at a local motor museum. In 1979, Greville approached the esteemed coachbuilder Tony Robinson who produced the coachwork that transformed the car into the Barker-style barrel-bodied dual cowl tourer it remains today. Despite years since its sale, Graham continued to play an important role, alongside Greville, in the concours standard restoration. The quality of their work is evident in the exceptional detail found on 60AU today.

Acquired by the current owners in 2024, we embarked upon a thorough program of preparations to ready the car for touring. 60AU has since participated in the 2025 Tour of Ireland, the 2025 Baltic Tour, and the 2026 Normandy Tour.

Only being sold to make way for the next ‘Ghost project’, 60AU has proved itself to be a highly enjoyable and capable touring car. Finished in Dove Grey (having an eggshell finish) with nicely patinated tan hide and a polished aluminium bonnet, 60AU presents with a charm and also performs extremely well. A perfect car for participating in 20-Ghost Club events amongst others!