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Books Models Highlights Cars
of 98 |
Car
of the Month - August 1998 |
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Presumably the rarest ever version which has been sold by the company to a customer is this car, of which only one had been built. Having been built just prior to the outbreak of World War II the "Rolls-Royce Silver Ripple" was sold during the Fifties as "a pre-owned Bentley Mark V" - and it still exists. |
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Based on a chassis with 124 in wheelbase a 'small' Rolls-Royce should become subject to severe tests. The start of hostilities set an untimely end. The motor car with sports saloon coachwork by Park Ward was laid up during wartime and remained a company car during the early post-war period. Several modifications were carried out - for example a change to a fully hydraulic brake system did away with rods and brake servo - but none ever found their way into the series production of post-war Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith or Bentley Mark VI respectively. |
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For several years the car was powered by a B40 four cylinder in line engine from the retionalised range of engines Rolls-Royce produced for commercial use. This engine later was replaced by a B61 Continental six cylinder in line engine and a gearbox from Bentley Continental was fitted too. With its lightweight body on a short wheelbase chassis the car accelerated impressively and its top speed was considered sufficient. |
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 Exactly
in this condition the car was fitted with a Bentley radiator and then sold
to a customer who was advised that his acquisition was "a previously
owned Bentley Mark V". This is a "Rolls-Bentley" in the
true sense of the word. The complete history of the car during the
following years isn't documented completely. It is a fact that the car was
imported to the USA and again it was laid up for years. The 'Sleeping
Beauty' became the property of a new owner who arranged for a meticulous
restauration to be carried out. As a result the unique Rolls-Royce Silver
Ripple/Bentley Mark V is now in a condition like a new car. |
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