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A Legend Born in America: The Story of S335RL
When Rolls-Royce established its American subsidiary in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1919, it marked the start of a bold new venture. By 1921, the first American-built Silver Ghost was complete, carrying forward the marque’s impeccable standards while tailoring details to suit American tastes. Subtle but significant changes appeared: left-hand drive layouts, American Bosch or Westinghouse electrical systems, fuel pumps replacing the British Autovac, and refinements like drum headlamps and tubular bumpers. Over the next decade, most Springfield-built Silver Ghosts received bodies from either Brewster or Rolls-Royce Custom Coachwork. Among these, the Piccadilly roadster emerged as one of the most coveted designs — a sleek two-seater convertible with side curtains, a rumble seat, and unmistakable open-air charisma. Of the Silver Ghosts built in America, just 79 were dressed in this elegant style.
Chassis S335RL: An Extraordinary Life
Completed in June 1926, chassis S335RL began life as a company demonstrator and trials car. Rolls-Royce routinely used certain cars to test new parts and improvements, in this case, the car was equipped with factory installed four-wheel brakes for testing, an option not previously available. After two years in this role, the car was comprehensively refreshed at the factory and sold on December 28, 1928, to its first private owner, A.J. Davis of St. Louis, Missouri. Its sale price was a remarkable $13,450 — at a time when the average American earned less than half that in a year.
S335RL passed through the hands of several notable custodians over the decades. Edward M. Bergen acquired it in 1937, followed by John B. Davis of Missouri and then Carroll Vail, a prominent St. Louis collector and then-president of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club. Vail later sold the car to Conrad Karras, who drove it on the 1973 Alpine Tour — a challenging European rally known for steep mountain passes and breathtaking scenery.
The car later joined the esteemed collection of William B. Ruger, the founder of Ruger Firearms and an avid Rolls-Royce enthusiast. Ruger kept the car until his estate sale in 2002, after which it underwent a significant mechanical restoration. Work included installing two new cylinder blocks, rebuilding the gearbox, brakes, front axle, and kingpins — overseen by the respected Frank Cooke’s Vintage Garage.
Revived for the Road
The next owner Lynn Boynton, then president of the Silver Ghost Association, added a Gear Vendors overdrive for modern touring capability and a stainless-steel exhaust system. In 2003, he and his wife entered the car in a reenactment of the historic Alpine Trials — a grueling, three-week, 1800 mile European trek that included the formidable Stelvio Pass between Austria and Italy. The car completed the journey flawlessly.
In 2022, S335RL found a new caretaker, who entrusted Rolls-Royce specialist Steve Littin of Vintage and Auto Rebuilds (Chardon, OH) as well as RM Auto Restoration (Blenheim, ON), to perform a comprehensive service and repairs totaling over $100,000. Six brand new wire wheels were fitted, shod with Excelsior radial tires. Discreet LED headlamp and sidelight conversions were made within the original housings for improved night driving. The period-correct tail lamps were retained and made fully functional, with the addition of subtle turn signals for added safety. Several other mechanical repairs were completed including rebuilt wheel bearings and seals, wiper motors, clock, cooling fan, steering gear and column. Newly fitted, water pump, fuel pump and lines, alternator/generator, battery, clutch, exhaust, brake booster and more.
Further updates included a new convertible top and side curtains, a fresh period-style trunk, and reupholstered black leather front seats, rubber flooring with leather binding. The entire body was refinished in a striking black over gray livery with matching black fenders.
A Rolling Piece of History
Today, S335RL stands as one of the very few surviving Piccadilly roadsters built by Rolls-Royce Custom Coachworks. With its rich, well-documented provenance and a remarkable history of continuous use, restoration, and touring, this car remains a standout example of prewar motoring elegance. Whether displayed on a concours lawn or driven through mountain passes in Europe, this Silver Ghost is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and spirit of Rolls-Royce.
