.svg)
Rolls Royce Silver Dawn
Price on Application
Description
Chassis SNF47 is a Silver Dawn of unusual distinction: the first UK home-market production car, displayed on the Rolls-Royce stand at Earls Court in 1954, used by both The Autocar (16 Oct 1953) and The Motor for period road tests, and illustrated in the factory’s 1953 sales brochure.
First owned by Sir Frederick Handley Page, it was exported to California in 1962 by Count René de Mallory, repainted from its original Belco Silver to Mason’s Black circa 1963, and returned to Britain in 1988, regaining its original registration RTU 272.
Showing c.37,200 miles, it presents as a Standard Steel Saloon with red leather and walnut, powered by the 4.566-litre straight-six (Zenith downdraught) and four-speed automatic.
Maintained fastidiously by Hillier Hill for some 15 years with invoices totalling just under £50,000 (last serviced & MOT April 2025), it is accompanied by a notably complete history file: factory order and build sheets, brochure, period press, log books, toolkit and records.
Having purchased another classic car, the Silver Dawn is now not getting the regular use that the owner has previously enjoyed. As a consequence, he has reluctantly made the decision that it is time for the car to find a new home.
Why SNF47 Matters
As a home-market launch car with documented Motor Show exposure, period press usage, and distinguished first ownership, SNF47 sits at a rare intersection of historical significance, originality and documentation. With about 761 Silver Dawns built, and far fewer with provenance of this calibre, it represents a notable chapter in Rolls-Royce history, and an exceptional opportunity for the next custodian.
Model History
Introduced in 1949, the Silver Dawn marked a pivotal shift for Rolls-Royce as the first model offered with factory-built “standard steel” coachwork, sharing its chassis and body architecture with the Bentley Mk VI/R-Type while retaining the marque’s hallmark refinement.
Early cars carried the 4,257cc six; from 1951 the engine grew to 4,566cc, and a four-speed automatic joined the range in 1952.
With independent front suspension, a live rear axle on semi-elliptic springs, and servo-assisted drums, the Silver Dawn delivered modern manners without disturbing the brand’s quiet authority.
Produced in limited numbers (c.761 in total) through 1955, the model stands today as the elegant post-war bridge between coachbuilt tradition and the later Silver Cloud, rarely encountered with provenance to match SNF47.
This important 1953 Silver Dawn is now offered for sale and is available for inspection by appointment.
Sensible offers are invited in the region of £50,000
Exterior
Interior
details
CONTACT ME ABOUT
Rolls Royce Silver Dawn
To discuss a vehicle we have for sale, or arrange an appointment please fill out the form. All visits are strictly by appointment only. Thank you.
We obviously take security seriously so if you’d like to book a visit we will ask for a copy of a photo ID – Drivers License or Passport – before we send through directions to find us. We are unable to allow any test driving of vehicles without prior consent of the vehicle owner, and photocopies of a valid UK driving licence and appropriate insurance documentation.