1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

VIN: SBA74
Sold by Collecting Cars
LocationTorquay, QLD
Odometer122,966 km
TransmissionManual
SteeringRight-hand drive

Seller's Notes

This Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn is an elegant and luxurious post-war saloon, representing the marque's first model with a factory-built standard steel body. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.3-litre inline-six with an overhead inlet and side exhaust, driving the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. First registered in 1950, this example has been continually registered in Australia since new. The odometer indicates 76,408 miles, though this is not warranted, and the seller believes to total mileage to be176,408 miles. The seller states this example was first sold at the Melbourne Motor Show in May 1950 and has proven to be a long-distance tourer, having travelled extensively around Australia. Build year: 1950 This Silver Dawn features a two-tone grey exterior over a blue/grey leather-trimmed interior, with blue carpets and wood-veneer trim panelling. Equipment includes a central chassis lubrication system, an oil bath air cleaner, a twin-throat Stromberg carburettor, front fog lights, a sliding sunroof, 'Colonial specs' with locks all around (doors, glove box, petrol filler flap, boot, engine), complete dustproofing, stronger suspension springs and dampers, Smiths gauges, and the original radio (currently removed for the air conditioning). This example has been fitted with an air conditioning system, but it requires reworking. It is accompanied by some extra tools, spare parts, and a copy of a workshop manual. One ignition key is included. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Specific notes from the seller include: minor rust repairs on the bottom edge of the front wing and the base of the rear spare tyre compartment. There was also minor collision damage to the back rear quarter, which has been repaired. The car received a full repaint in 2010 after a total strip to bare metal. One of the front fog light lenses has been damaged by a stone. After the repaint, the interior was replaced, including leatherwork, door cards, and window rubbers and trims, aiming for an original appearance. The seller states that the engine was rebuilt in 2006, including a replacement camshaft and a full-flow spin-on oil filter arrangement. The differential was upgraded in 2009 with a Bentley Drivers Club 14/41 crown wheel and pinion set. The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn stands as an icon of post-war luxury motoring, blending timeless elegance with robust engineering. This Australian-delivered example has reportedly been registered continuously since new, and promises to be a rewarding companion for classic rallies, long-distance touring, or simply as a distinguished addition to any collection.

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Vehicle Specs

Specifications

Details recorded in the AutoMarkets database and verified by our market specialists.

Identity

Year1949
MakeRolls-Royce
Model familySilver
Model generation—
Model variant—
Model trimDawn

Mechanical

Engine4.2L Inline-Six
TransmissionManual
Fuel type—
Drive type—
Originality—
Odometer122,966 km
VINSBA74

Body & Finish

Vehicle typeAutomobile
Body styleSedan
Doors—
Driver sideRHD
Exterior colourTwo Tone Grey
Interior colourBlue / Grey

The vehicle is recorded in the AutoMarkets database under VIN SBA74. The car was listed as a 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver and sold via Collecting Cars. AutoMarkets tracks verified auction results, dealerships and private sellers across Australia to provide accurate historical market data.