As further proof of the Rationalised Range approach , by 1952 , clients could specify both the smaller , complete Silver Dawn and larger Silver Wraith rolling chassis with automatic gear selection . Indeed , Silver Dawn would be among the very last Rolls- Royce models to be offered with a manual transmission . It would be more than half a century before the advent of the satellite-aided , eight-speed ZF automatic transmission fitted to all of today ’ s V12 Rolls-Royce motor cars – but the die had been cast .
Towards the end of its lifespan , Silver Dawn ’ s rear section was reworked by the then newly hired John Blatchley , who had learned his craft with renowned London coachbuilder Gurney Nutting before joining Rolls-Royce . His deft eye for detail not only allowed for greater luggage capacity , but also enhanced the motor car ’ s looks considerably ; perhaps not surprisingly , he would go on to become the marque ’ s Chief Styling Engineer . In 2015 , the nameplate was revived with Dawn , which was the best-selling drophead in Rolls-Royce ' s history by the time production ended in 2023 .
The ‘ youngest ’ Silver Dawn is now almost 70 years old . Yet even now , it offers an exhilarating experience for the driver and a restful ride for passengers over long distances in modern traffic conditions . It was and is , in every sense , entirely a Rolls-Royce .
120th Anniversary
In 2024 , Rolls-Royce marks the 120th anniversary of the first meeting between its founders , Henry ( later Sir Henry ) Royce and The Hon . Charles Stewart Rolls on 4 May 1904 . The meeting , at The Midland Hotel in Manchester , was arranged by a mutual friend , Henry Edmunds . Rolls agreed to sell all the cars Royce could make and the rest is , literally , history . Together , Royce and Rolls created what was soon dubbed ‘ the best car in the world ’ and gave their names to a dynasty of motor cars that continues to define superluxury motoring across the world .
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