1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

This motor car is being sold as part of a private overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams’ temporary admission customs bond. In addition to the ‘hammer’ price, the winning bidder must pay a bond release fee (£350) and also import tax/duty.

In the UK, cars over 30 years old are subject to the lower rate of 5% import tax on the final selling price if purchased by a private individual. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT. A company buying this car will always pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT on the ‘hammer’ price.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable upon proof of customs/tax payment in the other country.

The bond release fee (£350 payable direct, post-auction, to the CARS shipping company) will produce a NOVA from HMRC, this document is formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK. The vehicle is not registered anywhere. You must register the vehicle with the DVLA. Upon request, The Market can suggest some companies who can help with this process.

This vehicle has been on static display in the Middle East for a number of years, and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section. In all cases, the documents shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. We do not have the originals.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is strictly sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for viewing by appointment weekdays 9am-5pm, and we advise you (or your appointed engineer) to inspect it at our HQ near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

This car is one of only 60 or so Silver Dawns that were constructed by coachbuilders – in this case the fine firm of James Young Ltd.

We haven’t tried to start or drive this RHD automatic Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and can therefore only attest to its cosmetic condition.

In common with many cars from the vendor’s collection of static display vehicles, it comes with no history or service records.

The chassis number is SOG100.

Today, the odometer reads just 96,744 miles.

It was bought for the vendor’s collection of static display vehicles in 2018.

The car’s paintwork is black over cream and it has blue leather upholstery.

Overall, we think this 1954 Silver Dawn is in very good condition and appears to be largely authentic and original.

The sumptuous bodywork is straight, even and free of any significant dinks, dents or creases that we can see.

The shut lines and panel gaps are consistent, although the n/s/f door is currently rather reluctant to close properly.

The black over cream paintwork is also in good order, as are the car’s chrome, lights, wheels, badging and exterior fixtures and fittings.

Some paint has rubbed away from the rear edges of the o/s/f door and there are some patches of rough paint and slightly bruised bodywork on a short section of the sill beneath the same door.

There are a few scuffs on the n/s/f wing and a couple of paint chips along the black edge of the bonnet on the passenger side.

The interior is every bit as impressive as its exterior counterpart.

The blue leather upholstery is in fine fettle, front and back, and the seats are as comfortable and supportive as you would hope to find in a hand-built Rolls-Royce of this vintage.

The wood and veneers all seem to have endured the ravages of time and use with commendable fortitude, as has the car’s headlining.

The door cards are good and, although in need of a clean, the carpets and mats have survived.

The lining of the glove compartment appears to have been consumed by some particularly voracious moths.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start or drive the vehicle.

The boot is decent and contains a spare wheel.

Everything in the engine bay looks clean and dry, and the undersides of the car appear to have plenty of structural integrity.

Clearly, you’ll want to come and see for yourself.

The car doesn’t come with any history or service records beyond what is shown in the photography section.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor an up-to-date V5. It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

None of the paperwork shown in the gallery constitutes any kind of licensing or registration documentation.

This very grand and rare Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn by James Young appears to be in impressive condition and, provided that the engine and mechanicals are amenable to recommissioning, we think this splendid vehicle has plenty to offer anyone who truly appreciates and values the quality of these fine cars

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £20,000 - £30,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £350 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm except public holidays, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.