Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
c. 1930 McNear Six Light Sedan Coachwork
No Reserve - As previously fitted to a Springfield Silver Ghost
Registration No: N/ A
Chassis No: N/ A
MOT: N/ A
Understood to be one of just a dozen or so bodies crafted by McNear for the Rolls-Royce Springfield Silver Ghost chassis
Fitted to chassis 181 KF in circa 1930 as a replacement for its former Tilbury Sedan coachwork
Substantially complete and ideal for use on another Silver Ghost chassis (or anything else with a similar wheelbase)
Joining the established coachbuilding firm of Quinsler & Co as chief designer and draughtsman in 1895, George W. McNear encouraged its diversification into bodying motorcars. Based at premises on Cambria Street in Boston, Massachusetts, the company won a succession of medals for its work and, following Mr Quinsler’s retirement in 1911, was renamed ‘George W. McNear’. President of the Massachusetts State Automobile Association for many years, McNear bought the ex-Holtzer-Cabot Electric Company site on Station Street in 1918. The new 45, 000 sqft premises allowing him to body commercials and offer storage to customers. Chosen to clothe Cadillac, Duesenberg, Lincoln, Locomobile, Packard and Pierce-Arrow chassis, he also received a dozen or so commissions from Rolls-Royce Inc’s Boston dealership. Most of the Springfield Silver Ghosts that emerged from his works were rakish two-door fixed head coupes, however, he did make some sedan bodies too including the one fitted to chassis 181-KF as a replacement for its original Tilbury coachwork. A handsome six-light design, it remained on the car for decades including during its ownership by ex-F1 World Champion Phil Hill and subsequent display at Pebble Beach and The Quail etc. Seemingly structurally sound and essentially complete, the storied body would be ideal for mounting on a Silver Ghost, Phantom I or any similar sized chassis.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
