Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost

The 40/50 or Silver Ghost is one of the most famous cars ever built. This example was originally fitted with a seven-seat tourer body by Hooper of London. It was rebuilt as a hearse by Craigie & Mitchell of Laurencekirk in 1924 and later used as a breakdown truck by John Morris, the Dundee Rolls-Royce agents. In 1954 it was acquired by Lord Montagu. The current Roi des Belges style body was built by Lesley Willis in 1961.

The first Rolls-Royce car was built in 1904; designed by Henry Royce and marketed by Charles Stewart Rolls. Rolls-Royce Ltd. was formed in 1906 with the 40/50 model being launched later that year. The 13th car to be built had a silver body and became known as ‘The Silver Ghost’, the name that was eventually officially adopted for the model.

• Engine: 7,036cc, 6 cylinder, side valve, 48bhp at 1,200rpm
• Performance: 65mph                                     
• Price new: £985 (chassis only)
• Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce Limited, Derby
• Owner: Montagu Collection

BSA M21 AA combination

Automobile Association (AA) motorcycle combinations like this were once a common sight on our roads. The first AA combinations, or Mechanical First Aid Outfits, appeared in1919 carrying tools, spare parts and fuel which enabled patrols to carry out full repairs for the first time. They were later renamed Road Service Outfits (RSOs). The first outfits were Chater Lees and Triumphs, but BSAs soon became standard. M21s, like this, were specially built for side-car use and served with the AA in the 1950s and 1960s. The last motorcycle outfits were replaced by small vans in 1968.

The Automobile Association was formed in 1905, when the sole function of patrols was to warn motorists of Police speed traps. Over the years the AA expanded its services to include insurance, travel and legal services as well as the well known breakdown service.

Engine: 591cc, 1 cylinder, side valve, 15bhp at 4,000rpm

Performance: 55mph

Price New: £223 (retail price of motorcycle only)

Manufacturer: BSA Motor Cycles Ltd, Birmingham

Owner: Montagu Collection (Donated by the Automobile Association)

1954 Triumph TR2

The first of the famous TR series of Triumph sports cars. The TR2 was developed to compete with successful designs from rival manufacturers such as MG and Jaguar. The TR2 achieved motor-sport success at international and amateur levels. Notable successes included Johnny Wallwork’s and Peter Cooper’s victory in the 1954 RAC Rally and strong finishes in that year’s Le Mans 24 Hour Race and the Mille Miglia.

Triumph was absorbed by the Standard Motor Company in 1944. A decision was made to re-establish the marque as a sports-car manufacturer. Following a failed takeover bid for Morgan, a prototype Triumph sports car called the 20TS (subsequently known as the TR1) was displayed at the 1952 London Motor Show. This evolved into the TR2, launched in 1953. The TR series became a marketing success throughout the 1950s and 60s, selling particularly well in North America.

• Engine: 1,991cc, 4 cylinder, overhead valve, 90bhp at 4,800rpm
• Performance: 107mph, 0-60mph 12 seconds
• Price New: £844
• Manufacturer: Triumph Motor Company Ltd, Coventry
• Owner: National Motor Museum Trust (Bequest of Mr DA Simes)