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The Ghost on the Green

by Judie Najarian

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was touted as “the Best Car in the World” by the British motoring press.  That was almost one hundred years ago.  But for two decades, between 1906 and 1925, only six thousand, one hundred and seventy three were produced.  Why?  Because at the Rolls plant in Manchester, England, production was limited to about four cars a week.  Then when the new motor works opened on Nightingale Road in Derby, England, production grew to about eight automobiles a week.  Today, from that original line, only a few are left in the entire world.

In the early days, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was known simply as the 40/50, a reference to her speed.  She was a shining example of the finest master craftsmanship in the automotive industry.  Those that remain in the world today represent an era of luxury, opulence and wealth.

In 1910, realizing that the majority of potential drivers lacked even the most elementary driving abilities, Rolls-Royce created a driving school and gave advice to new Ghost owners.  Master mechanics were even known to make house calls.  It was a total motoring concept, somethng in which no other manufacturer in those days (or now) invested.  But it appealed to the aristocracy, which recognized the prestige of Rolls-Royce ownership.  Rich industrialists bought Silver Ghosts.  Emperors and Tsars did too.

A few years ago, Rolls-Royce delivered its own treasured 1907 silver-plated Silver Ghost to the 18th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Course for the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a world class car show that attracts collectible car owners from around the globe.  Pristine, beloved and wallet draining, the finest automobiles in the world are displayed here each year, raising thousands of dollars for local charities.  Normally housed in a hermetically sealed storage facility in England, the 1907 Silver Ghost was once again a head-turner and crowd pleaser.  Top down, sun out--- whether you're a car lover or a car--- there is no greater place to be.

Located on the central coast of California, the Pebble Beach Golf Course rests at the edge of Stillwater Cove, just a short boat ride from the beach at Carmel.  With the rugged Point Lobos State Park a misty vision in the distance, the grand silver dame--- the Ghost--- was positioned on the golf green, next to her much younger sister, a 1996 Rolls-Royce.  The new girl was lovely, but it was the old girl which was swarmed by the automotive paparazzi, all jockeying into position for that one, award-winning photograph.

As I stood next to this giant beauty, coveting every inch of her, I was shocked from my reverie by the driver, who opened the rear door and invited me to climb up inside.  Wishing that I had dressed a bit more formally and upped my liability insurance, I tried not to faint, took his hand, and settled onto the graceful, green leather seat.   I decided that the best thing for me to do was just sit on my hands, rather than practice my princess wave as if “of the nobility’.

My chauffeur stepped to the front of my silver steed and began to crank the engine.  Expecting a backfire and a loud rumbling engine, I joined the now gathering crowd in a collective, breath-holding and reverent silence.  But the only sound was the soft wash of the surf.  The Ghost hummed quietly to herself, ignoring the closeness of the awe-struck spectators.

Next August, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance celebrates its fiftieth anniversary.  It's worth going.  Stroll the concourse with your favorite lady or gentleman on your arm and, as I did, you just might find yourself standing next to the Ghost on the green.  Dress right, just in case.  See you there ...

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