100 Year Old Rolls Royce

How old are you? Or do you have any clue about how long will you live? Don't worry, you'll live LONG and may God bless you like this special CAR. Don't laugh! This story is about a a 101 year-old Rolls-Royce dubbed the "best car in the world" which grabbed a whopping £4,705,500 (Rs 40 crore) at an auction in the UK, the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold at auction.

The stunning vintage car was the height of luxury when it rolled off the production line in 1911, and was originally bought in 1912 for about £1,000 (Rs 85,200). The same amount would have been enough to buy a large house in the country at the time.

Under the hammer: Experts say this legendary and unique Silver Ghost is one of the finest Rolls-Royces ever created, exactly 100 years ago

The car was officially named the 40/50hp but it soon picked up the 'Silver Ghost' moniker from owners and journalists because of its supreme quality.The classic car, which was first launched in 1906, was even named the "best car in the world" by the prestigious publication Autocar in 1907.This particular model was made in 1911 and delivered on April 1 that year to Sir Adolph Tuck, the son of Raphael Tuck who made his fortune in the postcard industry at the end of the 19th century.

Sir Adoph had the Rolls-Royce, which comes with its own champagne holder and picnic basket, fitted with a Landaulette body so he could be chauffeur driven around. It was later re-bodied as a period two-seat tourer by Rippon Brothers Ltd, a coach building company with a proud history dating back centuries, which made a chariot throne for Queen Elizabeth I in 1584.

Auction house Historics, which is managing the sale, has set a guide price of 450,000 to 550,000 pounds for when it goes under the hammer.

"To find a Silver Ghost for sale is a red letter day. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is a treasured car, it was so advanced and expensive when it was launched. It could cost the same a country home," Edward Bridger-Stille, Historics auction director, said.

The unique 100-year-old Silver Ghost manages 15 miles to the gallon and is said to still be capable of “cruising” at 60mph.  The lengthy sale saw two enthusiasts duelling for the car, with the bidding going up in increments of £100,000. Those present at the Bonhams sale were said to have looked on in hushed tones, breaking out in spontaneous applause when the hammer finally fell. The car was sold following the death of its American owner and will be leaving these shores again to be with its new anonymous buyer.  The Rolls-Royce still had its headlights, carriage lights, rear lights and inflatable tyres, and it still runs almost silently. James Knight, from Bonhams, said: “This was a surprise to us — we thought it would make around £2 million. There  were three bidders then one of them dropped out. It went  on and on and on and was the  longest car sale I have ever witnessed. It was pure theatre.”

A customized 1911 Silver Ghost owned by the Maharaja of Mysore