Car History
The History of Golden Ghost 58TM
1924 – Today
1924
Factory Build & Order
Chassis 58TM was laid down at Derby as a long-wheelbase, nickel-finish chassis with D-rake steering. It completed pre-delivery tests in June–July 1924 and was held in factory stock awaiting an order.
On 8 August 1924, Dalgety & Co. (Melbourne) lodged a £50 deposit for prominent client Solomon Green—his third new Silver Ghost after 1853E (1912) and 142LG (Sept 1921).
Aug–Sept 1924
Green’s Specification & Shipment
Though 58TM had been prepared with steel artillery wheels and Barker headlamp dipping, the chassis was re-specified to Green’s brief: nickel → brass for wheel caps, reserve oil tank, radiator and Spirit of Ecstasy, change to Lucas lighting, plus Cobra horn, spinney vents, and a modified fuel tank. He declined front-wheel brakes, specified stronger springs for a 7-passenger open body, and steering was changed from D to C rake. After further tests on 4 Sept 1924, it shipped 4 days later to Dalgety’s Melbourne agency aboard SS Demosthenes.
1925–1929
Melbourne Delivery & Early Years
In Jan 1925, Dalgety replaced the artillery wheels with Dunlop well-based wire wheels, and a seven-passenger tourer body was built in Melbourne (likely Waring Bros or MMBBCo). Upon delivery, Green parted with his 1921 brass-finish Ghost 142LG. The oft-repeated gold-plated door-handle tale is almost certainly myth. 58TM was registered (Vic 87.653) in Nov 1925 to 360 Collins St, then re-registered in Sept 1927 to 45 Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda.
1930's
The Hackett Era & Rebodying
By 1930 the car had a new owner while Green moved to Phantom I (78MC). Second owner Jim Hackett (Randwick, Sydney) likely commissioned Smith & Waddington to fit a California hard top c.1930; NSW reg 55.055. Around 1938, Smith & Waddington replaced the tourer with a saloon body to modernise the look—done on a limited budget, with mismatched cabin/mudguards and an unusually long bonnet.
1958–1969
Post-war Owners & Dormancy
An original receipt shows sale by 790 Car Sales (Brookvale) to Malcolm Johns on 23 Feb 1958 (trade-in Renault 750 + £135). By May 1958 it was with Trevor Powell (Sandringham, Vic). Around 1966 the car—still wearing its c.1938 body—moved, neglected, to Faris Palfreyman (Ingleside, QLD) and was soon listed as “chassis only.” In 1969 it appeared with brass fittings, reverted to D-rake steering, 600×20” tyres, Lucas lighting, and reserve oil tank; it fetched $1,550 (estimate $1,500). Gavin Sandford-Morgan bought it for Laurie O’Neil (Double Bay), with delivery by Ross Marshall’s transporter.
1985–1989
Pre-restoration Notes
A 1985 inspection report noted the car was very complete, with engine regularly turned, lubricated valves, and clean electrics; the radiator core was incorrect. 58TM remained with O’Neil until 1987, when David Berthon purchased it as an unrestored chassis; after he acquired complete chassis 69TE, 58TM passed to Russell Kumar (Melbourne).
1990–2001
Full Restoration & Concours Success
On 1 March 1990 the previous owner John Smith (Ferny Creek, Victoria) acquired 58TM; restoration begun under Kumar continued for nine years, primarily at Roger Fry’s Specialist Restoration Workshops (Perth, WA). The completed car was transported to Melbourne then driven to Canberra by Fry and Smith for the RROC Federal Concours 1999, where it won the Silver Ghost Category. It has won awards wherever entered, including the 20/Ghost Club “Best Restoration” (2001).
as restored
Distinctive Features & Accessories
Hard-wood cocktail cabinet with crystal sherry set; discreet Alpine stereo integrated within.
Individually adjustable front seats with electronic lumbar (bench appearance, twin seats).
12V power points front and rear; lockable rear-floor cabinet; sidescreen storage behind rear seats.
Multiple hood/tonneau covers stored in silk-lined suitcases in a “Brooks” trunk which also houses wheel tools; full-length running-board tool cabinets.
Folding rear windscreen; twin “divers’ helmet” tail lights; individual indicators.
Power steering added for usability (manual components retained); hidden battery storage.
All metalwork gold-plated; radiator shell in marine-grade brass; Barker headlamp dipping; air scoops to scuttle sides/top; gold-plated Anaconda horn.
2025
Today
The current owner, Paul Michael, is deeply passionate about preserving 58TM, a Concours-winning, Australian-delivered Silver Ghost with a richly documented provenance, thoughtful period enhancements, and a show-quality restoration that honours its early heritage while maintaining real-world drivability.