The Rolls Royce
company was founded in 1906 and in that year the
magnificent 40/50 model was released. It was
supplied in chassis form only so that the
customers could have the body build by the coach
builder of their choice. Many variations van be
found with the 40/50 chassis, including the
famous Silver Ghost and a light armoured car used
during W.W.I. The Yesteryear Y7-3 is an example
of a 40/50 Landau by Barker.
Throughout our
period of interest, the Y7-3 was only produced
with a silver body and dark red chassis. The main
variations can be found in the form and colour of
the roof. The first issues were dark red or grey
and smooth. However it soon became apparent that
the roof tended to warp during manufacture. To
cure this problem ribs were added to the topside
rear as illustrated in the picture. Subsequent
issues appeared with either dark red or grey
roofs. However issues with a grey ribbed roof are
quite scarce and can fetch more than £60. Most
other issues can be purchased for £15-£25 in
mint boxed condition at swapmeets. An extremely
rare variation does exist which has yellow seats
rather than the more common colour of dark red.
This model can reach prices in excess of £300.
 |
| The smooth and ribbed roof
types. |
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