LORD PIRRIE’S ROLLS-ROYCE RETURNS TO TITANIC SLIPWAYS

A REMARKABLE piece of Titanic history returned to Belfast over the weekend as the 1910 Rolls-Royce 40/50 Silver Ghost, once owned by Harland & Wolff Chairman Lord Pirrie, arrived at the iconic Titanic Slipways. 

This is the first time the historic vehicle has visited Titanic Belfast and was brought from England by owner Albert White. Travelling as part of a visit organised by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club (Ireland), the artefact joined a number of classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles from across Ireland as they gathered in Belfast for a special weekend meet.

The history of the impressive vehicle saw it commissioned back in 1909, as RMS Titanic was in its early stages of construction and was delivered to Pirrie’s coachbuilder in London in May 1910 for bodying as a ceremonial double phaeton.

Following Lord Pirrie’s death in 1924, the vehicle passed to his brother-in-law, Alexander Montgomery Carlisle, Harland & Wolff’s chief designer. After Carlisle’s death in 1926, the car underwent several transformations over the decades, serving at various times as an ambulance and a breakdown truck. In 1985, it was sold to an American buyer before eventually being repatriated to the UK in 2000.

The vehicle then underwent an extensive four-year restoration project including the recreation of its original ceremonial double phaeton coachwork, returning the car to it former Edwardian grandeur. 

Club members visited Titanic Belfast during their time in Belfast where they were able to see Lord Pirrie’s engraved pocket watch, which he would likely have used during the construction of RMS Titanic and while travelling in his Rolls-Royce, as well as viewed a pop-up exhibition dedicated to his life and legacy which is currently displayed on SS Nomadic. A stay in Titanic Hotel Belfast, which houses Lord Pirrie’s office, completed their time exploring the birthplace of the world-famous ship. 

Speaking of bringing his historic vehicle to Titanic Belfast, owner Albert White said, “To bring the Titanic Rolls-Royce Ghost back to the place where RMS Titanic herself was built is incredibly special. This car has such a deep connection to Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage and to Lord Pirrie himself, so seeing it here on the Slipways feels like bringing a piece of history home.”

Judith Owens MBE, CEO of Titanic Belfast said, “We were delighted to have welcomed this extraordinary vehicle back to Titanic Belfast and the historic Slipways. The Rolls-Royce has a fascinating connection to Lord Pirrie and Harland & Wolff and in addition to the artefacts and historical information we have displayed here at Titanic Belfast around Pirrie, it offered our visitors and crew a unique glimpse into his world and legacy of the Titanic era.”