Rolls-Royce of America, Inc. - 1921 dated Specimen Bond. - Extremely Rare

$1,000 8% Gold Specimen Bond printed by Franklin Lee Division - American Bank Note Co.

Rolls-Royce of America, Inc., established in 1919, was the first and sole manufacturing venture of the renowned British automaker outside the United Kingdom. Headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, this subsidiary was created to circumvent high import tariffs and cater to the post-World War I demand for luxury vehicles in the United States. Production commenced in early 1921 with the Silver Ghost, commonly known as the “Springfield Ghost,� and later expanded to include the Phantom series. This American branch was renowned for its distinctive “uniquely American� innovations, such as pioneering the first “certified used car� program by reconditioning traded-in vehicles with a factory warranty.

Despite its reputation for craftsmanship, producing nearly 3,000 cars over a decade, the company faced challenges in competing with the mass production capabilities of American giants like Ford and General Motors. The onset of the Great Depression severely impacted the luxury market, leading to the cessation of automotive production at the Springfield factory in 1931. Although the original manufacturing entity closed its doors, its legacy endures through the modern-day Rolls-Royce North America, which now functions as a significant subsidiary of the UK-based Rolls-Royce plc. Today, the company continues to be a vital contributor to the U.S. economy, focusing on aerospace and defense technologies, with its largest manufacturing presence in Indianapolis.