The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is always going to be a star in its own right, and this one is no exception, as it carries with it a very thorough recording of its provenance and is widely known as “122 JG.” The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost series chassis were built by Rolls-Royce of North America, Inc. in the Springfield, Massachusetts factory from 1921 through 1926. The plant began operations with the production of Silver Ghosts and subsequently built the new Phantom series from 1926 until the facility closed its doors in 1931. There were 1,703 Springfield Silver Ghosts built during the 1921 to 1926 time-frame.

According to the Rolls-Royce Foundation files, the original owners of 122 JG were Frederick Alton Powers and his second wife, Virginia Hewes Powers of Houlton, Maine. Mr. Powers served on the Supreme Judicial Court of the State of Maine from 1900 until 1907. Powers served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and he also served as Attorney General for two terms. He passed away in 1924 when he was 68 years of age, and the car three years past new. Presumably his widow continued the use of the stately vehicle after his passing and certain vintage photos may be from this early time of ownership.

Ensuing ownership history of Rolls-Royce 122 JG includes Glenn C. Gould Jr. of Shirley, Massachusetts. Late 1958 records show the car to be the property of Robert S. Jones, a jeweler from Morrisville, Vermont. Adrian West and Kate Hutchens of Pennsylvania shipped 122 JG to Scotland for the Scottish and Alpine tours at an un-specified point in time. Respected Rolls-Royce mechanic Frank Cooke rebuilt the engine while he owned 122 JG and kept the car until his passing. From his estate the Ghost became the property of Allen Weiner, a Maine radio station owner, in and around 2009. The car has been seen over years in “The Flying Lady,” the newsletter of the Rolls-Royce Owner’s Club.

This is where the Rolls-Royce was purchased for a different type of star turn. Cars for Films acquired the car, and it was slated for the main automotive presence in the acclaimed HBO series, “Boardwalk Empire” as it was the car utilized by the shows main character, Enoch “Nuckey” Thompson. The Thompson character is based on the real-life historical figure Enoch L. “Nuckey” Johnson, with the role being played by the highly-celebrated actor, Steve Buscemi. In the series, Buscemi portrays the corrupt Atlantic City politician who rules the town during the Prohibition era, and as his favorite mode of transportation, you will find him in the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, known as 122 JG.

This is quite fitting since the character rose to prominence during Prohibition, and what better way to project ones success than to be chauffeured in the elegance of a Rolls-Royce? This particular car is powered by a 453.3-cid straight six-cylinder that is matched to a three-speed manual transmission. The car is defined by the traditional Rolls-Royce radiator grille design that is topped with the respected “Flying Lady” mascot, a timeless sign of quality and luxury for the most finely-appointed automobiles.

The formal design is highlighted by its distinctive two-tone paint, wire wheels, side-mounted spare tires, roll-up divider window, Waltham gauges, rear jump seats, floor-mounted controls and beautiful accessories that are presented in nickel, copper and brass.

Just as the Rolls-Royce has an outstanding pedigree, the Boardwalk Empire series has similar roots with the series being created by Emmy Award winner Terence Winter, who served as executive producer and writer for the critically acclaimed HBO series, The Sopranos. Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese directed the pilot episode, and with him being an “actor magnet,” the right people flocked to be a part of the production. The series was met with widespread praise, particularly for its visual style and historical accuracy, in which 122 JG is an integral player. The American Film Institute named Boardwalk Empire one of the ten best television programs of the year in 2010.