LOT 728

1937 Rolls-Royce Wraith Limousine Project Registration no. RC 4624 Chassis no. WXA5

Sold for £10,350 inc. premium

Lot 728

1937 Rolls-Royce Wraith Limousine Project
Registration no. RC 4624 Chassis no. WXA5

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Motorcycles and Automobilia|7 September 2019, 16:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1937 Rolls-Royce Wraith Limousine Project
Registration no. RC 4624
Chassis no. WXA5

Footnotes

Development of the pre-war 'small' Rolls-Royce, which had begun in 1922 with the introduction of the 20hp, culminated in 1938 with the arrival of the Wraith. Replacement for the 25/30hp model, the Wraith retained its predecessor's engine dimensions for a capacity of 4,257cc, but almost every other aspect of its overhead-valve, six-cylinder engine was new, the most obvious difference being the adoption of a superior, cross-flow cylinder head, first seen on the 4¼-Litre Bentley. This extensively revised power unit was mounted in an equally new chassis. Like that of its larger sibling, the Phantom III, the Wraith's frame featured cruciform bracing and independent front suspension based on a General Motors design. It need hardly be stated that the Wraith improved on its predecessor's already high standards of silence and smoothness, though the benefits of the new engine's extra horsepower were largely offset by heavier coachwork. Sadly, production was curtailed by the outbreak of WW2 after just 491 cars had been built.

The fifth production chassis completed which is believed to be one of just 7 in this configuration, was purchased as a restoration project around eight years ago from the Realcar Co, Wales and has remained in dry storage since acquisition. The engine has been rebuilt but the car has not been run in as the electrics need rewiring – it does however run. Offered for re-commissioning/restoration and sold strictly as viewed, the car comes with copy chassis cards, a logbook, and a Certificate of Title.

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