LOT 343

1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Saloon Coachwork by Park Ward Chassis no. WSG67 Engine no. W66G

Sold for US$54,880 inc. premium

Lot 343

1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Saloon
Coachwork by Park Ward

Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|11 October 2020, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Saloon
Coachwork by Park Ward
Chassis no. WSG67
Engine no. W66G

4,566cc F-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
Approximately 125bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel drum brakes hydraulic front, mechanical rear

*One of 121 of this body style built
*Attractive Ebony over Primrose color scheme
*Great car for RROC Events
*Beautifully presented
*Offered with History files and Maintenance Record

To view a YouTube walkaround of this lot please click here

THE ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER WRAITH

After World War II when Rolls Royce production resumed at the new Rolls-Royce facility in Crewe, England, the model being built was the Wraith. The Wraith marked a radical change for Rolls-Royce, being the first car to be offered by the company with factory designed coachwork. Very similar to the contemporary Bentley Mark VI, primary differences were to the grille, trim and badging. Close fraternal twins in appearance, mechanically the two were identical twins.

Both the Rolls and the Bentley shared a 4,257cc F-head straight-six. This engine design enabled very good air flow, and enabled the engine to develop substantial torque while using a lower compression ratio, to optimize smooth and silent running. Though Rolls-Royce and Bentley never released horsepower figures, output has been estimated at approximately 126-132 horsepower. In 1951 the stroke for this engine was changed and increased displacement to 4,566cc. Transmission was a synchromesh four-speed manual with choice of either floor or column selection.

Independent suspension was used up front, with a live axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs out back. Front control of the drum brakes was hydraulic, with mechanical actuation of the rear drums.

Manufacture of the short-wheelbase Wraith ceased in 1952, with a total production of 1,144; the long-wheelbase version continued until the introduction of the Phantom V in 1959, by which time 639 chassis had been completed.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to Rolls-Royce Factory records, this particular car's chassis was delivered in May of 1952, and dispatched to Park Ward Coach builders. Park Ward bodied many Silver Wraith chassis as they were owned by Rolls-Royce. Most were standard steel saloons. This particular car was ordered as a 6 light saloon which was an innovative design first displayed at the 1949 Earls Motor court show. Its original colors are listed as Tinder Grey, with Beige upholstery.

The car was dispatched to noted car dealer Joseph Cockshoot and Company in Manchester. The first owner is listed as John Slack Ltd. It is interesting that the cars first owner is listed as a company, and according to the cars history file they retained the car until 1972. It was then purchased by the Lee Distribution Company. In 1976 it appears that the car was in the ownership of J.W. Henrick in NY, who was the son of the Lee Company director. He retained the car until 1997, when it passed to Victor Medlin.

It was acquired by the consigner in 2008. Today, the car presents very well and is finished in primrose over black with beige leather interior. Since being in his care the car has been kept on the button and has been well serviced over the last couple of years.

Anyone who has ever driven a Mark VI or Silver Wraith will tell you that they are fantastic driver's cars. The chassis is extremely well designed, brakes are superb, and the gearbox is a true delight. The powerful 6-cylinder engines are extremely smooth and have plenty of torque. A wonderful car for RROC events, shows, or vintage rallies. The opportunity to acquire it should not be missed.

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