1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
Coachwork by James Young

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

1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
Coachwork by James Young
Chassis no. WZB 12

4,257cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
160bhp at 3,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Mechanical Servo Assisted Drum Brakes

*In single family ownership for more than 45 years
*Elegant and luxurious James Young Saloon with divider window
*Enticing 'Barn-find' condition, stored away for decades
*Offered with Rolls-Royce factory records

Previewing in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER WRAITH

Rolls-Royce's first post-war model, the Silver Wraith employed a chassis similar to that of the MkVI Bentley, though with a 7" longer wheelbase. The Wraith however, was only offered with traditional coachbuilt bodies rather than the Mk VI's pioneering 'standard steel' bodywork. Powering Rolls-Royce's post-war range was a new 4,257cc six-cylinder engine of cast-iron, monobloc construction with aluminum cylinder head featuring overhead inlet and side exhaust valves. A four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh was standard initially, an automatic option (for export models only at first) not becoming available until 1952, at which time the engine was enlarged to 4,566cc and a long-wheelbase version introduced. Production ceased in 1959, by which time 1,780 chassis had been completed.

The last word in motoring luxury in its day, this Silver Wraith carries Saloon coachwork by James Young, one of the few British coachbuilders still active after WW2. The Bromley-based carriage-maker had bodied its first automobile in 1908, affiliating itself with a succession of quality marques throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and had established itself among the foremost coachbuilders for upmarket chassis by the end of the latter decade. Its factory devastated by wartime bombing, the company did not resume exhibiting at the London Motor Shows until 1948, continuing to offer coachbuilt designs of distinction on (mainly) Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis until the arrival of the unitary construction Silver Shadow/T-Series range in the 1960s.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to extensive factory records on file, Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith chassis number WZB 12 was laid out at the Works during 1947 to be clothed by the renowned James Young coachbuilders in a soothing Sports Saloon configuration. The finished right hand-drive Wraith was most likely delivered new during 1948 to a V. Greenhous of Greenhous Ltd, in the United Kingdom. Purchased by the consignor's father-in-law in London in 1975, the Rolls-Royce was toured all over Europe during that time before being shipped to the East Coast. It was then driven across to California, where the car has resided ever since. Last driven in 2006, the Wraith is very much in 'barn-find' condition, retaining its old original interior. Extensive factory records are offered with the car, including logbooks and owner's manuals.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.

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