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LOT 5

1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith LWB Touring Limousine Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd. Chassis no. LELW44 Engine no. L43F

Sold for US$50,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 5

1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith LWB Touring Limousine
Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd.

1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith LWB Touring Limousine
Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd.

Chassis no. LELW44
Engine no. L43F


4,887cc F-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
Approximately 125bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Delivered new actor Paul Roebling
*Original US-spec in left-hand drive
*Factory air conditioning
*Copies of factory records on file


Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER WRAITH

Rolls-Royce's first post-war model, the Silver Wraith debuted in late 1946 and employed a chassis similar to that of the Silver Dawn and MkVI Bentley, though with a 7" longer wheelbase at 10' 7". The Wraith, however, was only intended for traditional coachbuilt bodies rather than the MkVI's pioneering 'standard steel' bodywork. Only the bore and stroke dimensions were shared with the pre-war overhead-valve Wraith engine, the major advantage of this 'F-head' layout being its large valves and generous water jacketing around the valve seats. 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

This elegant and sociable Rolls was ordered new by Paul Roebling, the then-23-year-old Broadway actor, future film star, and great-great grandson of the Brooklyn Bridge designed John A. Roebling. Wanting to enjoy comfort and luxury, but not too much stuffiness, Roebling specified a Touring Saloon body by Park Ward—offering an elegant look without a division window. A full air conditioning system was optioned, along with an automatic transmission, power steering, and other goodies, but the original color scheme is not recorded in copies of factory records or the Schoellkopf card. Arriving to America aboard the SS American Harvester, the car was delivered to Mr. Roebling in Trenton, New Jersey on September 11, 1957. Little is known about the early history of the car, although it appears to have stayed out East having found its way to legendary New York Rolls-Royce dealer Carriage House Motor Cars by September 14, 1973.

The Rolls would later find its way into the collection of successful catering pioneer Leonard Sessa of Great Neck, New York and in 2008 enter the collection of the current owner. Finished in two-tone bronze and tan with a matching tan leather interior, it is still resplendently turned out with rich wood paneling all around—including picnic tables in the rear. Outside, coach lights are mounted on the B-pillars while up front your path is illuminated by dual yellow fog lights and a central driving light, abutting the Lucas sealed beam headlights. Atop it all, a gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy stands proud.

On static display in dry storage since being acquired a baker's dozen years ago, mechanical refurbishing is recommended prior to active touring and use. A delightful and rare combination of Rolls-Royce luxury and owner-driven elegance, this Rolls is ready for its next lucky owner.

Footnotes

Please note, the title will be in transit.

Saleroom notices

Please note, correct chassis no. for that vehicle is LFLW44.

Additional information

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