4,556cc 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

* In the present ownership for 20 years
* Original left-hand drive French market car
* Extensive history file includes factory records
*Older restoration, now aged

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

There can be few more stately automobiles than a 1950s Rolls-Royce with H.J. Mulliner coachwork, such as this elegant rendition by the coachbuilder on a Long Wheelbase Silver Wraith. The majestic car began its life in just the style that such an automobile should, being delivered new to the famed Hotel Georges V in Paris, for one of its residents, F. Dupre.

Of course, being a Parisian delivery, it was handled by Franco Britannic Automobiles who took the order in December 1953 and fulfilled it in March 1954. The car was supplied in Mason's Black paintwork, with beige leather and cloth interiors. A whole host of extras are listed on the factory records including: Radio, Extension speaker, 2 Foglamps, Bonnet (hood) fastening from the interior, export bumpers, tables altered to form pockets, mohair rug, 8 day clock to rear compartment, Continental chassis plate, speedometer in kilos, standard and high frequency horns, and a small type front number (license) plate support.

Beyond these original details, we are not sure how where the car resided in the rest of the century, however, it is believed that it spent some time in Switzerland in the late 1990s. In February 2002, the car returned to the UK, to pass through one of the foremost London dealers of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars, Frank Dale & Stepsons, then under the careful stewardship of the late Ivor Gordon and James Crickmay, to the present ownership.

The Rolls was recently started and run by a Bonhams specialist, but its use over the ensuing two decades has been modest if at all, with the result that it will require recommissioning and careful attention before returning the car to road use. he car's aesthetics have certainly aged, and while it must have been refurbished from its original black to the two-tone grey it wears today, this work is now considerably well worn.

A supremely elegant example, it warrants sympathetic attention so that it might once again grace venues such as the Georges V!