1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith

The first large-chassis Rolls-Royce produced after World War II, the Silver Wraith, retained an elegant pre-war appearance, yet it also offered a more modern driving experience. All Silver Wraith chassis were fitted with custom coachwork, from relatively sporting coupes and drop heads to eight-passenger formal limousines and landaulettes.

For consignment we offer this 1948 chassis (WFC 92) with a hand-built Hooper Body in all aluminum…a fully restored Teviot 2 model. The restoration was 2 times the current asking price. This is a very low and original mileage car that was owned for most of its life by a Rolls-Royce certified shop mechanic, and anytime anything was slightly amiss, it was immediately repaired.

Exterior
Hooper Body Works specialized in the very top tier of the market, building the most luxurious bodies possible without consideration of cost. The models were not sporty, as the company specialized in stately, elegant carriages. Coach customers included the Marquis of Londonderry and the Marquis of Crewe. Car body customers included the Kings of Spain, Norway, Portugal and Siam, the Shah of Persia and the Negus of Abyssinia. This Rolls, chassis # WFC 92 with engine installed, was sent to Hooper and there they built this all aluminum razor edged (named so for its precise angles) Saloon. The beneficiary of a frame off restoration by the aforementioned mechanic and then his personal car, no stone was left unturned with new running boards, aluminum stripped to bare metal, then repainted in two tone black with pale yellow highlighting on the hood cowling and side panels that follow the beautiful lines, and excellent gaps of this car. Chrome remains in excellent condition, including the massive head lighting and centered fog light. All glass is clear and scratch free.

Interior
Black leather split bench seating is up front and reserved for the Chauffeur and an extra maid if needed. Rear seating is covered with West of England Wool Cloth, in Light Tan with Dark Brown piping, and Wilton Carpets for her Lady and Lord's extra comfort. All book matched burl was painfully restored, and presents in excellent condition, from dash, to rear trays, to the liquor cabinet sans glassware. If some extra light or air was needed, an operable “sunroof” could be opened, and is covered by the West of England Wool as well, as are door panels in the rear. Instrumentation is all functional and odometer displays 76,369 original miles.

Drivetrain
The original Rolls Royce engine, a 4.3 Liter 16 valve OHV F-Head, has been carefully maintained by our mechanic, and as a result did not need restoration, but an occasional new part, which was always original Rolls Royce parts. It is backed by a 4-speed original transmission, again well maintained over its mechanic owners span, so no need for a rebuild.

Undercarriage
Rock solid rust free (not even surface rust) is seen on this original frame. Floorpans, running boards, even inside fenders is pristine. Independent front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension is seen, and front drum with mechanical rear drum brakes are noted on the underside.

No less important, the car operates as it should, with the owner reporting it to “run like a Swiss watch.” It is comfortable to drive, due to the balance of power, ease of steering, reliable braking, and silky controls, and it is sure to make a long journey grand, quiet, refined, and comfortable. As this Silver Wraith has been lightly used and impeccably maintained since its restoration, it can be expected to provide many more years of reliable and luxurious use, and it will continue to be enthusiastically welcomed at most of the premier concours and club events. Simply put, few Silver Wraiths were truly dramatic and beautiful, and this spectacular example of British coachwork is one of the foremost pristine examples.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.