In the automotive days of yore, exclusive, high-end automobiles typically came together in sections. A company delivered a chassis with a motor and then those sections were taken to a particular coachbuilder where the body was designed and installed to the client’s preference. So while a Rolls Royce would drive and operate in generally the same fashion, the bodies were unique and handcrafted to suit the commissioner’s unique cosmetic desires. Arriving with much pomp and circumstance to our auction later this week is a post-world war two example of just such an automobile.
Completed in 1949 by coachbuilder James Young, this Rolls Royce Silver Wraith has gorgeous, flowing lines that are handcrafted in aluminum and finished over in a rich maroon paint. Inside, luxurious tan leather with coordinated carpeting covers the floorboards, seats, doors, and a hand-hewn burled wood dashboard complete with matching door trim toppers convey an aesthetic air of material excellence, although the leather seats have significantly worn. Purchased and held by a single collector in 1971 this Silver Wraith has been returned to driving condition, but only for short distances. The 4.3-liter inline-six motor, which is oxygenated by a single carburetor, has had a new head gasket and fluids installed by the current owner. When new, this motor was designed with chromium-plated cylinder bores which reportedly helped it to produce around 30 horsepower. The motor is coupled with a floor-mounted four-speed manual gearbox that has synchromesh sliders. The Rolls Royce will roll into the auction soon complete with a clean California title, a factory tool kit, and several other authentic items – do not miss out on this one!
