1947 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Sports Saloon with Coachwork by Park Ward

Rolls-Royce produced the Silver Wraith as their first new model for the post war austere years. It retained a level of luxury and engineering as befitted the marque and was built in the Crewe factory alongside the Bentley Mk VI as a replacement for the 25/30hp. A more rigid chassis frame was provided on which the client could fit a bespoke body from one of the coachbuilding firms.

Improvements also included a new synchromesh gearbox and independent front suspension, plus an automatic chassis lubrication system. The Silver Wraith became particularly popular for state occasions by our own Royal Family and they were purchased by several overseas dignitaries.  

Rolls-Royce build sheets supplied with this particular Silver Wraith confirm that the supplying Rolls-Royce retailer was Bennets Ltd of Nottingham, and that the first owner was a Sir Herbert Smith. For the last eighteen years, the motor car has been owned by the current custodian, who purchased it as a restoration project. He conforms that the important components are present, and that the engine turns over on the crank and the starter motor. The manual gearbox and rear axle are understood to be functional, but the brakes and handbrake will need to be overhauled. The exhaust is good but does have surface rust and apparently the steering is serviceable. The radiator has been re-cored. We are told that the electrics are all present but will need attention and the heater unit is all okay; door seals are poor, the windscreen wipers are apparently seized and the right hand quarter light is missing. Replacement woodwork is required in places, the upholstery is poor and will need renewing and the carpets and headlining are not present.

The coachwork has very straight panels, although the spare wheel cover has some damage; it will require some refurbishment before a respray. The door closures are as they should be. The coachwork framing is very good, as is the floor metalwork. The wooden floor has been replaced.

In the last five years, the chassis has been prepared and painted with black enamel and is very good. A reconditioned Rolls-Royce petrol tank is now fitted with stainless steel straps. The Silver Wraith is equipped with an uprated R-R dynamo, plus a new petrol pump.

In our opinion, this is a motor car with beautiful lines and great potential, a very worthwhile project.

The history file contains the V5 registration document, the aforementioned Rolls-Royce factory build sheets and a list of fellow Silver Wraith owners.

SOLD