Chassis No.: WVH83

Engine No.: 4566

Registration: 692 YUK

Sold £41,884 | Sold

The silver Wraith was the first post-war Rolls-Royce offered directly to the general public. Traditionally, their cars were offered as engine only/rolling chassis then delivered directly to a coach builder to receive the body of choice. They were larger than their sibling, the Bentley Mk. VI, and were equipped with independent front suspension and hydraulic shock absorbers, appealing to both owner-drivers and passengers alike. Originally delivered to Mr. Arthur Aman of Windlesham in Surrey by Brooklands of Bond Street in 1952, instructions included Silver Dawn headlamps and a wider, more imposing, bonnet.

It was then absorbed as a company asset by Arthur Aman & Co. in 1954 followed by sale to Mr. Philip Rickards of Fulham, London in 1962. Mr. K. Hemmingway of Stanmore, Middlesex in 1965 became the last recorded owner on the enclosed period owner’s documentation. More recently, documents show that the car came from the US to a Mr. David Leppan of Phillimore Gardens, London who imported the car from Los Angeles to Felixstowe in 2010. All taxes and duties were paid at the time and part of the UK V5, and NOVA is enclosed. It was then sold to a noted German collector before finding its way back to the UK.

Originally a black car with contrasting brown leather interior, it has since been painted in these two shades of a much more cheerful blue. New carpets have been installed, front and rear and, some time ago, a boot-mounted, air-conditioning system has been integrated into the superstructure and reported to be fully functioning. The aluminium exterior of the car is in excellent general condition with faults hard to find. The aluminium bumpers are also in excellent condition although the wing mirrors would benefit from some light attention along with the interior silvering of the offside headlamp.

This imposing example has also just undertaken a mechanical overhaul alongside a major service and is reported to be running beautifully with a powerful, silent engine exhibiting good oil pressure and cool running at motorway speeds. A large diameter steering wheel allows for easy low-speed manoeuvring and new white wall tyres are fitted all round with chrome wheel centres recently purchased and fitted. The internal appointments are of equally good quality with period blue leather in good order throughout and just minor wear on the driver’s bolster.

There are walnut picnic tables, fold-out footrests, and foot-cushions for the rear occupants with door cappings and dashboard in excellent condition. Additional details include the original brass Pyrene fire-extinguisher, modern Alpine radio and a golden Spirit of Ecstasy. A very well-prepared and sporting Rolls-Royce, effortlessly able to keep up with modern traffic and with many miles ahead of her.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=5048&au=81