**Please note a video of this vehicle being driven is available below**
Highlights
- One of 12 cars built
- Commissioned by Jack Barclay in London in August 1950
- Older restoration sparingly used
- Chassis number WGC41
- Excellent condition across bodywork and interior
- Original owners and maintenance handbook included
- Beautiful ‘three position’ coachbuilt DHC
The Appeal
This car really is something quite special. The Silver Wraith was the last Rolls-Royce available as chassis-only. This one was coachbuilt by Gurney Nutting, the remarkable firm that created Bentley’s ‘Old Number One’ Speed Six and Malcolm Campbell’s iconic land speed cars. It was the last of an illustrious era.
It is also one of just 12 cars commissioned by Jack Barclay in London in August 1950. Each one is highly desirable, recent examples achieving high values at auction.
First registered on 17th August 1950, this example was comprehensively restored in 2002 in the USA and has been little used since. Its current owner acquired it in 2012 and exported it to Lebanon in 2013 as part of a large classic car collection. Recently attended to by a top tier marque specialist it is in very good condition. There are some light mechanical jobs that the buyer may wish to attend to, after which the buyer will be able to relish and enjoy one of the most noteworthy and desirable of post-war Rolls-Royces.
History and Paperwork
- Good history file documenting key moments in the car’s history
- History includes original owners and maintenance handbooks
- Also includes recent service invoice from a 'top tier' Rolls-Royce specialist in the UK
- This includes the original factory handbooks with handwritten registration details
- Various invoices documenting regular maintenance over the years
- These details record the factory green paintwork and beige roof specification
- One of 10 or 12 cars commissioned by Jack Barclay from Gurney Nutting in 1950
- James Young and Gurney Nutting were acquired by Jack Barclay and cars were manufactured in the latter's factory
- This explains why a plaque on the car references James Young Ltd
- Chassis manufactured by the factory on 4th August 1949 - chassis number: WGC41
- Completed car finished on 17th August 1950
- Sold new by Jack Barclay
- Fuel pump and spark plugs recently replaced by top tier marque specialist
- Exported to the USA in the late 1990s
- Acquired by the vendor from the USA in 2012 and exported to Lebanon as part of a large collection
- Kept in Lebanon until exported to the UK and registered here on 1st October 2023
- Always stored in a dry, dehumidified garage during vendor’s tenure
- Some minor maintenance work undertaken in Lebanon whilst used sparingly
- Chrome, bodywork, paintwork and interior restored in 2002
- New roof fitted at the same time
- The vendor advises that the car would benefit from some mechanical fettling and a service
This magnificent Silver Wraith left the factory as a bare chassis in August 1949. It went to Jack Barclay and was one of 10 or 12 cars commissioned by the dealer from Gurney Nutting. Barclays had acquired the famous coachbuilder at the end of World War II and began a process of acquiring bare chassis for coachbuilding and then selling through the showroom. As the last Rolls-Royce available in this format, these cars were amongst the final ones to be so-converted.
The car’s original handbooks confirm it was factory supplied in green with beige trim. We understand that it travelled to America in the late 1990s, soon after which it was comprehensively restored covering the bodywork, paintwork, chromework, trim and veneers. It was finished in fetching dark blue with grey leather interior and what is believed to be factory correct beige roof. It was used sparingly following the work.
The vendor acquired the car in 2012 from a specialised dealership in Las Vegas and exported it to join his large high-end collection in Lebanon. Once there the car was stored in a dry, de-humidified garage and subject to light, regular maintenance and more sparing use. This has undoubtedly enabled the high end 2002 restoration to hold up exceptionally well.
The car was returned to the UK in October 2023 and re-registered here.
The Condition
- Beautifully styled reflecting the quality and experience of those Gurney Nutting craftsmen
- Older restoration with sparing use reflected in high quality condition
- Bodywork and paintwork present very well with good panel fit and bright, deep lustre
- Lovely detailing such as the bespoke fold-out boot rack arrangement
- Chromework restored during 2002 refurbishment and continues to present well
- Interior in excellent condition with light, characterful patina to grey leather seats
- Extensive veneers well kept and finished to a high standard
- Clear Smiths dials appear virtually new reflecting the quality restoration
- Fitted with electric windows
- Firestone tyres in good condition with whitewall trims
- Cream roof in good order with light creasing reflecting limited recent use
Any car crafted by the hands that created the svelte Campbell land speed record breakers and Bentley’s era-defining ‘Old Number One’ Speed Six is going to be special. This gorgeous DHC does not disappoint. Originally dark green, we fully support the switch to dark blue undertaken during its restoration as it perfectly suits the lines and is neatly accented by the immaculate chromework. It is a cleverly designed car, the rear boot arrangement being a particular delight.
The interior continues the ‘surprise and delight’ features. There is a very gentle patina of use across the grey leather seats, which were restored in 2002, but this arguably adds to the character and is augmented by the carefully crafted fittings. The extensive veneers are a paean to the post-war craftman’s skills and remain in excellent condition.
It would be easy to simply stand and admire this lovely car, but with four spacious seats it is clearly designed to love and enjoy. For that we certainly envy the buyer.
The Mechanics
- Sold as a bare chassis in August 1949 then completed by Gurney Nutting
- 4,257cc 120bhp straight six Rolls-Royce engine
- 4spd manual gearbox with floor shift
- The car runs well and a video is available
- Some of the lights are not working such as the brake lights and reversing light
- The vendor advises that the car would benefit from a full service
- Was recently fettled by a top tier marque specialist covering spark plugs and fuel pump
- We are told that the car would benefit from hoses, joints, springs and dampers being refreshed
The Silver Wraith was the firm’s first post-war model and acclaimed for being its most technologically advanced to date. Equipped with a powerful 4.3litre straight six engine and 4spd manual gearbox, this was a car ready for the rise of the post-war high speed road network.
We understand that this car remains a matching numbers example. Following its return to the UK in October 2023 it has been attended to by a top tier marque specialist who replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vendor advises that due to the limited use over recent years it would benefit from a full service and some mechanical fettling. He specifically points out that it may require new hoses, joints, springs and dampers and that certain of the lights are not currently working.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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