1951 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith James Young Sports Saloon
Highlights
- Believed one of only six James Young Wraiths of this specification
- Seven year bodywork, mechanical and trim restoration just completed
- Original factory trim and colour specificaiton
- Well known car with ownership traced back to first delivery
- The last of the ‘chassis only’ Rolls-Royce cars
The Appeal
The Silver Wraith was the first and last of a particular type of Rolls-Royce. It was the firm’s first post-war model and its most advanced to date. But it also marked the end of an era - there would be no further chassis-only models upon which Britain’s army of high end coachbulders could work their magic.
All of which makes this SIlver Wraith very compelling. It was fitted with a bespoke James Young Sports Saloon body when new, the most expensive of the available coachbuilt options from dealer Jack Barclay. 205 such cars were built, but we understand only six were specified like this one, an early 4.3litre car without interior divide.
Chassis records show that it was the first of 35 ‘WLE’ Silver Wraith platforms built between November 1950 and May 1951. It was originally registered in the UK before travelling to the USA. The vendor acquired the car in 2013 and returned it to this country, then undertaking a very high end, seven year restoration to return it to factory correct Silver Dualic over Oxford Blue colour scheme with grey leather interior.
The work was extensive and covered a body-off, bare metal respray, full mechanical overhaul and cabin retrim. The car has barely been used since this work was completed.
The car’s quality is self evident from the photographs. It is an elegant reminder of the coachbuilding art and in collector-quality condition.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1951
- Chassis number WLE1
- Chassis records indicate this car was built in November 1950
- Initially sold to Wade Electrical Ltd in 1950
- Later sold to The Daily Mirror Group as a courtesy car
- Subsequently arrived in the USA
- Repatriated from the USA by the seller in 2013
- First UK registered 26th March 2013
- One registered keeper since arriving in the UK
- Restored by the seller over seven years covering mechanicals, bodywork and interior
- Factory handbooks and wallet
- Service books and workshop books
- Various spares
- Old photographs of the car
- Cranking handles
- Original Jack Barclay price list showing James Young as the most expensive option
- We are told there are no service records available
- Always dry stored by the current keeper
- Early 4.3litre car
The Condition
- Recently restored car finished to a high standard in factory-correct colour scheme
- Silver Dualic over Oxford Blue paintwork
- James Young Sports Saloon four door coachbuilt bodywork
- James Young special bumpers and sports seats fitted
- One of six cars believed built to this specification
- Retrimmed interior finished in grey leather with contrasting dark blue carpets
- Interior presents very well with high quality trim finish
- Rare car with no interior division
- Wood veneers in good order across dashboard and doors and picnic tables
- Trimmed boot area in dark blue with grey piping
- Underside in good order with evidence of restoration and undersealing
The Silver Wraith was well regarded as a very comfortable touring car and the James Young bodywork was noted in period as a perfect complement for this style. It certainly looks resplendent in the factory-correct colour scheme of this car, which was recently restored over seven years to a clearly high standard.
The interior follows a similar pattern, the quality retrim retaining the James Young sports seats of this model. It is also notable for its lack of division between driver and passengers.
Across the interior, exterior and underside the quality of the restoration is evident. The car’s sparing use since this work was recently completed means the car comes to market in very good order.
The Mechanics
- 4,257cc straight six Rolls-Royce engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Rebuilt engine and running gear
- Little use since this work was completed
The early Silver Wraiths, up to October 1951, were built using the smaller 4.3litre version of the firm’s smooth straight six engine, all mated to a 4spd manual gearbox. After all, this was a time when most were chauffeur driven and the idea of automatic gearboxes to ease the driver’s workload was not on the agenda.
This car was returned to the UK in 2013 by the seller who then embarked on a seven year restoration project using renowned specialists. This work included restoring and renewing the mechanicals across the engine, gearbox and running gear. The car has barely been used since this work was completed so comes to tbe buyer in good order with no known running issues.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ 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 recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1951
- Make Rolls Royce
- Model Wraith
- Colour Multicolour
- Odometer 38,220 Miles
- Engine size 4257
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Ludlow
- Location Shropshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
Make an offer
This seller is open to offers. Enter the amount you'd like to pay and if your offer is accepted, a member of the team will be in touch.
Under offer
This seller has accepted an offer.
Click the star to watch the listing and keep an eye on it in the favourites section of your account, or search for something similar.