The Rolls Royce Silver Wraith was one of the first post-war cars for the British luxury brand and with its long wheelbase, it certainly kicked things off in style. Indeed, offered as a rolling chassis to which owners would fit a coachbuilt body, it was often transformed into a plush limousine.
This particular car from 1956 is just that, presenting splendidly in James Young WRM 35 S styling. Just 16 bodies of this style were ever built according to the records. Finished in a non-original two-tone red and cream paint, chassis LELW39 is surely one of the most gorgeous Silver Wraiths around.
Inside, it is all about comfort with a driver separation screen and full bar installed in the rear compartment. The full cabin was retrimmed around 30 years ago and still presents beautifully today. A brilliant opportunity for any Rolls Royce aficionado, this car will be perfect for any collector.
Retrimmed 30 years ago – still presents brilliantly
Excellent limousine interior, very comfortable
Original specification
Around 30 years ago, this Rolls Royce limo was sent back to the UK for a full interior retrim. Indeed, the luxurious cabin was reupholstered in the exact specification with which it left the factory all those years ago. Despite the time since this work, the interior still presents in fantastic condition.
The cream leather seats look great with very few signs of wear whilst the carpets also look very nice and clean. Wood trim adorns much of the dashboard and door cards and looks good, as does the headlining which seems secure. Glass separates the driver’s compartment from the rear cabin whilst a full bar is installed for passengers to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the odometer very recently got stuck and has not moved since, but we have been assured by the vendor that very few miles have been covered since. Furthermore, they inform us that there are no other faults inside.
With space for seven in comfort and eight legally, this Rolls Royce is the perfect chariot for any memorable event. Indeed, it is surely the go-to transport for weddings.
The boot features a spare wheel as well as a slightly incomplete original toolkit.
Limousine coachwork styling by James Young – one of 16 examples
Great exterior specification
Impressive stature on the road
Much like the interior, this car’s exterior has also received a lot of love throughout its existence. Indeed, soon after being bought by its current owner in 2004, the car was fully resprayed in this two tone red and cream design, available from the factory.
Indeed, the car was originally sold in a shade of blue the owner did not like and was transformed by this recent respray. Today, the paintwork presents in a fantastic condition, a testament to its secure garage storage that has clearly protected it.
In addition, during the paintjob, it was discovered that the body is made of aluminium, a rare feature of the coachbuilder James Young’s limousine Silver Wraith body. In fact, the body style reference ‘WRM 35 S’ was produced just 16 times by James Young according to the records.
The paintwork is complemented by the traditional chrome details. Indeed, the mirrors, light surrounds, bumpers, large front grille and stunning Spirit of Ecstasy all sparkle in the sunlight.
This two-tone design pairs well with the white wall tyres present with the car. The matching red hub caps also tie the specification together in a very good way. Underneath, the chassis is particularly clean with very little corrosion evident bar some minor front-end surface rust.
Under the bonnet of this stunning luxury automobile resides the modest 4.6-litre straight-six providing 135hp to the rear wheels, but not before passing through the four-speed auto gearbox.
Throughout its life, this car has been well cared for as its many invoices will prove. In more recent years, the current owner has done all repairs and servicing themselves, preserving parts invoices as proof. Elsewhere, it has been kept under cover in a garage throughout its current ownership and, whilst it used to run for weddings and events, it now drives rarely.
With rare James Young coachwork styling, this 1956 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith presents in fabulous shape. In fact, that rare body work is beautifully complimented by the two-tone red and cream paint job dating back to 2004. Inside, the car presents in fantastic condition despite the most recent retrim being completed in the 1990’s.
Mechanically, it is reportedly in fantastic condition and runs just as it should. The owner does not use the car very often in recent times, so it will be happy to leave the garage more frequently with its new owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1956 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith Limousine
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