An Alluring Assortment – The Wright Collection

We have another stunning collection currently available for your viewing and bidding pleasure via the Car & Classic auctions platform. The Wright Collection is an eclectic mix of classic and vintage beauties with a motorhome thrown in for good measure! We do aim to cater to all tastes after all. The eight vehicles on offer span nine decades, with the oldest being a rather fetching 1920 Texas Ranger and the only one left in existence. The rest of the collection is made up of models from the best of British; there’s a trio of Rolls Royces, a no reserve barn find Bentley, an Alvis ripe for restoration and an original XJ-S, plus the Citroën camper mentioned earlier. All are ready for the picking so get bidding on one, a few or the whole lot if you’re feeling frivolous. Whichever you choose, however, you’ll be in for a treat so let’s take a closer look at the Wright Collection, shall we?

1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit

The Silver Spirit was a bit of a step forward for Rolls Royce when it debuted in 1980 and it ushered in a new era for the luxury British car maker. Whilst this particular Mk I would benefit from some sympathetic renovations it is mechanically sound with an extensive service history and can be driven immediately, making it the perfect candidate for a light rolling restoration project.

The interior of the Silver Spirit is typical Rolls Royce quality with a level of luxury that still makes a splash today. These cars were built to impress and the wooden trim and rich magnolia leather with contrasting dark blue embellishments all still present incredibly well. There is very little in the way of wear and tear and the spacious cabin has stood the test of time better than most.

The 6.75-litre V8 is a peach and combined with the three-speed automatic gearbox it’s quintessential Rolls – a perfect pairing of powerful but wafty opulence. The appeal here is in bringing this iconic car back to its best, whilst actually enjoying the thing in the process. The anticipation of the finished article is enough to tickle anyone’s fancy, and boy will you feel fancy behind the wheel of E999 JOO.

1947 Bentley Mk VI

Bentley’s Mk VI was the first car that the British firm produced after the Second World War. It also has the distinction of being the first Bentley to be built completely in-house, which makes it that little bit more special. Make no mistake, this is a barn find and as such will need to be comprehensively restored but we can think of few cars more deserving of a recommission. This particular 4.3-litre model is far from basket case territory, however and is largely complete and totally original.

With a wealth of knowledge, support and expertise surrounding these cars a full restoration is easily within the realms of possibility and with only a shade over 5,000 cars ever produced this Mk VI sports saloon presents an incredible opportunity for one lucky bidder. With no reserve there’s also a chance to scoop up this important part of Bentley’s rich history for a bargain price.

1937 Rolls Royce 25/30

This 25/30 represents an excellent chance to own an exclusive entry in the Rolls Royce canon. With only the chassis and oily bits being built by the British company the bodies were crafted and fitted by the who’s-who of coachbuilding at the time. One such fabricator was the renowned Norwich-based firm Mann Egerton and that is exactly who produced the stunning body for this particular car.

Beautifully elegant and in fantastic condition throughout this 25/30, with its 4257cc inline-six Rolls Royce engine, is an impeccable match of pre-war performance and charm that is backed up by an impressive service history. It would make an excellent addition to any collection and is a rare example of hand-built British automotive class.

1949 Alvis TA

Another rare model with no reserve this Alvis TA saloon, with its coachbuilt Mulliner body, is ripe for restoration and would make for a rather lovely post-war, four door sports saloon when complete. That’s not to say the car is in dire straits. Far from it. This particular example, as part of the Wright Collection, presents well for its age, is a running and driving car and is largely original. Complete with a whole host of documentation, including an extensive service history, this Alvis TA has been used and enjoyed in the past, which is a good thing. The 1892cc four-cylinder engine is tried and tested and the rest of the mechanicals are reported to be fully functional.

This is a great example of quality British engineering from an compelling era in the grand automotive timeline. It’s an impressive and dynamic car that now requires a little TLC to bring it back to its former glory. Did we mention there’s no reserve?

1920 Texas Ranger

The oldest car of the bunch and a highlight of the Wright Collection is this Texas Ranger. Now you could be forgiven for having never heard of it before because only around 65 were ever made, and this is the last one in existence, so trust us ladies and gentlemen when we say this is the rarest of the rare.

The car, as well as the company that produced it – Southern Motor Manufacturing Association – has a frankly fascinating history. The firm was set up in 1920 as a front to embezzle money from unsuspecting investors, and so complete was the scam that it actually built a handful of cars as a way to tempt lenders to part with their money. The only surviving car is the one we have for auction here, backed up by an impressive history file.

Don’t be fooled by the shady back story though, these cars were built to a high standard. They had to be convincing after all. This particular “Lone Ranger” will require a rebuild of the unique four-cylinder engine, as well as some recommissioning should you wish to put it back on the road but it would arguably be as desirable to preserve it as is. The choice is yours but rest assured, whichever route you decide to take you’ll have a truly exclusive slice of automotive history on your hands.

1989 Jaguar XJ-S

Another British banger, and by banger we mean in the context of a dance floor filler, not a knackered old shed. Or a sausage for that matter. This Jaguar XJ-S is the 3.6-litre straight-six version which is a much more usable proposition compared to its V12 brother, not to mention cheaper to run. Back in the ’80s this was luxury grand touring at its finest and we would still jump at the chance to drive one of these down to the south of France.

This sleek cat is in pretty good shape overall but it will require a new ignition coil which has recently given up the ghost. The car does have a fresh MOT, however and aside from this minor fault is mechanically sound. It’s a timeless design with low mileage, a luxury interior and a strong, six-cylinder engine mated to a silky-smooth automatic gearbox. What’s not to like?

2001 Citroën Relay Motorhome

The oddball of the group, being as it is a little incongruous next to the rest of the Wright Collection, this converted turbo diesel Citroën Relay is nonetheless a top quality motorhome. The conversion – from a former medical vehicle – has been professionally completed to a very high standard and the van is now perfect for those trips away with ample room for the whole family, nuclear or extended!

With full-spec electric, water and gas installations, as well as toilet and shower systems, this camper is the real deal. Not only that but a side-mounted awning has also been fitted along with its very own solar panels. Complete with a fresh MOT the van has been rigorously maintained and serviced throughout both its former and current lives and the rugged mechanicals, including the 2.5-litre engine, are spot on. This is no standard VW Transporter conversion, oh no, this is next level – a literal home from home. Get it bought and get adventuring.

1981 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit

The second Silver Spirit in the Wright Collection but this one is a little older. It’s still a Mk I but an earlier 1981 model this time round. These ’80s Silver Spirits are starting to appreciate while still offering an affordable way into Rolls Royce ownership and buyers are cottoning on to their appeal. Much like it’s sister car mentioned above this Silver Spirit has a comprehensive maintenance and service record and presents as a tidy original example overall.

There are some age-related blemishes to the body but that is to be expected for a car of this vintage and there is nothing that cannot be resolved. The brown leather and wood interior is perhaps the stand out track and has been preserved incredibly well. Mechanically speaking the big V8 will need some fettling to get it performing at it’s buttery best but the car has just had approximately £3500 spent on it as part of an extensive mechanical refurbishment, as well as some rust repairs care of RM Restorations of Colchester.