Highlights

One of only 492 pre-war Wraiths built
Extensive bodywork and woodwork restoration
Leather seats refurbished in 2024
Presents beautifully in black and red with grey leather interior
Documented history and with current keeper for 16 years
Registered in the Irish Republic, facilitating easier import to European countries
Comprehensive history with MOT certificates dating back to the 1960s

The Appeal

The Wraith was the last of a particular sort of pre-war Rolls-Royce - ultra-low volume limousines supplied as chassis for a range of coachbuilding craftsmen to complete.

This 1939 Wraith was purchased by a customer in Cambridge and sent to Windover’s of London who applied the bespoke bodywork and interior you see today. The subsequent history is well known and the mileage history is carefully documented in a raft of MOTs dating back to the 1960s.

The car was extensively restored a few years ago - there are photos of the work available to view - and finished in its current fetching red and black colour scheme. The work included bodywork fettling and remaking the woodwork where required. In 2024 the grey leather seats were refurbished.

It has been in the hands of the current keeper for 16 years. He has clearly looked after it, treating it to regular outings with the local Rolls-Royce Club.

This car is very well presented and a timely reminder of a bygone era of coachbuilt mastery. Everything is reported to work ‘perfectly’ - even the rear electric blinds - and it will certainly stand out wherever it goes.

The vendor writes:

"The vehicle drives perfectly. I have travelled on many weekends away with my local club with no mechanical issues. It offers both a nostalgic driving experience and reliable performance."

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 26 May 1939 to Mr. John Means Esq, Belton House, Wisbech, Cambridge, United Kingdom
DVLA reports five registered keepers but that may be higher due to limits of DVLA record keeping
Current keeper for 16 years
Coach built by Windover’s of London
Chassis number WMB77 and was issued with registration number FXE 867 when new
Original UK registration reinstated in 2005 after being re-registered as GSV 695 in the late 1970s – early 1980s
Spent time in Scotland and the Isle of Man
Current keeper has MOT certificates going back to the 1960s
One of 492 Wraiths built between 1938 and 1939
Current owner has covered approximately 8,000 miles
Current mileage is 54,000 miles which cannot be verified due to five digit odometer
However there is a huge collection of MOT certificates dating to 1960s documenting mileage
Registered in the Irish Republic as ZV50650, facilitating easier import to European countries
Currently in Northern Ireland and registered in the United Kingdom
No import duties for mainland UK according to seller
Photos of the vehicle during repair period included
Delivery can be arranged to mainland Europe
UK V5C and Irish registration documents as shown
Luggage case and steel wheel trims included as shown

The Condition

Restored car fully resprayed in black and red to a high standard as shown
Few indications of use following restoration work and no paintwork damage reported
Bodywork presents very well and was also restored prior to painting
Bodywork repaired with aluminium, matching the original material
Chromework is generally good with front bumper, grille and trim all in good order
Some tarnishing on the rear bumper, which could probably do with rechroming
Currently fitted with painted wire wheels with matching spare in good order
Vintage tyres fitted all round which appear to be in good condition
Interior timber repaired and re-lacquered during restoration
Seats re-padded, leather repaired, and refurbished in 2024
During restoration some timber frame replaced by a shipwright, mainly in the boot area
Smart interior veneers as shown across dashboard and doors
Fitted with a cabin divider as shown
Grey carpets in good order with light signs of age but not unsightly
Grey leather interior with folding middle bench
Electric rear blinds all work correctly
Headlining and other fittings including switchgear, dials and door cards all in good condition
No reported faults with lights, electrics or dials

The Mechanics

4,257cc 6cyl 30bhp engine
4spd manual gearbox
Well maintained car with no reported faults
King Pins on the front suspension replaced
Engine had pistons and bearings replaced when purchased
The vendor states the vehicle drives perfectly

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..