The first car offered by Rolls-Royce following the war, the Silver Wraith would go on to be the de-facto choice of state cars for a number of countries across the globe, and reassure onlookers that despite the recent conflict, England was still an industrial powerhouse with the ability to produce high-end luxury vehicles. 

Produced by Rolls-Royce at their Crewe factory (which was also where the Spitfires’ iconic Merlin engines were produced) the Silver Wraith was built as a chassis only, and then owners shipped them off to their coach-builder of choice for the bodywork. 

For the first time, the gearbox was a synchromesh item, though this wasn’t the only new feature seen on the Silver Wraith. Chromium-plated bores featured in the straight-six engine, while a more rigid chassis was constructed in order to work with the new independant front suspension setup.

With plenty of official state appointments, including the state car for Denmark, Ireland, Brazil and more, it’s clear that the Silver Wraith made its mark on automotive history, and now it’s your chance to own a slice of that history.

This particular example is a 1948 Silver Wraith with bodywork by the well-known Hooper coach-builders, and it certainly turns heads wherever it goes. When people conjure up images of classic Rolls-Royces in their heads, it likely looks exactly like this Silver Wraith. 

Kept in fine mechanical fettle throughout its life and in particular during its current ownership, this is a clearly cherished and well-loved Silver Wraith, which is only being sold due to the vendor downsizing their extensive luxury vehicle collection.

As you’d probably expect for a vehicle of this calibre and vintage, the history file is extensive. 

With a number of big-ticket items such as a full carburettor rebuild, solenoid rebuild, starter motor rebuild and semaphore indicator timer rebuild having been ticked off the list at great expense, this Silver Wraith is ready to be put to work straight away by its new owner, safe in the knowledge that extensive overhaul and refurbishment works have already been carried out. 

Supplied with the V5, two Rolls-Royce service handbooks, old MOT certificates and a plethora of invoices, this is a very well-documented example of the classic Silver Wraith.

Step inside this Silver Wraith, and it’s like travelling back in time. Settle into the deep-cushioned rear seats and imagine how the wealthy used to travel - every journey is a special one.

The headliner is still taught and free of damage, however as it swoops down towards the rear window it appears to have been worn away over the years, as can be seen in the photographs. The rear seats are in fantastic condition, as are the carpets, though the sills to the door steps are starting to show signs of wear. 

Up front, the drivers seat displays its usage with a number of small marks, but there doesn’t appear to be any tears or damage to the seat. The only noticeable marks to the interior are those to the woodwork surrounding the instruments on the dash and around the glovebox, which can be seen in the photographs. Everything appears to be working as it should with the exception of the clock, which either needs winding up or has stopped.

Overall, the interior of this Silver Wraith is in fine condition, and is a true ‘step back in time’ for those lucky enough to take a journey in her, especially in the back seats as Rolls-Royce intended.

The stunning lines of the Hooper coach-built bodywork are enough to draw a crowd wherever you go, and make the occupants of the vehicle feel like royalty - there was a reason that these Silver Wraiths were used as state cars!

The exterior presents in absolutely outstanding condition, with no major marks, scratches, stone chips or any signs of damage to the ash-framed bodywork. The rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors are an important part of the appeal with this Silver Wraith, and all open and shut with ease.

The chrome detailing, bumpers and trim are all in great condition, with only very minor signs of age-related patina beginning to show on high-traffic areas such as the door handles and front bumper.

Fitted with a push-button start from the factory, this Silver Wraith quite literally starts ‘on the button.’

Starting with ease and settling into idle without hesitation or fuss, this example has clearly been well-maintained and kept in fine fettle throughout its lifetime, with the extensive invoicing backing this up. 

Once warmed up, the car behaves absolutely fantastically on the road, though the unusual driving position of having the gearstick on the right of the driver does take some getting used to. All four gears engage with ease and the car starts, stops and pulls exactly as it should.

Currently fitted with period-correct cross-ply tyres, the vendor notes that modern radial tyres are available for this vehicle, should the buyer wish to make the change.

If you’re wanting to live like royalty, or at least travel like them, then this is the vehicle for you. Stunning Hooper bodywork, excellent mechanicals and a rich history all come together to make this Silver Wraith a very attractive proposition for any vintage car enthusiast. 

Equally, there is always the wedding car angle, and with the Silver Wraith having a proven history of popularity it could an excellent addition to any wedding car fleet. 

If you’re wanting to make any journey feel special, then this 1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith is the car for you.


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