A fine-looking example of Rolls Royce’s first post-war model
Bought from America by a collector in the Middle East
Reported by the owner to be in a ready to drive and enjoy condition
The Appeal
Rolls Royce recommenced car production in 1946 following the cessation of hostilities in the Second World War a year earlier. Although the Silver Wraith carried over the “Wraith” name from the last pre-war model, it was different in almost every respect. What hadn’t changed, however, was the system whereby the purchaser chose their car’s coachwork company from a small group favoured and recommended by Rolls Royce. In this case Park Ward were the artisans of choice and this body was their popular no. 144 version.
Little is known of our car’s background, sadly. What is known is that the car was bought from a North American divorce sale by a collector in the Middle East. The car was the shipped to the Middle East where it is thought to have undergone a restoration. Regardless of provenance, our car remains an imposing sight in its Park Ward crafted suit and is, surely, enough to quicken the pulse of any post-war car enthusiast.
The History and Paperwork
A factory right-hand drive example of the post-war Silver Wraith
Built and first registered in 1951
Made its way to the USA during its early years
Was understood to have been bought by a Middle Eastern collector, thereafter
Was thought to have subsequently undergone a restoration in Qatar
The car was reimported to the UK in late 2022
It was first registered here in November 2022
Only the current V5 in the name of the owner is on hand by way of paperwork
The Rolls Royce is registered as a Historic Vehicle
As such it is both MOT and VED exempt
The Interior
An interior which most certainly harks from a different era
In a sound condition, whilst retaining the potential for further improvement
Complete with hydraulically operated glass “privacy” screen
Whist being Rolls Royce’s first post-war car, the Silver Wraith exhibited many features that, in hindsight, would be more appropriate for an earlier time. This included the expectation, by Rolls Royce, that owners of a Silver Wraith would certainly employ a driver. Consequently, this is very much a “cabin of two halves.”
Starting in the rear then, the cabin is fitted with a very comfortable looking bench seat which is clearly designed and upholstered for two despite being wide enough for three. The centre arm rest does fold away but this would likely only be considered as an additional perch “in extreme circumstances” by an original Silver Wraith owner.
The rear cabin is delineated from the front by a leather-clad bulkhead. From the bulkhead rises a glass privacy screen, when required, to help keep the rear occupants’ conversations private from the driver. The thick, woollen carpets in the rear are edge-bound in leather and appear to be in a good condition. The door cards are finished in piped leather and walnut and door furniture is deeply chromed. Large door pockets are provided.
In the front, the accommodation seems a little more cramped despite being finished in the same magnolia hide and deep blue carpets. The door cards here contain cubbies with sliding doors. The driver’s side window-winder is noted as missing.
The large, slab fronted dashboard is finished in walnut and is populated with various white on black Smiths gauges and Bakelite style switches and knobs. Under the dashboard a later air-conditioning unit appears to have been fitted. This is possibly from its time in the Middle East where such luxuries are considered more as necessities.
Those familiar with later Rolls Royces may be surprised to note three foot pedals instead of two. Also, a manual gear lever is, unusually, located to the right of the driver to help retain bench seating for three in the front if required. At this juncture a four-speed manual was the standard fitment for the Silver Wraith with an automatic only following as an option from 1952.
The Exterior
This Silver Wraith is finished with Park Ward’s number 144 body from their catalogue
A conservative design with full rear “spats” and distinctive rising front wings
Even the original “semaphore” trafficators are fitted and operational
Starting to seem like an anachronism, even in the early 1950’s, Rolls Royce were essentially building rolling chassis of the Silver Wraith only before passing them on to the customer’s chosen coachbuilder. Park Ward was prolific at this time and this body style number 144 was one of their favourites.
The high, bluff sides, rear wheel spats and big central driving light are very reminiscent of the pre-war era, perhaps signifying that the war had not only stopped car production but also frozen car development, somewhat. That does ensure, however, that this car will be noticed, enjoyed and welcomed everywhere it goes. It is a real sight to behold.
The deep blue colourway was believed to have been applied during the car’s Middle Eastern restoration and seems to remain in a very good overall condition. The bodywork, likewise, seems straight and in generally good order throughout.
In this car the iconic “Pantheon” grill appears to be huge, no doubt exaggerated by the large headlights and oversized, single, central driving lamp. The condition of the sublime front end looks to be excellent with only a crack in the driving light lens glass noted.
The large steel wheels are fitted with the correct Rolls Royce wheel trims in chrome and body coloured paint. The high-sided, white-walled tyres set off this regal looking combination perfectly. There are some minor faults in evidence, as you would expect. Some deterioration, for example, was noted around the rear number plate surround but this appears to be easy repair.
The Mechanics
Our car features the earlier 4,257cc straight six, “F-head” petrol engine
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four speed, synchromesh gearbox
Our owner reports the car to be starting and driving and ready to enjoy
With the pressure of war bearing down on them, Rolls Royce had been unable to make significant changes to the pre-war Wraith’s engine and running gear for use in this car. Some work was done to the inlets and valves, however, which built on an already tried and tested design to produce surprising refinement and power.
Very little is known about the past mechanical maintenance of this car but the vendor is able to confirm that it starts, runs and stops and is ready for use.
The under-bonnet presentation is good overall but will present the new owner with the potential to further improve the car. The underside appears solid and will compare very well indeed with examples that have spent their life on the wet and salty roads of the UK.
Summary
Words like “stately,” “magisterial,” and “magnificent” seem to spring to mind when feasting your eyes on the Silver Wraith. Some think Nostradamus had even foreseen the Silver Wraith when he, allegedly, wrote "From Albion's shore shall come a marvellous conveyance, a carriage silincieux bearing the arms of Rolles De Roi."
Whilst we can neither confirm or deny that this happened, we can agree that the sight of a dark blue Silver Wraith riding on big white walls with its signature grill and spirit of ecstasy glinting in the sun is an absolute delight to behold. To realise that such a magnificent slice of British automotive opulence is available at such an attainable price point might have even surprised Nostradamus.
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.
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