Beschreibung:

In April 1946 the first post-war model from Rolls-Royce had been revealed to the public: the Silver Wraith. Following their pre-war tradition of manufacturing a rolling-chassis only, Rolls-Royce delivered these cars to be bodied by independent coachbuilders. Enjoying a seven-inch longer wheelbase than its Bentley Mk. VI sibling, the newcomer was based around a massive, box-section chassis equipped with independent front suspension, hydraulic shock absorbers (adjustable to the rear) and four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by a smooth 4257cc six-cylinder engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the model appealed to both owner-drivers and passengers alike. The Silver Wraith outlived the Mk. VI and in fact survived until 1959 having been modernised step by step with vital improvements like automatic gearbox becoming an option in 1952 and power assisted steering in 1956. An engine bored out to 4,566cc had been phased in 1951 and in 1954 capacity was increased to 4,887cc. The Silver Wraith was the last Rolls-Royce model to show a vast variety of coachwork styles. This Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was originally ordered to coincide with the 1950 Earls Court Motor Show. As for the stylish four door sports saloon body, this was hand crafted by the renowned coachbuilder James Young Only 1,144 standard wheelbase Silver Wraiths were produced, only 27 of design number WR25 were made all of which were fitted with a glass division. The vendors believe, only seven of these 27 special order Silver Wraiths have survived to this day. Mechanically, we are informed that this Rolls-Royce is in running condition and starts. As regards the bodywork, this has been totally stripped and only requires light restoration prior to paint. However, apart from the inherent desirability of this rare Silver Wraith model, it also has note worthy provenance increasing its desirability. During its life it has been owned by the Johnson and Johnson family, hence the registration change to JNJ 18 from the original number which was WHD 96. In 1963, ownership then changed to His Grace, The Duke of Wellington, whose signature remains on the original log book. Complete with many original documents, copies of which are included in the sale, are held in the Rolls-Royce enthusiasts club archives. Complete with servicing receipts, original log book, old MoT test certificates, original hand book, current V5 and numerous photographs, this is truly a rare find and an exciting restoration project.