1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine

The Rolls-Royce Wraith evolved from the 20/25 which became the Silver Wraith in the post-War era. The Silver Wraith was the last Rolls-Royce model produced exclusively in chassis form for bespoke custom coachwork. Though its legacy was firmly rooted in many respects in the prewar era, the Silver Wraith was nonetheless carefully and systematically updated throughout its lengthy production run, continuing as a Rolls-Royce model until 1959. The prewar F-head six-cylinder engine was retained and tuned for useable torque output.

In total, just 1,886 examples were produced with many exported to the United States.

Chassis number LHLW18
This Silver Wraith Limousine is an original long-wheelbase example in left-hand drive configuration. It was imported by Inskip Motors on September 12th of 1958 and sold to Mrs. Jessie Donahue, heiress to the F.W. Wollworth retailing family. It came equipped with a factory-fitted air-conditioning system and rear-passenger security locks. It is one of five originally produced with the H.J. Mulliner Style 7356 Touring Limousine body design including blind rear quarters.

The car is a late production example that benefits from all the mechanical improvements made to the series, including the premium 4.9-liter Continental-specification 'S' engine, improved brakes, and the GM Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic gearbox. In the front are large and original Lucas R-100 headlamps.

The car was given a two-year, ground-up restoration to original specifications. It has period-correct mason Black and Brewster Green exterior with the driver's compartment trimmed in green Connolly leather. The passenger compartment features a green West of England cloth headliner, English virgin wool broadcloth seats, green mohair carpeting, and rich wooden accents. Passenger amenities include two folding polished wood picnic tables and a power-operated division window.

After the restoration was completed, it received Second Place for Best Post War at the 2002 Rolls-Royce Owner's Club National Meeting. It received Best in Class at Amelia Island and Most Distinguished Rolls-Royce at Greenwich during 2003, followed by Best Post War Coach Built at Bridgehampton 2004. It earned Best Post War Coach Built at the 2005 Atlantic Regional Meeting and Best Post War at the 2008 National RROC Meeting.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013