Vehicle Description
The Silver Wraith holds two notable distinctions in Rolls-Royce
history: as the company's first post-war production car and the
first model built in the now-legendary Crewe factory. The new
Silver Wraith was a clean-sheet design for the modern era. It
served as Rolls-Royce's primary model, with only the
ultra-exclusive, eight-cylinder Phantom IV (just 18 built) sitting
above it. The Silver Wraith featured a 4.25-liter inline
six-cylinder engine with an F-head arrangement that uses overhead
inlet valves and side-mounted exhaust valves. Keeping with
Rolls-Royce tradition, the Silver Wraith was sold only as a rolling
chassis for delivery to outside coachbuilders. Between 1946 and
1958, Rolls-Royce produced a total of 1,883 Silver Wraiths. Today's
enthusiasts cherish the Silver Wraith for the way it combines a
classic pre-war aesthetic with refined, post-war performance.
Rolls-Royce production records show chassis number WDC89 was
outfitted from new with H.J. Mulliner's handsome Sedanca de Ville
coachwork. This formal design features an enclosed rear passenger
compartment with a retractable hood over the driver's compartment.
H.J. Mulliner's designs of the period featured aluminum skin over
wood framing, and the company was known for its distinctive "razor
edge" designs with narrow windshield pillars. Records show that
WDC89 was originally finished in black paint with tan Connolly
hides and extended walnut trim. Further specifications from the
factory included a pair of occasional rear seats, folding tables,
and rear radio, which all remain with the car today. Details within
the chassis records indicate WDC89 was initially ordered by dealer
J. Cockshoot & Co., Ltd for J. Walsh, Esq, though it appears the
car was delivered to L. Harris, Esq. in August 1949 via the dealer,
A. Owen Limited of London. The ownership history is well
documented, showing the Sedanca de Ville remained in England until
1966 when it was acquired by the noted classic automobile dealer
Bob Cochran of Eugene, Oregon. In 1965, Cochran hired a broker to
find him a Rolls-Royce limousine, and when the man traveled home to
England to buy this car, he was immediately arrested and jailed on
an unrelated charge! Believing he was out the money and the Rolls,
Cochran was surprised when, months later, the man's father phoned
to tell him the car was paid for and on its way to Oregon. Bob
Cochran kept the Silver Wraith for a few years to promote his
imported car business, eventually selling it to Larry Campbell. In
1973, Campbell traded WDC89 to his business partner, Dan Leahy, who
intended to use it to shuttle his real estate business clients. For
the next 38 years, WDC89 remained preserved in static storage on
Leahy's estate. After its discovery in 2011, it was sold in 2012 to
the most recent custodian. As presented today, WDC89 benefits from
a thorough cosmetic restoration, highlighting H.J. Mulliner's
exquisite design. In the most recent owner's nearly decade-long
tenure, the Rolls-Royce received a cosmetic restoration and
additional mechanical sorting. Most notably, it was refinished in
this striking combination of cream and metallic bronze. The paint
and chrome are superbly detailed, further complimenting the formal
coachwork. Additional fittings include a centrally-mounted driving
lamp, Lucas fog lamps, cream-colored wheel covers with chrome
centers, and whitewall tires. The cabin was restored with tan
upholstery in both front and rear compartments. Original interior
features include folding jump seats, a retractable glass partition,
picnic trays, and a rear radio console, and the extensive walnut
burl wood trim has been professionally restored to a bright,
high-gloss finish. The switchgear, controls, and instruments are
proper original items, and a modern audio unit is mounted in the
rear divider panel. Mechanically, the Silver Wraith is in good
order, with the 4.25-litre inline-six running well, sending power
through a four-speed manual gearbox. It has the solid character and
appeal of a car that has never been completely disassembled and is
well suited to continued enjoyment on relaxed touring events and
weekend drives. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7147-1949-rolls-royce-silver-wraith-sedanca-deville/
