Vehicle Description
Amidst the settling dust that marked the end of World War II,
Rolls-Royce found itself at a crossroads. The company hadn't built
an automobile since 1940, as they directed all resources to the
aero-engine plant in Crewe in support of the war effort. Some
within the company felt it was not worth returning to motorcar
production and that aero engines should become the number-one
priority for the future. Thankfully, there were enough champions of
Rolls-Royce motor cars within the ranks to convince the board
otherwise, and soon an all-new model was on the drawing board. The
Silver Wraith became Rolls-Royce's debut post-war offering, holding
the distinction of being the first model built in the now-legendary
Crewe factory. That facility already had an extensive machine shop
and a full staff of skilled workers, making the transition from
Merlin engine production to motorcar production relatively
straightforward. The new Silver Wraith was, for all intents and
purposes, a clean-sheet design for the modern era. It served as the
standard offering, with only the ultra-exclusive, eight-cylinder
Phantom IV (just 18 built) sitting above it. The Silver Wraith used
the 4.25-liter inline six-cylinder engine, featuring an F-head
design with 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. It was
not until the Silver Dawn that Rolls adopted Standard Steel Saloon
as pioneered by its mechanical twin, the Bentley Mk VI. 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. With its elegant coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, chassis
number WAB20 is a marvelous example of the stately and imposing
Silver Wraith. This stunning Rolls-Royce comes with a large history
file spanning its more than seven decades of ownership. Build
records provided by the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club document the
car's history from the chassis' completion in March of 1948, to its
shipment to H.J. Mulliner coachbuilders. Mulliner records indicate
the order was for style number 7055, the elegant Sedanca De Ville.
Assigned body number 4909, this car features several individual
touches, including an electrically operated division window,
electric rear sunshade, drinks cabinet, and radio. Delivery took
place in August 1948 via Loxham's Garages, Ltd, with the first
owner listed H. Kamiya Esq, of Lytham St Annes. Subsequent owners
are well-documented via the chassis cards and history files, and it
remained in the U.K. for much of its early life when, in 1972, it
came to Canada. Owned by clothier Edward Chapman, Ltd, the
Rolls-Royce often appeared on display in his famous Vancouver
store. After many years with the Chapman family, it transferred to
Mr. Robert Wadden, a dedicated marque enthusiast who served as the
chair of the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club, B.C. Region. In Mr. Wadden's
hands, the car received an exhaustive, nut-and-bolt,
photo-documented restoration spanning the better part of ten years
and completed in 2002. The goal of the project was to make it a
reliable long-distance tourer, as well as a high-scoring RROC show
car. Handling the project was R.X. Autoworks of North Vancouver, a
highly respected restoration shop with numerous awards at Pebble
Beach, Villa d'Este, and the Monaco Concours. They painstakingly
restored WAB20, finishing it in a gorgeous combination of Masons
Black with tan body sides, over a striking red leather interior.
Mr. Wadden eventually sold the car to a collector from New York
State who continued to care for and fine-tune it for judged RROC
events. Most recently, WAB20 was part of a significant private
collection, and it presents in outstanding condition, with a gently
matured restoration that still looks ready for show or touring. The
paintwork is superb, with gorgeous black wings and upper panels
contrasting the cream-colored body sides and wheels. Panel fit is
exemplary, with doors that operate with the quality expected of a
coachbuilt Rolls-Royce. The chrome is in excellent order all
around, with only some minor patina visible on the radiator shell.
Styling is similar to the Mulliner Touring Limousine, except for
the opening driver's compartment, which lends the sharp, formal
appearance. The separate headlamps and large center-mount Lucas fog
lamp give the car a stately, pre-war character. From new, this car
featured tan broadcloth upholstery in the rear, with leather in
front. For the restoration, Mr. Wadden chose striking red Connolly
hides for the seats and interior panels. Other materials include
West of England broadcloth headlining and Wilton wool carpets. All
of the original woodwork was restored to a very high standard,
using book-matched, edge-banded walnut veneer on the dash, door
caps, and the impressive center division panel. The elaborate
fittings are correct for this car, as noted on the H.J. Mulliner
build sheets, including fold-down tray tables, fold-away footrests,
flush cabinets housing a crystal decanter set, and the original
radio. In addition to the superb soft trim, the electrical
equipment is restored, including the electric rear blind, electric
division window, radio, instruments, and trafficators. The
original, numbers-matching 4.25-liter inline-six received a
complete overhaul as part of the restoration. The project included
new bearings, valves, guides, resurfaced block, reground crank, and
a rebuilt clutch and pressure plate. Factory-correct surfaces were
restored, and hardware nickel plated as needed. The presentation
remains excellent, with a slight character from use, but highly
correct and to original specs. It has consistently scored high
marks (and numerous trophies) in RROC concours events while also
proving to be a reliable tour car. Accompanying the car is the
original under-dash tool kit, numerous ribbons and awards, and the
history file documenting its restoration, service, and show
participation through the years. We rarely encounter examples of
the Silver Wraith restored to such a meticulous standard, and this
superb motorcar is sure to satisfy the most discriminating
collector, with its beautiful presentation and superb mechanical
condition, it is ready to provide many pleasurable miles on the
road. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7527-1947-rolls-royce-silver-wraith-sedanca-deville/