Vehicle Description
1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Long Wheelbase James Young SW10
Sports Saloon with DivisionThere are few cars as majestic as a
Rolls-Royce in the immediate post-war era as exemplified by this
handsome and graceful example. Burgundy over black with tan
interior. LELW88, as prefixed by 'L' decodes as a car that was
delivered new in the rare left-hand drive form in which it remains
to this day, while the additional 'L' in the middle of the VIN
confirms it to have been a long wheelbase series car. This Silver
Wraith is made even more special by its elegant aluminum coachwork
by James Young - style reference 'SW10' described in the literature
as a 'saloon with division' and of which only four were ever
produced in left-drive. At some point, over a decade and a half
ago, the Rolls was restored to its presentation of Brewster Claret
over Masons Black with Beige whipcord fabric both front and rear.
Joining the previous owner's collection in 2014, the Rolls has been
minimally enjoyed since. It runs and drives but servicing is
recommended prior to active road use. This example was newly
delivered in March of 1956, to Mr. George Widener. According to
records provided by the Rolls-Royce Foundation, Mr. Widener would
keep his Silver Wraith for two years before trading it in for
another car with J.S. Inskip. The next owner was Ethel Chesbrough
Cates, who acquired the car on May 8, 1958. The wife of Louis
Shadduck Cates, the chairman of the large mining company Phelps
Dodge, Mrs. Cates would sell the car in May of 1961. By 1964 it was
with George W. Huguely, Jr. of Washington, D.C. and eight years
hence in the garage of Anthony L. Korteweg of River Edge, New
Jersey. There is no recorded history beyond that. A unique
opportunity to acquire an exceedingly rare and special machine, the
perfect car for touring. Coachwork by James YoungChassis no. LELW88
One of only 4 left-drive examples built by James Young A fine,
older restoration Original left-hand drive car The last word in
automotive luxuryPrice: $49,500
