Vehicle Description
Welcome to this absolutely magnificent example of a 1939 Wraith
saloon. Fully restored in a deep maroon with rich chocolate hides.
The level of restoration is so detailed that you could not
reproduce this today without spending 2-3 times the asking price of
this car. THAT is how good she is. About the Wraith: The 25/30hp
model, the new small Rolls-Royce, was first exhibited at Olympia in
October 1936, and although borrowing many of its design features
and retaining the finest qualities of the exceptionally successful
20/25hp model, it now featured a significantly enlarged engine
displacing 4,257cc. Following this model, the Wraith had a
production run from 1938-39, just over a year, manufacturing
interrupted by the outbreak of hostilities of WWII. A lineal
descendant of the 3.1-litre 20hp small Rolls-Royce, the Wraith was
produced alongside the V12 7.3-litre Phantom III, with just 492
Wraiths produced. Introduced to this model is the use of
independent front suspension, a scaled down version of that fitted
to the Phantom III. De-luxe models like this one have a factory
heater. The rarest of all Rolls-Royces and mentioned in Tom C
Clarke's book 'The Rolls-Royce Wraith', 'The Rolls-Royce 25/30 &
Wraith' by Bernard L King, the 25/30 Wraith Register, and known to
the RREC too, this is indeed a very special Rolls-Royce 25/30hp
Wraith. From private ownership in the hands of a few fastidious
owners in the last 30 years, who throughout their ownership have
continually strived to keep this car in the condition in which it
was in when first registered to Jack Barclay in 1939. Some 20 years
ago, the car was completley restored and as you will see through
all the photos, there was no expense spared. In addition to all
mechanical restoration; body-off, repaint, full rechroming,
complete interior refinish of wood, carpets, head-liner and
leather. The leather work is simply outstanding and for those who
know me, I am very critical of this aspect of car restoration. The
head-liner is a suede finish and please note what might look like
marks, are in fact the changes in the natural nap of the suede. It
is in perfect condition. Everything has been restored from each and
every bit of switch gear on the dash down to the driving pedals. On
today's "numbers" the restoration coast is in the $125-150,000
range. The attention to detail on everything, is commendable and
amazing! The car drives like a dream. Very smooth and without the
typical bumps and rattling you would normally expect from lesser
examples, even average ones. Tyres are 100% period correct
6.00/6.50-17 cross plies. This is a fantastic opportunity to
acquire a very rare collectable war-time Rolls-Royce at a price
that represents at least half the cost of buying a lesser car and
restoring today. This one is not just a beautiful example to own
and enjoy but is truly of any Rolls-Royce show and display. This
car would certainly take an award accordingly.
