Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith History

The word “Wraith”  means ghost, sprit or apparition

The Silver Wraith model was introduced by Rolls-Royce in 1946.

It was built by order from individual customers until 1959 during which time 1,883 were produced at the Crewe factory.

All these cars bodies were bespoke built by independent coachbuilders.

At different times during the period ’46 to ’59, a range of engines were used, a range of wheel base length were supplied and a number of gear boxes options were available, but all of which came under the title “Silver Wraith” 

This number built seems quite high, however, the Crew factory only ever built a running chassis, this was then supplied to the customer who then had a favoured body designed and fitted by their coachbuilder.

Having a Rolls-Royce car built to your design was an option only available to the very wealthy or heads of state. It is for these reasons that very few examples are the same.

Our 1953 Silver Wraith is only one of only seven built to this style, the full history of which is on another page.

Both our “Silver Wraiths” were built for Rolls-Royce who supplied the running chassis to “James Young Limited” for the body’s to be fitted for exhibition at motor shows.

The 1949 car.

Work began on this vehicle in 1948 and has a vast “pre war” influence.With huge stand alone head lights, trafficators and a single fog light.

All the panels were hand beaten into shape and fitted onto a timber framework.

It was ordered from “James Young Limited” by Rolls-Royce, for exhibition on their stand at the 1949 London Motor Show but before the show opened it was moved to the James Young stand.

Purchased by Le Baron as a non-runner, semi derelict, it was restored over some 18 months and is now presented in our choice of Ebony and Ivory colours.