Lot details
Registration No: NYM 267
Chassis No: WEC35
Mot Expiry: July 2005

This 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith rolling chassis WEC 35 was first bodied by Park Ward as a six-light limousine on the instruction of His Majesty's Government for Paris embassy duties. According to the RREC, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain used the Wraith during his peace negotiations between France and Germany. Newsreel footage captures Chamberlain traveling in a Rolls-Royce Park Ward limo (the embassy would not have had more than one).
Before the fall of France, WEC 35 returned to London and, following a change of PM, Winston Churchill was photographed leaving Number 10 in a Park Ward bodied Rolls, almost certainly this vehicle. Postwar, it resumed its Paris role from Ist January 1946.
Following 1953 disposal, however, WEC 35 was rebodied as a hearse by coachbuilders Alpe & Saunders of Royal Kew Gardens and, as such, was registered 7 August 1953 with current NYM 267 registration, carrying out funereal duties until 1998 when it did some film and TV work.
Extensive restoration followed with bare metal repaint in Powis Grey over Masons Black, windows resealed, seven seats retrimmed in blue leather and woodwork repolished. The 4.2-litre six was serviced, front suspension, steering joints and brakes overhauled, exhaust system and all four tyres renewed. Road wheels have the correct disc covers, jack and toolkit are present. Returning to the road in 2003, it is said to drive very well with quiet engine, excellent oil pressure and efficient cooling.