Lot details Registration No: RC 5007 Chassis No: 25GVI Mot Expiry: Oct 2004
This 1937 Rolls-Royce Wraith, chassis number 25 GV1, was the second experimental Wraith made in April 1937 with registration RC 5007. As with all new R-Rs in those days, a 15,000 miles endurance was conducted at Chateauroux in France. On return to Derby, the car rejoined the development programme. 25 GV1 was then bodied as a Sports Special by Park Ward and reportedly renumbered in factory records as WXA 4, though the chassis plate still bears 25 GV1. Between 1938 and 1939, a total of 491 production Wraiths were produced.
In August 1939, this Wraith passed to the Transport Department, being used by Ernest Hives himself. It remained on the factory fleet at Barnoldswick until November 1953, when sold to Newmans of London who sold it to South Africa, where it remained until 2000. The head was overhauled and hardened valve seats fitted for unleaded, while electrics, upholstery, dashboard and tyres/tubes received attention.
RC 5007 has taken part in the 2002 RREC Irish Tour and other RREC events over the last four years. Condition of coachwork and ivory paint is said to be good, black interior very good and 4257cc 6-cylinder engine and 4-speed manual gearbox in good order.
This car illustrated the Wraith sales catalogue and was road tested in the 7 October 1938 issue of Autocar. Pictures appeared in various publications, including on pages 115/6 of 'Rolls-Royce and Bentley Experimental Cars' by Ian Rimmer.
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