1939 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Limousine

Lot details
Registration No: FXV 702
Chassis No: WEC20
Mot Expiry: Aug 2007

Introduced in 1938, the Wraith was notable as the first 'small' Rolls-Royce not to be named for its horsepower rating. Among the most technologically advanced models to emerge from the famous Derby factory, its entirely new 136-inch wheelbase chassis was welded rather than riveted together. Cruciform-braced and fabricated from pressed steel box-section members (complete with closing plates), this immensely strong frame had certain similarities to that of the Phantom III. As well as servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes, all-round hydraulic shock absorbers (adjustable at the rear) and fully floating back axles (incorporating a hypoid bevel differential), both models employed independent coil and wishbone front suspension. Designed to withstand the stresses of sustained high-speed running, the Wraith's 4257cc OHV straight-six engine shared the same bore and stroke dimensions as the outgoing 25/30 unit but nothing else. Boasting Hall's Metal big ends, a seven-bearing crankshaft, seven-bearing camshaft, aluminium crankcase, cast-iron cylinder block and Bentley-influenced cross-flow cylinder head, it was fed by a single Stromberg downdraught carburettor. Commendably smooth, this advanced powerplant was allied to a precise four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. Somewhat coachwork dependent, the Wraith's top speed was generally put at 85mph. Initially priced at £1,100 in bare chassis guise, just 491 are thought to have been made up until the outbreak of World War Two in September 1939.
Finished in black over white with black leather (front) and beige cloth (rear) upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "original" (paintwork), "partially re-wired" (electrical equipment), "good" (4.3 litre engine, four-speed manual gearbox, chassis, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (interior trim) condition. However, he considers that the bodywork would benefit from some "slight attention". Part of a small private collection, 'FXV 702' wears handsome limousine coachwork by Park Ward. Apparently first registered on August 22nd 1939, it is said to have appeared "on film and TV ('Take the High Road')". Stated to be "a reliable car for weddings", this rare and imposing Rolls-Royce is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 22nd 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until April 30th 2007.