1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Project

Powering Rolls-Royce’s post-war range was a new 4,257cc six-cylinder engine of cast-iron, monobloc construction with aluminum cylinder head featuring overhead inlet and side exhaust valves.

Only the bore and stroke dimensions were shared with the pre-war overhead-valve Wraith engine, the major advantage of this 'F-head' layout being its large valves and generous water jacketing around the valve seats.

A four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh was standard initially, an automatic option (for export models only at first) not becoming available until 1952, at which time the engine was enlarged to 4,566cc and a long-wheelbase (11’ 1”) version introduced.

Manufacture of the short-wheelbase ’Wraith ceased in 1952, with a total production of 1,144; the long-wheelbase version continued until the introduction of the Phantom V in 1959, by which time 639 chassis had been completed.

Finished in a two-tone yellow and brown paint job, a walkaround of the vehicle shows no major damage to the exterior. That being said, the car has acquired a wide variety of blemishes over the years. Every side of the Wraith has some kind of scratching and chipping to be observed. The panel gaps do look rather uneven around the doors and based on the photos we imagine the driver’s door is having some difficulties closing properly. Glass around the car is in nice condition showing no major chips or cracks. Chrome as a whole is also in nice shape, although the edges of the front bumper have a bit of a curve to them. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ hood ornament appears to be missing as well. The wheels are in solid shape and would benefit greatly from a polishing, and tire tread looks decent, but we always recommend a new set.

The interior, much like the exterior, is in solid shape but hosts quite a bit of wear as well. Starting up top, the yellow headliner appears to be hanging tightly in place, but a closer look reveals that all the edges of the headliner are deteriorating. Moving down, the wooden inlays are a mixed bag. Some pieces appear to have their shine still intact, but others have fallen victim to heavy wear. The black leather seats up front are also heavily worn. The leather has not been treated with care and as a result the leather has faded quite aggressively. The rear seat is a much different story. The carpets lay flat, the folding seats present decently, and the leather rear bench appears to be in nice condition. Overall, the interior to this Wraith is in solid condition, but there is a long list of interior components that need attention.

Lifting either side of the hood reveals an engine bay that has certainly seen better days. Most of the components under the hood have dried dirt or some level of surface corrosion attached to them. A hefty power washing could greatly improve the way this engine bay looks, but more work will likely be required as well. Under the body, the undercarriage is decent at best. The frame sports layers of surface corrosion in some areas, the leaf springs show some corrosion and are also heavily caked with dried mud or dirt, and the exhaust shows discoloration that is commensurate with the age of the vehicle.

The original color of the car is noted as being two-tone but instead of yellow and brown the car was apparently black and ivory. A snippet from Rolls-Royce classifieds of the car states that the vehicle received a “thorough overhaul, refurbish, and repaint completed by Compton’s of London”. This suggests to us that the vehicle has been repainted more than one time. Based on the documents available to us we believe the seller took ownership of the vehicle in August of 2014.

The Silver Wraith was a heavy contributor to Rolls-Royce’s modern success. The preceding 20/25 helped carry the company through the Great Depression, but the Silver Wraith helped set the standard going forward. Today’s example has bumps and bruises both inside and out. Tending to them will certainly return this car to its former glory, but it won’t be a quick weekend-job to get everything in order. Driver quality overall, yet loaded with potential, we believe this Silver Wraith’s value is somewhere between $16,000 and $24,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.