1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith

“This is a classic car that you can literally jump in and drive,” says vendor, Gordon Glen. “Whether locally, to Goodwood – as I did last year, from my home just north of Glasgow – or on longer tours with the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club. 

“I own my own workshop and petrol station, so all my cars are very well maintained”. ‘All’ is the key word, and reason, why this majestic and tremendously well-sorted Silver Wraith is now up for sale. “I have 22 cars, which in reality is far too many. I’m running out of space and as I’m 67 years-old now it’s time to reduce the collection”.

So, what will the next owner be getting? Well, the answer is a Rolls-Royce that’s had the big jobs – engine (with new cylinderhead from Jack Barclay in London), gearbox and brakes – all rebuilt, as well as a variety of other works completed, during Gordon’s 20 years of ownership. 

“I’ve likely spent around £70k on the car during that time. I had the engine rebuilt by specialists, ditto the gearbox and brakes. The car was re-wired where needed and interior woodwork was redone and re-veneered, with new leather fitted to the front seats. Custom lambswool mats replaced the tired originals. The bodywork too, has had some restorative work”. 

The Wraith has an illustrious history – its first owner being Sir Henry James Ross, former president of Distillers Co Ltd – as well as some recent small-screen fame, having appeared in the BBC drama Murder is Easy during Christmas 2023. 

“It’s a great car for family days out and as I said, it’s supremely reliable as evidenced by my trouble-free recent trip down to Bonhams|Cars Online’s HQ in Oxford to deliver it for sale”. 

As mentioned above, the stylish bodywork also received substantive restorative attention from Gordon’s favoured specialist, Classic Restorations (Scotland Ltd) of Blairgowrie, Perthshire. It’s worth viewing the invoices in the car’s history file in our Photographic Gallery to see exactly what has been completed. 

Suffice to say, craftsmen analysed each panel and the car’s underlying structure before carrying out any necessary repairs. The net result is car that presents very smartly indeed. Panel fit looks to be excellent, with first-class shut-lines. The Black over Blue paintwork is holding up nicely and remains sharp. Door bottoms are clean and solid, as our photos demonstrate. 

Brightwork, and there’s a lot of it, is generally very good; in particular, and perhaps most importantly, that large imposing radiator grille, which lends the Wraith its imperious demeanour. Headlights, specified when new, are the superior ‘American’ sealed beam units and spot-lamps are fitted at the front. “I’ve also had two LED spotlights under the front bumper, a high-intensity rear brake light and a rear fog light all added for improved safety,” adds Gordon.

The wheels and chrome centre caps do have a little surface corrosion, so the next owner may decide to smarten them up. Tyres look to be in good condition with no cracking of the sidewalls. 

Regal. 

The Wraith’s cabin, finished in Blue Connolly leather up front and a marginally more vivid Blue West of England cloth in the rear, is simply glorious. Factor in the walnut veneers, sumptuous bespoke lambswool rugs and it’s a match made in Rolls-Royce heaven. 

Condition-wise, it’s excellent. The headlining doorcards, both in matching Blue, are first class, and with occasional seats (also finished in matching West of England cloth) it’s capable of carrying an extra large family in style to any event of their choosing. 

Heck, even the original decanter is in place, as ordered by Sir Henry James Royce! However, the glasses are replacements.

The also car comes with a glass division, as originally specified. 

It’s elegant, luxurious and quite simply, wonderful. 

“If you look underneath the Wraith you will see that the chassis is nice and solid. As well as having the engine rebuilt with new liners and the gearbox rebuilt, the car has had new fuel pumps. The exhaust system too is in good nick, having been replaced a few years ago”.

Of course, what comes across clear from Gordon is just how sorted and driveable the car is. “I’ve been a member of the RREC for over 30 years and enjoyed many a tour in this car. It’s just such a reliable classic. On the road, it sits lovely at 55-60mph and it will do that all day long”. There’s no doubt that that’s down to the regular fiscal outlay on the car’s mechanicals – both in terms of the big-ticket restoration items and general day-to-day maintenance. 

As our Video Review above shows (at 3mins 28secs), the 4556cc in-line six-cylinder engine fires first time and settles down into smooth tickover. It’s a fruitier sounding unit than the later near-silent V8 that followed it and here, perhaps all the better for that. You get a thrummy intake noise allied to a rakish sounding exhaust note.   

The history file includes the original order sheets from Hooper & Co Coachbuilders detailing the car’s original colour of a Black exterior with a Fawn cloth interior (except for the front seats, which were to be finished in matching leather). The order saw the specified exterior colour subsequently changed to Nepalese Green all over. 

Options ordered included an automatic gearbox, a radio with extension speaker, flashing indicators and a mohair rug. In addition to this, a further order included two decanters and four glasses to be added to the rear passenger compartment. This is of interest as a note states: “Delivery is required the third week in April. This is very important as the Distillers Company have some important visitors coming from America and will naturally with (sic) to use the car”. You will also find delivery and snagging sheets. 

In terms of Gordon’s ownership, there are upwards of 50 invoices from the time spent in his care. It’s worth both taking your time to electronically peruse them and also note that a letter from Classic Restorations (Scotland Ltd), dated 30 March 2011, stated, “We have examined and tested the above motor car, and have found it to be in excellent condition in every way”. 

A large sheaf of expired MOT test certificates is also present, as well as the V5c Registration document, which notes that the Wraith has had three owners from new. 

Finally, you will find a recent online vehicle history check and a selection of photographs showing the vehicle, now with a Black over White colour scheme, as purchased by Gordon.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith remains in first class condition.

With an illustrious first owner and equally so body by Hooper, this long wheelbase Silver Wraith Limousine is both rare and “…As regal as Blenheim Palace and almost as capacious”, says consignment specialist, Paul Hegarty. 

It comes with the original build order sheets from the coachbuilder, as well as a plethora of invoices for the significant restorative and maintenance works carried out during the enthusiast vendor’s own custodianship of the car. Oh, and by way of a bonus, it’s also had that relatively recent bit of small screen fame on the BBC. 

Presented in lovely condition and in wonderful driving health, we think that this Silver Wraith is more than a little bit special. As such, it should realise somewhere in the region of £35,000 to £45,000; anywhere within that range would be absurdly good value for such a rare and grand old dame such as this. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.