1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith

87 Bids Winner - harryclark
1:07 PM, 09 May 2022Vehicle sold
Sold for

$44,250

Winner - harryclark

Background

The Silver Wraith was the first post-war Rolls Royce. It was made from 1946 to 1958. It was meant to fill the role as Rolls Royce’s smaller car, the size being chosen to stay up to date with the mood of post-war trends. Improvements over the 1939 Wraith were as follows: chromium-plated cylinder bores, a more rigid chassis frame, independent front suspension, a synchromesh gearbox, and centralized chassis lubrication.

  • LWME84
  • 705 TMU
  • 4.6L I6
  • auto
  • Red
  • Red / Leather
  • Left-hand drive

Vehicle location
Los Angeles, United States

Background

The Silver Wraith was the first post-war Rolls Royce. It was made from 1946 to 1958. It was meant to fill the role as Rolls Royce’s smaller car, the size being chosen to stay up to date with the mood of post-war trends. Improvements over the 1939 Wraith were as follows: chromium-plated cylinder bores, a more rigid chassis frame, independent front suspension, a synchromesh gearbox, and centralized chassis lubrication.

Overview

The Silver Wraith had undergone several upgrades during its production life. The engine is a 278.6 cu in straight-six mated to the 4-speed manual with synchromesh. The chassis to these Silver Wraiths differ heavily from the pre-war Wraiths and are notably more rigid. The braking system is a hybrid hydro-mechanical system with hydraulic front brakes and mechanical rears.

Exterior

The exterior of this Silver Wraith is a two-tone brick red and silver paintjob. It is in excellent shape, but not without some minor marks. There appears to be a scratch on the driver’s side rear fender, but other than that there is no other damage to be seen. The chrome around the car is straight, although some of the pieces at the front could definitely use some polishing. There are various paint chips in the panel gaps, and a rather sizable mark down at the bottom of the driver’s door. Marks can be found on both rear quarter panels, but they are minor at best. The white-wall tires could use some scrubbing, but they have a fair amount of tread left to go, and the hubcaps are clean.

Interior

The interior to this Rolls Royce is in great condition, especially for a 70-year-old vehicle. The red leather seats up front are wonderfully clean and only show minor signs of creasing, and the rear bench looks even better. The carpets are clean although the mat fits awkwardly around some of the pedals. Furthermore, the face of one of the pedals appears to have come loose from its adhesive. The wooden inlays around the interior look excellent, and the door panels are clean. However, the passenger rear door panel seems to have been punctured by a small piece of metal. The trunk contains a number of extra parts, and it appears that an aftermarket stereo has been fitted for a touch of modernity as well.

Mechanical

The underside of this Silver Wraith is clean. From the frame to the suspension components, and everything in between, there is no major surface corrosion to note. The exhaust may show some discoloration in a few areas, but that is completely normal for a car this old. Photos underneath the car show the vehicle has no major damage to hide.

History

This Silver Wraith was delivered to the first owner located in Brooklyn, New York in April of 1969. The second owner sold it to the third in 1992, and the seller acquired the car in 2013.

Summary

The Silver Wraith is a handsome luxury vehicle with iconic styling. This two-tone, Brick Red and Silver combination is highly unique and sure to turn heads wherever it goes. On top of that, the interior is as clean as the frame it rides on top of. This Wraith needs just a little bit of cleaning up around the edges to turn into a bona fide showstopper.

The Market by Bonhams is excited to offer this Silver Wraith for online auction with no reserve and an estimate between $35,000 and $50,000.


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’.

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


As soon as The Market by Bonhams will receive your payment, The Market by Bonhams accounts service will inform the manager of the storage where your car(s) is stored: a release note will be sent to THEM.

Storage fees will kick in 48 hours after the auction end. Storage is $39 per day.

Purchases will only be released when cleared funds are received. All vehicles must be collected after the payment of funds. All storage charges must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation.

Storage charges payment must be arranged with the storage company. Collection is strictly by appointment only.

Photographic ID will be required at time of collection.

Direct contact @ CARS for enquiries as follows:

CARS USA

Robin Grove

+1 (310) 695 6403

robin@CARSUSA.com

STORAGE CHARGES

$39 per car per day from 48 hours after auction end.

About this auction

Seller

Private: undefined


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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