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COACHWORK BY H.J. MULLINER, LONDON
Details
1958 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER WRAITH LIMOUSINE
COACHWORK BY H.J. MULLINER, LONDON
Registration No. Not UK registered
Chassis No. HLW 50
Engine No. L 49 H
Black with tan leather to front, fawn Bedford cord to rear.
Engine: six cylinder in-line, overhead inlet, side exhaust valves, 4257cc, dual choke Stromberg carburettor; Gearbox: manual four-speed with synchromesh; Steering; power-assisted; Suspension: independent front by wishbone and coil spring, half elliptic springs to beam rear axle, ride control; Brakes: servo-assisted hydraulic front, mechanical rear. Centralised dash-controlled chassis lubrication. Right hand drive.
In the austere years after the end of the second world war, Rolls-Royce embarked on a well-judged new policy. No longer would they rely exclusively on the sometimes excrutiatingly drawn-out business of supplying chassis to specialist coachbuilders, there to have costly painstakingly-constructed bespoke bodywork mounted upon them. Instead, they introduced an attractively-styled four door standard steel saloon. To test the water, perhaps to avoid sullying the hard-earned Rolls-Royce cachet by any reduction of exclusivity, the all-steel cars were at first only built as Bentleys. The policy was a considerable success, for the cars were clearly as refined and built to the same high standard of engineering as ever. Eventually the all-steel Bentleys were joined by the very similar Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn in 1949. Meanwhile, to meet the rather smaller but still worthwhile market for specialised coachwork, Rolls-Royce made the Silver Wraith available as a fully-equipped and drivable chassis as a basis for the specialists to ply their craft. Mechanically little different from the Silver Dawn, in the usual Rolls-Royce manner, the long wheelbase Silver Wraith chassis destined for formal use were given every minor modification to suspension, transmission and other equipment deemed necessary to make them fit for the lives they were to lead.
In 1958 the days of the Empire were numbered, but across the world British and Dominion Embassies and High Commissions still had need of automobiles which, combining the splendour of a past age with modern technology, enhanced the status of the dignatories who used them to go about their official duties. Rolls-Royce responded with approved coachwork designs and specifications which were supplied to coachbuilding houses entrusted with this demanding work. Names as august as Park Ward, James Young, H.J. Mulliner turned out many such officially-ordered limousines and landaulets, always broadly similar in general outline at any given season, but varying in detail to reflect the house style of the various builders. Altogether 639 LWB Silver Wraith limousines were built. This example carries the last but one chassis number.
Thus, this Silver Wraith limousine has H.J. Mulliner's characteristic front wingline sweeping across both doors, their long chromium plated waistline spear and wonderfully executed hard-edged shapes around screen, windows and roof. There is more than a hint of Silver Dawn standard steel saloon about the rear panelling and trunk. The long side window, with only minimal glass framing, and the slender rear quarter panel, the last specially ordered, are graceful touches. In those more secure days, royalty and their embassadors expected to be seen as they slipped past in procession. Airy windows and a rear seat adjustable fore and aft, made that possible.
The chassis build cards available from the archive of the RREC confirm that this limousine was ordered by the Commonwealth of Australia. Special features included flagstaff mountings on the wings and mascot, a fitting for a shield and blue police light to the roof, high frequency horns, blinds to division, side window and rear light. A Smiths intercommunication set went into the division. A last minute addition was for three-gallon extra capacity fuel tanks.
It is understood this Silver Wraith limousine was used during Royal visits to Australia, when H.M. The Queen Mother rode in it. It has all the accoutrements expected of these cars, including forward-facing occasional seats. Having spent much of its life in an exceptionally dry climate, it is in remarkably good preserved condition.
At the time of writing Christie's have not had the opportunity to inspect or drive this vehicle. Additional information therefore may be available during the viewing period.
COACHWORK BY H.J. MULLINER, LONDON
Registration No. Not UK registered
Chassis No. HLW 50
Engine No. L 49 H
Black with tan leather to front, fawn Bedford cord to rear.
Engine: six cylinder in-line, overhead inlet, side exhaust valves, 4257cc, dual choke Stromberg carburettor; Gearbox: manual four-speed with synchromesh; Steering; power-assisted; Suspension: independent front by wishbone and coil spring, half elliptic springs to beam rear axle, ride control; Brakes: servo-assisted hydraulic front, mechanical rear. Centralised dash-controlled chassis lubrication. Right hand drive.
In the austere years after the end of the second world war, Rolls-Royce embarked on a well-judged new policy. No longer would they rely exclusively on the sometimes excrutiatingly drawn-out business of supplying chassis to specialist coachbuilders, there to have costly painstakingly-constructed bespoke bodywork mounted upon them. Instead, they introduced an attractively-styled four door standard steel saloon. To test the water, perhaps to avoid sullying the hard-earned Rolls-Royce cachet by any reduction of exclusivity, the all-steel cars were at first only built as Bentleys. The policy was a considerable success, for the cars were clearly as refined and built to the same high standard of engineering as ever. Eventually the all-steel Bentleys were joined by the very similar Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn in 1949. Meanwhile, to meet the rather smaller but still worthwhile market for specialised coachwork, Rolls-Royce made the Silver Wraith available as a fully-equipped and drivable chassis as a basis for the specialists to ply their craft. Mechanically little different from the Silver Dawn, in the usual Rolls-Royce manner, the long wheelbase Silver Wraith chassis destined for formal use were given every minor modification to suspension, transmission and other equipment deemed necessary to make them fit for the lives they were to lead.
In 1958 the days of the Empire were numbered, but across the world British and Dominion Embassies and High Commissions still had need of automobiles which, combining the splendour of a past age with modern technology, enhanced the status of the dignatories who used them to go about their official duties. Rolls-Royce responded with approved coachwork designs and specifications which were supplied to coachbuilding houses entrusted with this demanding work. Names as august as Park Ward, James Young, H.J. Mulliner turned out many such officially-ordered limousines and landaulets, always broadly similar in general outline at any given season, but varying in detail to reflect the house style of the various builders. Altogether 639 LWB Silver Wraith limousines were built. This example carries the last but one chassis number.
Thus, this Silver Wraith limousine has H.J. Mulliner's characteristic front wingline sweeping across both doors, their long chromium plated waistline spear and wonderfully executed hard-edged shapes around screen, windows and roof. There is more than a hint of Silver Dawn standard steel saloon about the rear panelling and trunk. The long side window, with only minimal glass framing, and the slender rear quarter panel, the last specially ordered, are graceful touches. In those more secure days, royalty and their embassadors expected to be seen as they slipped past in procession. Airy windows and a rear seat adjustable fore and aft, made that possible.
The chassis build cards available from the archive of the RREC confirm that this limousine was ordered by the Commonwealth of Australia. Special features included flagstaff mountings on the wings and mascot, a fitting for a shield and blue police light to the roof, high frequency horns, blinds to division, side window and rear light. A Smiths intercommunication set went into the division. A last minute addition was for three-gallon extra capacity fuel tanks.
It is understood this Silver Wraith limousine was used during Royal visits to Australia, when H.M. The Queen Mother rode in it. It has all the accoutrements expected of these cars, including forward-facing occasional seats. Having spent much of its life in an exceptionally dry climate, it is in remarkably good preserved condition.
At the time of writing Christie's have not had the opportunity to inspect or drive this vehicle. Additional information therefore may be available during the viewing period.
Sale room notice
This car has been run briefly by us, but needs attention to the fuel pump.