Rolls-Royce Silver WraithRolls-royce Silver Wraith |
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Make : Rolls-Royce
Model : Silver Wraith
Coachbuilder : Hooper
Body Type : Sedanca de Ville
Colour : Garnet over Dusk Grey
Trim : Grey
History : Chassis No ALW47 is perhaps Hooper?s most elegant post war Sedanca de Ville and is featured and illustrated in the book ?The Classic Elegance? by Lawrence Dalton. It was built to the order of Nubar Gulbenkian in 1953. Armenian born Gulbenkian was a very colourful character, described as a flamboyantly bearded and monocled devotee of fox hunts, orchids and Rolls-Royces. He is understood to have kept a suite all year round in Piccadilly?s famous Ritz Hotel giving him swift access to the exciting nightlife in West London where he conducted his playboy style pursuits. His shrewd and successful family?s vast wealth had been accumulated in the oil business and Nubar was not shy when it came to spending his fortune. He had a passion for Rolls-Royces, in particular Silver Wraiths bodied by his preferred coachbuilder Hooper. Gulbenkian is understood to have had four Silver Wraiths commissioned and bodied by Hooper, including a Perspex top saloon and an open tourer. ALW47 is perhaps the most balanced and stylish Silver Wraith Gulbenkian had created with the Empress style coachwork sitting particularly well on the long wheel base chassis of the 1950?s Silver Wraith. This unique motor car comes with a range of interesting features which should come as no surprise judging by Gulbenian?s character. The driver?s compartment is trimmed in grey leather and can be easily adapted for open driving with the original coach key which comes supplied with the car. One smooth turn of the key releases the back section of the roof, revealing a compartment for the Sedanca style roof to slide into once released from the clasps that sit above the windscreen. It is a very simple yet ingenious design way ahead of its time. The rear compartment is fitted with large and luxurious reclining seats trimmed in West of England cloth for added silence and comfort. An electric division, electric windows and air conditioning were also specified when ALW47 was built, and are all still in perfect working order. The dashboard, door fillets, window frames and rear division rail are trimmed outlandishly in snake skin, which we believe to be python. Gulbenkian is known to have liked his chauffeurs to drive in a brisk style and had a speedometer fitted to the rear division rail so he could keep an eye on his employee?s progress. The rear compartment speedometer is complemented by a time clock, which is a consistent feature in all of Gulbenkian?s Silver Wraiths. Frank Dale & Stepsons restored ALW47 to concours condition in the mid 1980?s and the car still presents superbly. It is a pleasure to drive and has been used by Frank Dale & Stepsons on several rallies and at social occasions. It comes complete with a detailed history file documenting the correspondence between Gulbenkian and the Hooper works manager during the cars conception in 1953. ALW47 is a superb and stylish Silver Wraith with a very interesting history, fully prepared and ready for touring.
Condition : An older concours restoration, still in very good condition.
Technical Data : Four speed manual gearbox, 6 cylinder in line configuration engine, 4.5 litres displacement, 4566cc capacity. Drum brakes servo-assisted.
If you would like to make an enquiry about this
vehicle, please contact us Phone 020 8847 5447
Colour: Grey
Right-hand Drive
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Derivative: Condition: 60+ Good Year: 1953 Ad Type: For Sale Private or Trade: Trade Ad Keywords: Rolls-royce Silver Wraith |
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