Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith 1956
General description :
1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Long Wheelbase James Young SW10 Sports Saloon with DivisionThere are few cars as majestic as a Rolls-Royce in the immediate post-war era as exemplified by this handsome and graceful example. Burgundy over black with tan interior. LELW88, as prefixed by 'L' decodes as a car that was delivered new in the rare left-hand drive form in which it remains to this day, while the additional 'L' in the middle of the VIN confirms it to have been a long wheelbase series car. This Silver Wraith is made even more special by its elegant aluminum coachwork by James Young - style reference 'SW10' described in the literature as a 'saloon with division' and of which only four were ever produced in left-drive. At some point, over a decade and a half ago, the Rolls was restored to its presentation of Brewster Claret over Masons Black with Beige whipcord fabric both front and rear. Joining the previous owner's collection in 2014, the Rolls has been minimally enjoyed since. It runs and drives but servicing is recommended prior to active road use. This example was newly delivered in March of 1956, to Mr. George Widener. According to records provided by the Rolls-Royce Foundation, Mr. Widener would keep his Silver Wraith for two years before trading it in for another car with J.S. Inskip. The next owner was Ethel Chesbrough Cates, who acquired the car on May 8, 1958. The wife of Louis Shadduck Cates, the chairman of the large mining company Phelps Dodge, Mrs. Cates would sell the car in May of 1961. By 1964 it was with George W. Huguely, Jr. of Washington, D.C. and eight years hence in the garage of Anthony L. Korteweg of River Edge, New Jersey. There is no recorded history beyond that. A unique opportunity to acquire an exceedingly rare and special machine, the perfect car for touring. Coachwork by James YoungChassis no. LELW88One of only 4 left-drive examples built by James YoungA fine, older restorationOriginal left-hand drive carThe last word in automotive luxuryPrice: $49,500
1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in New York by Gullwing Motor Cars for $49500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Rolls-Royce Model : Silver Wraith Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1956 Location : Astoria Vehicle Registration : Undefined
49500 $
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About Rolls-Royce
Well, ladies and gentlemen, today we're diving into the illustrious history of a brand that has always embodied the very essence of British luxury and craftsmanship - Rolls-Royce.Our story begins at the turn of the 20th century when two visionaries, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, decided to join forces. In 1904, the very first Rolls-Royce was born, the Rolls-Royce 10 hp. It was a modest start for a company that would go on to redefine automotive excellence.
But it wasn't until 1907 that Rolls-Royce truly made its mark with the introduction of the Silver Ghost. It was hailed as the "Best Car in the World" and set the gold standard for luxury motoring. With its whisper-quiet engine and exquisite craftsmanship, it was a statement of opulence and refinement.
The 1920s brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom I, an icon of its time. It was the first Rolls-Royce to feature a 6-cylinder engine and set the stage for the legendary Phantom line. This was the era when the Maharajas of India commissioned custom-bodied Rolls-Royces that were nothing short of automotive palaces.
Fast forward to the post-war years, and we have the Silver Cloud, a symbol of post-war British optimism. The Silver Cloud was elegance personified, with its flowing lines and handcrafted interiors. It was the choice of royalty, celebrities, and captains of industry.
But if we're talking about the epitome of Rolls-Royce luxury, it's the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, which graced us with its presence from 1968 to 1991. This was a car that made the statement that "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it." Customization was the name of the game, and the Phantom VI was a canvas for the world's wealthiest to express their unique tastes.
Now, it's impossible to discuss Rolls-Royce without mentioning the Rolls-Royce Corniche. Produced from 1971 to 1995, it was a convertible and coupe version of the Silver Shadow. The Corniche was the quintessential grand tourer, a car for those who wished to traverse continents in absolute luxury.
But, alas, even the mightiest must face their decline, and Rolls-Royce was no exception. The company went through financial turmoil in the 1970s and 80s, leading to the takeover by Vickers plc. Then came the controversial BMW and Volkswagen ownership period, which divided enthusiasts.
Rolls-Royce regained its footing under BMW ownership, and the new millennium brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, a return to the company's roots of uncompromising luxury. The Phantom VII was a testament to British engineering and craftsmanship.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings us to today. Rolls-Royce continues to produce some of the most opulent, bespoke vehicles on the planet, a symbol of British imperiousness that has not waned with time. The spirit of Sir Henry Royce and Charles Rolls lives on in every car that bears the Spirit of Ecstasy, a testament to the enduring legacy of British automotive excellence.