1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith LWB

There was a total of 1,883 Silver Wraiths produced, and today’s example is a coach-built James Young Limousine. The Silver Wraith had undergone several upgrades during its production life. The engine is a 298.2 cu in straight-six featuring an F-head configuration of overhead inlet valves, side exhaust valves, and reshaped combustion chambers, all mated to a 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.

This Silver Wraith is finished in an utterly stunning, metallic, Sea Green. We cannot sing the praises of this color enough; it is truly fantastic. That being said, there are some chips in the paint where the hood meets the body, along the edges of the doors, and on the back end of the car. There are scratches in the paint by the chrome grille, and on the passenger side rear quarter panel. Most of the chrome around the car needs polishing but all of it is straight, speaking of polishing, the wheels could use some as well. Curiously, the tires have been through quite a bit of wear, but overall, the exterior of this Wraith is in good condition.

The interior of this car is much like any other Rolls Royce one might find, stunning. Emerald green leather sprawls throughout the cabin like an overgrown forest. The seats up front show no signs of ever having been sat in, and the rear bench looks ever so slightly stretched. Green floormats in the rear match the bench seats, and brown carpet pieces protect the ones up front. The steering wheel and dashboard appear to be in great condition. Wooden inlays in this Wraith are abundant and further serve the forest feeling the car exudes. Most of the wood is in great shape but there are some scratches in the wood on the rear doors. The door panels look great, almost as if they just left the upholsterer, but some of the construction in the back seats is questionable. Nothing comes close to raising any red flags, but the leather on the armrests at each side of the rear bench isn’t tight. Nothing is falling apart, that one area just looks a little hastily put together.

We are pleased to report that there is no major damage underneath the car. Corrosion is also extremely limited, which is also great news. Nothing is even close to actively decaying, but there is surface corrosion to be seen along the exhaust and the front skid plate.

Records available for this car are slim. What we do know is that the car was acquired by the seller in 2013. However, the build sheets are available, and they tell us quite a lot. The car was built for US specifications. The steering column was cut to be 1 inch shorter than normal, but the steering wheel was to remain at its standard height, and the ‘reverse button on [the] column quadrant [was] deleted.’

The Silver Wraith is a wonderful automobile with darling styling. The seafoam green paint on this car really pops and looks astonishing in the sunlight, white wall tires also add a nice bit of flare. This Silver Wraith is a rare example coach-built by James Young Ltd. and makes this auction a great chance to own an early British ultra-luxury vehicle in an extraordinary color with an equally incredible interior.

The Market by Bonhams is excited to offer this car with no reserve for online auction at an estimate between $40,000 and $60,000.

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.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS