According to a recent report from Kelly Blue Book, the average new car today costs over $47,000. That’s shocking to nearly everyone. And yet, if you’re so inclined, you could have one of the world’s finest luxury cars in your garage for about half the price. Sure it might have a few miles on it and might need some work, but imagine waking up each morning knowing you own a Rolls-Royce.
For example, consider this 1951 Rolls-Royce Wraith recently offered on eBay. It hearkens to an earlier time immediately after the Second World War. The auto industry was either bombed flat—as in Europe—or wholly converted to war material production in the US. On both sides of the Atlantic, automakers brought back their cars produced before the war.
That’s why this Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, with a limousine-style body by Park Ward, looks like the British car company made it much earlier. It’s a coach-built car in the style of the 1930s. The original Wraith dates from 1938 and was—then and now—a stately machine.
The first iteration was produced only for two years and was discontinued in 1939. Rolls-Royce built only 491 before the war. It came back as the 1946 Silver Wraith. This first postwar Rolls-Royce was produced from 1946 to 1956. This smaller chassis was in line with postwar belt-tightening, though it looks rather imposing in the photographs. Customers who wanted a larger Rolls had to order a Phantom V, though it helped if you were a head of state.
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Burled Wood, Smiths Gauges, and a Privacy Window
An aluminum-block 4.2-liter six—lightened from the earlier Wraith—provides the power. And the four-speed manual transmission is fully synchronized. There is centralized chassis lubrication, too.
While Silver Wraiths of this type were bodied by several bespoke coachbuilders such as James Young, Mulliner, and Hooper. This is an in-house build. Park Ward had suffered financial difficulties and was then acquired by Rolls-Royce.
Coachbuilders of the period took the bare chassis and mechanical components supplied by the manufacturer (in this case, Rolls-Royce) and would design a custom body out of steel or aluminum.
The car on eBay is right-hand drive and was presumably delivered new to a British customer. The burled-wood dashboard, Smiths gauges, and fender skirts are lovely details. The privacy window separating the hired help from the passengers is a cool touch you don’t see these days.
More Than A Showpiece
Shop now for Rolls-Royce parts
These cars were never numerous on the ground, but eBay has an abundant supply of parts. So if a badge or two is missing, you’ll find them on eBay.
Any Rolls-Royce is a fascinating yet relatively expensive machine to own. However, the 1951 Wraith recently offered on eBay, or a similar one, could be a money-making car for an enterprising owner. With some time spent polishing the details, an affordable Rolls-Royce could be a marvelous chauffeured limo for weddings and other special functions.
