• Year of manufacture 
    1937
  • Chassis number 
    WXA5
  • Lot number 
    728
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

1937 Rolls-Royce Wraith Limousine Project
Registration no. RC 4624
Chassis no. WXA5

Development of the pre-war 'small' Rolls-Royce, which had begun in 1922 with the introduction of the 20hp, culminated in 1938 with the arrival of the Wraith. Replacement for the 25/30hp model, the Wraith retained its predecessor's engine dimensions for a capacity of 4,257cc, but almost every other aspect of its overhead-valve, six-cylinder engine was new, the most obvious difference being the adoption of a superior, cross-flow cylinder head, first seen on the 4¼-Litre Bentley. This extensively revised power unit was mounted in an equally new chassis. Like that of its larger sibling, the Phantom III, the Wraith's frame featured cruciform bracing and independent front suspension based on a General Motors design. It need hardly be stated that the Wraith improved on its predecessor's already high standards of silence and smoothness, though the benefits of the new engine's extra horsepower were largely offset by heavier coachwork. Sadly, production was curtailed by the outbreak of WW2 after just 491 cars had been built.

The fifth production chassis completed which is believed to be one of just 7 in this configuration, was purchased as a restoration project around eight years ago from the Realcar Co, Wales and has remained in dry storage since acquisition. The engine has been rebuilt but the car has not been run in as the electrics need rewiring – it does however run. Offered for re-commissioning/restoration and sold strictly as viewed, the car comes with copy chassis cards, a logbook, and a Certificate of Title.


Bonhams 1793
101 New Bond Street
London
W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
First name 
Bonhams Collectors’ Car department

Phone 
+44-2074685801
Fax 
+44-2074477401