1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith: Aristocrat on wheels

1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith: Aristocrat on wheels

Engine Inline 6Horsepower 126 HP at 3750 RPMEngine Location Front Drive Type RWD Weight 1956 kg Transmission 4-speed manual

The pinnacle of luxury, performance, and style, Wraith was the power to drive the imagination. It was built for those who lived for luxury, and for those who wanted to emphasize their status. This groundbreaking automobile was the true icon of automotive history, an example of the genius masterpiece of handcrafted luxury.

Source: Mason & Sons

The Wraith was a car of great presence and refinement, with excellent build quality and materials throughout. Its sharp looks and impeccable appearance meant that there was plenty to enjoy – but what set the automobile apart from lesser cars was its extraordinary performance. 

Even during its release, it was considered a true rarity with only 492 released vehicles during the two years of production. Often it was compared with its bigger counterpart Phantom III and was rightfully considered a beginner of the RR “baby” model line.

The origins

Source: David Ekberg

A newly welded chassis, light-alloy 4257 ccs six-cylinder engine, excellent performance, and compactness had made this automobile one of the most popular and beloved Rolls ever made. When it was introduced to the public in 1938, it immediately received the most flattering reviews from the automotive press for its exceptional noiselessness and sophisticated design. The well-known “Autocar” Magazine described the model as follows: “It doesn’t matter what speed is on the speedometer. The vehicle is exceptionally light and quiet, as befits the automobiles of this brand”. 

Traditionally, the bodywork for the brand had been made by eminent British coachbuilders such as Mulliner, Park Ward, or Hooper. The chassis of the automobile alone cost around £1,100, while the Park Ward Touring body cost £1,695. The glorious procession of this vehicle was stopped by WWII, and the company switched to the production of the aircraft engines such as Merlin.  In addition to the noble owners, the model belonged to the royal garage, as well: it was owned by the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Of the 492 cars produced in two years, a small part of them could be shipped to the United States because of the war, where Rolls-Royce vehicles were insanely popular. Automobiles that reached the US were right-hand drives and were imported and assembled by Inskip.

The 1939 model year

Source: Bonhams

Compared to previous massive models, the 1939 version, like the first Wraith, looked compact. It had a welded chassis and a light-alloy six-cylinder engine with a volume of 4257 cm3. The Inline 6-cylinder engine was paired with a 4-speed gearbox and was also equipped with drum brakes on all wheels. By the way, the chassis with a wheelbase of 136 “(3450 mm) for the first time for Rolls-Royce was made by welding, not riveting. In addition, the automobile received an independent front suspension on springs from Packard 120 and controlled hydraulic shock absorbers, which made it no less comfortable than the Phantom III. The last Wraith left the Derby factory in 1939 and became the last pre-war model of the brand. At the time of the termination, a total of 492 automobiles of this glorious series were produced. After the war in 1946, the model was reborn as the Silver Wraith. This pre-war luxury coupe was a masterpiece of style, grace, and elegance. The Wraith’s interior was hand-crafted and the finest available, with flowing lines and minimal ornamentation. With hand-buffed gloss Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, hand-polished chrome finish for door sills, handle, and filler cap came as a standard feature along with exquisite interior stitching.  A combination of fine British leather, wood veneers, and satin chrome gave it a classic look that was impossible to resist.

Did you know?

Source: Mason & Sons

The Maharaja of Gwalior ordered a 1939 edition but never received the coveted automobile because of the outbreak of World War II. He canceled the order and the vehicle was put into storage for the British royal family. For some time it was used by Lord Mountbatten as a staff car.

Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.

1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith: Aristocrat on wheels

Engine Inline 6Horsepower 126 HP at 3750 RPMEngine Location Front Drive Type RWD Weight 1956 kg Transmission 4-speed manual

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