1947 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Hooper Bodywork

Highlights

• Very rare Hooper coachbuilt bodywork
• Unmodified example retaining its original inline-six engine
• Extensive file of invoices
• New tyres and battery recently fitted
• Front windscreen professionally restored with correct chrome metalwork

The Appeal

Looking at a '40s Roller betrays just how 'right' the Crewe marque got their machines from the off. Their first post-war model is still every bit as recognisable as a newer car, with a distinguished upright grille, sweeping curves and an altogether palatial eye for luxury. The Silver Wraith, however, was a strictly bespoke, coachbuilt machine - this particular one appearing to carry the highly desirable Hooper bodywork, only 3 of which were bodied in '47 and 48.
This was an era when chauffeur driving was popular, so the plush driver's array is separated from a beautiful passenger cabin with a drinks cabinet, footrests, picnic tables and - for the time - rather futuristic push-button adjustable seats. It was a car aimed at the elite, with built-in exclusivity that screams 'old money'.

This 1947 example has been in its current ownership since mid-2021 and remains original, with all of its early features still present and correct. The vendor tells us that the car is running correctly, and the car is reportedly capable of reaching 60 mph. Recent investment includes new tyres all round, including the spare, a new battery, and a professionally restored front windscreen using correct chrome metalwork. The leather seats were renewed in the 1990s, and the car still carries its original valve radio, though it is no longer functional.
Loaded with character, antique charisma and still remarkably classy - we think this car ticks all of the boxes.

Key Information

• Mileage: 67,607 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: UK (reimported from the USA in 1990)
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 4,250cc inline-six petrol, four-speed manual
• Paperwork: Plenty of invoices, original US title, photocopied history cards, correspondence, etc

The Detail

• One of only 3 1947-1948 Wraiths to carry Hooper bodywork, per the Rolls-Royce enthusiasts' club
• Originally registered in Norwich, UK
• Later exported to the USA
• Based in Missouri for much of its life
• Imported to the UK in 1990
• Original engine, reported to run correctly
• New tyres fitted all round, including the spare
• New battery fitted
• A few minor marks on the paintwork
• Driver's side rear door needs hinge adjustment to prevent scraping the paintwork; interior screws may need tightening
• Brightwork contrasting nicely, with gentle patina
• Front windscreen restored with correct chrome metalwork and refitted, for which paperwork is available
• Leather seats renewed in the 1990s and now carrying a gentle patina
• Original controls, right down to the adjustable seat buttons
• Oil pressure gauge needle is stuck at 40 psi regardless of whether the engine is running
• Original valve radio from new is still fitted but not working
• All switches reported to be in working order
• Modesty panel reportedly in good working order
• Fan belt on the water pump squeaks and may need replacing
• Clutch slips under hard acceleration but is reported to be fine during normal driving

BEFORE YOU BUY

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