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Books Models Highlights Cars
of 1998 |
Car
of the Month - November 2001 |
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 During the pre-war period as regards Upper Crust motor cars it was common practice in Europe and particularly in the United Kingdom, to deliver only chassis cum engine. Choice of coachbuilder and body was left to the customer. The sale of complete cars had become more and more popular during the 30ies but Rolls-Royce decided to proceed unaltered when in 1946 the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was launched as the company's first post-war model. Demand for complete cars ex factory was met by offering the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and the sister models Bentley Mk VI and Bentley R-type. Hence it is fair to state that the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith has been the last chassis from the company, on which a wide variety of different coachwork-designs was realised, all of these reflecting individual preferences.
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Such attention to detail can be detected anywhere on this Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith. Material and craftsmanship are to a tremendously high standard. During its lifetime this car enjoyed a similarly high standard as regards maintenance which no doubt is the decisive factor that the car is still in fine condition.
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lion's share of work was entrusted to English coachbuilders, although
their number was dwindling. British designers (or the customers?) were
rather reluctant to accept modern stylish lines, hence the majority of
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith appear very conservative. Top-class workmanship
and high-value materials were used but the appearance was distinguished
rather than dynamic. When Axel Johnsson, who had residences in England and in
Sweden, placed an order for a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith he decided that
his car should not receive coachwork from a coachbuilder in the UK.
