Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith (1946 – 1959) Review

As was the way with many British car companies, Rolls-Royce re-started production after WW2 with a car very closely based on the pre-war Wraith. The 1946 Silver Wraith used the same 127-inch chassis as its predecessor, but had an upgraded engine and was offered with more contemporary coachwork. It was still very upright and traditional, though - just as a flagship should be. 

At first, the Silver Wraith was available only for export, its home market having to wait until 1948 before home sales commenced. It featured coil sprung independent front suspension and semi-elliptic rear with a live axle, and had an interesting hybrid hydromechanical braking system. Initially, it was powered by the 4257cc straight-six engine closely based on the pre-war unit, but this rose to 4566cc in 1951 and then again to 4887cc in 1954.

The Silver Wraith was offered as a bare chassis only, and it was up to the owner to have a coachbuilder construct the body, with Mulliner proving the most popular option.