Summary

Unique coachwork by Franay of Paris. Shown at the 1947 Paris Salon and the 1948 Deauville Concours. Fascinating known Egyptian and Saudi Arabian history. One of the most beautiful Silver Wraiths ever built.

Details

The Silver Wraith was intended to be Rolls-Royce's ultimate model during the late 1940s and 1950s. As such, the vast majority of the 1,883 chassis delivered in 13 years were fitted with large saloon and limousine bodies. Exceptionally rare were the Silver Wraiths delivered with two-door bodywork, and rarer still were convertible styles, which could be considered the ultimate Silver Wraiths. Perhaps the most desirable of all would be a French-bodied Silver Wraith Convertible that was built to a unique design and had period concours history, such as the example offered here. Chassis number WVA63 was delivered as bare coachwork to Carrosserie Franay of Paris. It is one of only 11 Franay-bodied Silver Wraiths, and of those, only two were cabriolets. Its unique design features rounded, crowned front fenders and sweeping rear fenders, and both are subtly outlined with chromed brass in a style reminiscent of Figoni et Falaschi. A low windshield and top, that lies nearly flush with the bodywork when folded, serve to further smooth the car's appearance and accentuate its curves. The molding down the rear deck suggests a dorsal fin, as on many great French bodies of the 1930s. With this design, Franay succeeded in building a British car that looks very French, with just enough Gallic flair to set it apart from the crowd. The Silver Wraith has been recently restored, and it presents in stunning black with burnt orange 'flares' along the fenders, setting off their curves. A matching, beautifully tailored leather interior offers the opulence for which Franay was known, with its richly upholstered seats and 'sunburst' door panels. Combined with the spectacular burled walnut dashboard and door cappings, the result is warm and comfortable yet still elegant. The car wears British registration FJH 679, the number under which it was registered during its time in England in the early 1950s, probably during Dr. Abdel-Latif's well-traveled ownership. It is accompanied by Rolls-Royce Foundation documentation and copies of articles in which it has been featured over the years. This Silver Wraith is a beautiful example of French custom coachwork on the finest British chassis of its era, and it has everything the Rolls-Royce enthusiast looks for: unique design, period show appearances, and a fascinating history. It stands ready to begin the next chapter in its exciting, adventurous life.