1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith - Freestone Webb bodywork - Lot 102

1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith - Freestone Webb bodywork - French registration - Chassis n° WVH6 - Car presented at the 1952 Earls Court Show - Freestone Webb two-door body - One of two on record - Specific factory equipment ERRATUM: gearbox to be overhauled. Introduced in 1946, the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was Rolls-Royce's first post-war model. Designed on a separate chassis, it offered a privileged clientele the possibility of commissioning a unique body from the finest British workshops. Freestone Webb Ltd, renowned for its refinement and sense of proportion, produced a very limited series of two-door bodies for this model, of which only two are known today. The WVH6 presented here was exhibited at the 1952 Earls Court Show. It is distinguished by its special equipment - running boards, Silver Dawn-type bumpers - which underline its special status. Delivered new to Lennards Ltd of Bristol for G.R. Mount Esq on November 12, 1952, the car then embarked on an international career. It reached the United States, where it became part of an important private collection, but was rarely used. In May 1992, it was sold in Sweden and kept in a collector's garage until 2008, when it returned to the USA. It returned to Europe in 2015. In the meantime, the car was restored by Hooper Co for the famous Bond Street Association, as evidenced by a plaque affixed to the interior. This is a testament to the care taken to preserve its original authenticity and elegance. According to factory records, the WVH6 chassis was originally fitted with the W6H engine. Today, it is fitted with an engine bearing the number B 179 W, whose installation date is unknown. On its return to mainland Europe, it joined an important private collection, but never took to the road again. Acquired in 2023 by its current owner, it has simply been put back on the road, but a complete overhaul of the mechanics will be required before any trip aboard it. The interior, presented in its classic leather and wood trim configuration, retains the hushed atmosphere typical of Rolls-Royces of this era. The whole embodies post-war British refinement, combining style, distinction and a high level of craftsmanship. A rare testimony to an era when each car was unique, this Silver Wraith, bodied by Freestone Webb and presented at Earls Court, represents an exceptional opportunity for lovers of exceptional coachwork and automotive history. 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith - Freestone Webb coachwork - French registration - Chassis no. WVH6 - Displayed at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show - Two-door Freestone Webb bodywork - One of only two known - Factory-specific equipment Introduced in 1946, the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was the marque's first postwar model. Built on a separate chassis, it allowed discerning customers to commission unique coachwork from Britain's finest coachbuilders. Freestone Webb Ltd, renowned for their refinement and sense of proportion, created a very limited series of two-door bodies for the model, with only two examples known to exist today. Chassis WVH6, offered here, was displayed at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1952. It stands out with its specific equipment - running boards and Silver Dawn-type bumpers - highlighting its special status. Delivered new to Lennards Ltd of Bristol for G.R. Mount Esq on 12 November 1952, the car then began an international journey. It later joined an important private collection in the United States, where it saw little use. In May 1992, it was sold to Sweden and stored in a collector's garage until 2008, before returning to the United States. It came back to Europe in 2015. In the meantime, the car underwent a restoration by Hooper Co for the renowned Bond Street association, as confirmed by a plaque fitted in the cabin. This work reflects the care taken to preserve its authenticity and original elegance. Factory records indicate that chassis WVH6 was originally fitted with engine W6H. It is now powered by engine number B 179 W, although the date of installation remains unknown. Upon returning to Europe, it entered a major private collection but was not driven. Acquired in 2023 by its current owner, the car received a basic recommissioning. A full mechanical overhaul is recommended before any road use. The interior, finished in its classic leather and wood trim, retains the discreet atmosphere typical of Rolls-Royce of the era. It reflects the postwar British elegance, combining style, distinctio