Rolls-Royce – Silver Wraith (1949)

Post-war production was already launched in 1946 with the Silver Wraith. The flagship car had been largely designed from the ground up and was the last model to still offer clients the option of selecting an individualised body to suit their own particular tastes. This example manufactured in 1949 was clothed in impressive drophead-coupé coachwork by James Young and finished in Carnation Red. Rolls-Royce delivered it to His Highness the Maharaja of Mysore. The interior was upholstered in red and grey leather, and there were numerous extras and regalia on board, for ex- ample solid silver cutlery, sandwich boxes, water flasks, hair brushes, a soap box and a porcelain tea service. The Maharani was able to keep her jewellery in a secret jewel case. A royal standard holder and solid silver illuminated crests bore testimony to the wealth and status of the owner.

This Silver Wraith is arguably the most sophisticated and uniquely bespoke example in history. His Highness the Maharaja of Bharatpur took over stewardship of the Silver Wraith as the second owner. The car was used by him in 1959 to transport His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, and also the Prince of Wales on the occasion of their visits . The stately car is now presented following restoration to the highest standard by the current owner.