Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring (RHD) 1956
General description :
Ordered new by heir to what became Citibank, Chauncey Devereaux Stillman
First delivered to the 1,000 acre Wethersfield Estate in New York
Fitted from new with Air-conditioning by US Importers J.S. Inskip
Uniquely delivered with blind rear-quarters and no division
Desirable Mulliner design 7356 Touring coachwork
One of 10 LHD examples built
Highly specified with power steering, P100 Headlamps and 4-Speed Automatic
The ultimate Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring By H.J.Mulliner (LHD)
Beyond the unobtainable Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was the ultimate Rolls-Royce of the immediate post-war period. As had always been the case with pre-war Rolls-Royce models, the Silver Wraith was available with a vast array of coachwork options and each car was truly made to order. It was no wonder that the Wraith was favoured by heads of state and the super-wealthy alike, whether it be countless Royal families around the globe, Nubar Gulbenkian, Aristotle Onassis and countless others. They are also equally at home on the silver screen, perhaps most notably in the 1981 comedy Arthur which features a Silver Wraith Touring, design 7356 by H.J.Mulliner.
Our Silver Wraith is no exception to the general customer parameters outlined above. It was ordered new by an heir to what became Citibank, Chauncey Devereaux Stillman. Stillman was “one of the richest men of his generation, but he was never idle of indolent,” and he served as an intelligence officer aboard the USS Enterprise during WWII, pursued a number charitable causes during the war and later served as a staff officer with United States National Security Council. He was widely well-regarded for his lifetime dedication to philanthropy.
Mr Stillman ordered the Silver Wraith in the winter of 1955 from official Rolls-Royce importers J.S. Inskip in New York. He chose Mulliner style 7356 Touring coachwork (one of just 10 built in LHD) in Masons Black with a tan Connolly hide interior. Stillman clearly had a fine taste in automobiles as he ordered many special and unique features that make this arguably the ultimate specification Silver Wraith. The most notable options are blind rear quarters which are unique to this car, the lack of division which is also unique for a 7356 coachwork car, power steering, 4-speed automatic gearbox and P100 Headlamps. Being such a late example, the car also benefits from featuring the more powerful 4.9 litre Straight Six engine as featured in the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I. This makes for a car that is far more elegant and striking than a standard 7356 and also, far more useable as a family car and much more driver friendly. Prior to the delivery of the car in the spring of 1956, J.S. Inskip fitted a roof ducted air conditioning system at presumably astonishing expense, visible externally from the Art Deco chrome vents on the rear wings. Once the air-conditioning had been fitted, the car was finally delivered to Mr Stillman’s truly spectacular 1,000+ acre Wethersfield Estate and Gardens in Amenia, New York, certainly one of the finest delivery addresses you could wish to see.
This Rolls-Royce enjoyed a sheltered life, forming part of several large private collections over the years and presents beautifully today in Masons Black over Ivory, with beautiful Tan Connolly hide interior, the car is a gleaming example of one of not only H.J.Mulliner’s but Rolls-Royce’s finest hours. The car is in truly excellent condition and presents a unique opportunity to buy a one-off Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith in the most desirable configuration of LHD, non-division, automatic, power steering and 4.9 litre engine.
Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 3355 for more information.
1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring (RHD) is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Surrey by DD Classics for £89950.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Rolls-Royce Model : Silver Wraith Model Version : Touring (RHD) Engine size : 4.9 Model Year : 1956 Sub type : Station wagon Location : Surrey Vehicle Registration : Undefined
89950 £
People who viewed this Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith also viewed similar Rolls-Royce listed at ClassicDigest
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
36000 $
Tampa
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
49500 $
Astoria
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
56000 $
Nashville
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
29950 $
Astoria
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
36500 $
Astoria
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud SII
Surrey
Jaguar XJS
Surrey
Jaguar E-type
Surrey
Bentley Continental
Surrey
Ferrari Testarossa
Surrey
About Rolls-Royce
Well, ladies and gentlemen, today we're diving into the illustrious history of a brand that has always embodied the very essence of British luxury and craftsmanship - Rolls-Royce.Our story begins at the turn of the 20th century when two visionaries, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, decided to join forces. In 1904, the very first Rolls-Royce was born, the Rolls-Royce 10 hp. It was a modest start for a company that would go on to redefine automotive excellence.
But it wasn't until 1907 that Rolls-Royce truly made its mark with the introduction of the Silver Ghost. It was hailed as the "Best Car in the World" and set the gold standard for luxury motoring. With its whisper-quiet engine and exquisite craftsmanship, it was a statement of opulence and refinement.
The 1920s brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom I, an icon of its time. It was the first Rolls-Royce to feature a 6-cylinder engine and set the stage for the legendary Phantom line. This was the era when the Maharajas of India commissioned custom-bodied Rolls-Royces that were nothing short of automotive palaces.
Fast forward to the post-war years, and we have the Silver Cloud, a symbol of post-war British optimism. The Silver Cloud was elegance personified, with its flowing lines and handcrafted interiors. It was the choice of royalty, celebrities, and captains of industry.
But if we're talking about the epitome of Rolls-Royce luxury, it's the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, which graced us with its presence from 1968 to 1991. This was a car that made the statement that "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it." Customization was the name of the game, and the Phantom VI was a canvas for the world's wealthiest to express their unique tastes.
Now, it's impossible to discuss Rolls-Royce without mentioning the Rolls-Royce Corniche. Produced from 1971 to 1995, it was a convertible and coupe version of the Silver Shadow. The Corniche was the quintessential grand tourer, a car for those who wished to traverse continents in absolute luxury.
But, alas, even the mightiest must face their decline, and Rolls-Royce was no exception. The company went through financial turmoil in the 1970s and 80s, leading to the takeover by Vickers plc. Then came the controversial BMW and Volkswagen ownership period, which divided enthusiasts.
Rolls-Royce regained its footing under BMW ownership, and the new millennium brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, a return to the company's roots of uncompromising luxury. The Phantom VII was a testament to British engineering and craftsmanship.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings us to today. Rolls-Royce continues to produce some of the most opulent, bespoke vehicles on the planet, a symbol of British imperiousness that has not waned with time. The spirit of Sir Henry Royce and Charles Rolls lives on in every car that bears the Spirit of Ecstasy, a testament to the enduring legacy of British automotive excellence.