Chassis WOF30

• Delivered new to celebrated tenor and noted collector James Melton
• Attractive and highly original example finished in taupe over maroon with tan leather upholstery
• Retains its original decanter set, thermos, fold-out footrests, and concealed rear armrest compartment
• Formerly part of the collection of respected enthusiast Roger Morrison

For those who desired the finest motorcar money could buy, Rolls-Royce offered the Silver Wraith. Built exclusively as a rolling chassis and completed by independent coachbuilders, the model served as the foundation for some of the most elegant and luxurious automobiles of the postwar era. Its clientele included royalty, captains of industry, and prominent entertainers, all seeking a motorcar as individual as themselves.

Among the most respected coachbuilders entrusted with these commissions was H.J. Mulliner, whose reputation for elegant design and meticulous craftsmanship made them a natural choice for Rolls-Royce's most prestigious clients. Their limousines combined stately proportions with superb interior appointments, creating motorcars that were equally suited to formal occasions and effortless long-distance travel. By the early 1950s, the Silver Wraith had become one of the most exclusive automobiles in the world, with no two examples precisely alike.

Offered here is chassis WOF30, a highly charismatic 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Limousine by H.J. Mulliner with fascinating provenance and remarkable originality. Significantly, this very car was displayed on the H.J. Mulliner stand at the 1952 Earls Court Motor Show before earning First Prize at the 1952 International Motor Sports Show in New York. Such exhibition history places WOF30 among a select group of Silver Wraiths that served not merely as transportation, but as showcases of British coachbuilding at its finest.

Following its show appearances, the Silver Wraith was delivered to its first owner, famed tenor James Melton. One of the most celebrated vocalists of his era, Melton was equally renowned for his passion for automobiles and assembled one of America's most significant collections of historic motorcars, including an early Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Appropriately, when commissioning his new Silver Wraith, no detail was overlooked.

The interior remains a wonderful reflection of that bespoke commission. Finished in tan leather and beautifully appointed woodwork, the cabin retains numerous special features specified for its original owner. A concealed compartment remains housed within the rear armrest, complete with its pigskin-covered accessories, while the car also retains its decanter set, thermos, fold-out footrests, and other thoughtful appointments. Years later, correspondence between a subsequent owner and Melton's daughter revealed family memories associated with the hidden compartment, lending an unusually personal dimension to the car's history and helping to connect the Silver Wraith directly to its original owner.

Finished in an attractive two-tone scheme of taupe over maroon and riding on wheel discs, the Rolls-Royce presents today as an honest and highly evocative example. The interior exhibits visible age and wear consistent with a motorcar that has been enjoyed and preserved rather than comprehensively restored, contributing to an atmosphere of authenticity that is increasingly difficult to replicate. Importantly, the car remains mechanically sound and drives well, allowing its next caretaker to experience the quiet, effortless motoring for which Rolls-Royce became famous.

Previously part of the collection of noted enthusiast Roger Morrison, WOF30 offers a rare combination of documented provenance, show history, bespoke coachwork, and remarkable originality. More than simply a Rolls-Royce, it is a fascinating survivor from an era when the world's finest automobiles were built to the precise specifications of their owners. Whether appreciated as a chauffeur-driven limousine or enjoyed from behind the wheel, this Silver Wraith remains a compelling testament to Rolls-Royce craftsmanship and the golden age of custom coachbuilding.

Offers welcome and trades considered.

$67,500

Stock number 8119