1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys The Hershey Auction event, 7 - 8 October 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $35,000 - $50,000 USD

• Understood to be one of just 61 Silver Wraiths produced with H.J. Mulliners Sedanca de Ville design no. 7055
• Part of The Hadfield Family Collection since 1992
• Said to have been restored in 1998
• Powered by a 4.3-liter six-cylinder paired with a four-speed manual transmission
• Well-documented history; accompanied by a copy of its factory build record

The first large Rolls-Royce chassis produced after World War II, the Silver Wraith, retained an elegant pre-war appearance while offering a more modern driving experience. All Silver Wraith chassis were fitted with custom coachwork, from relatively sporting coupes and dropheads to eight-passenger formal limousines and landaulettes. By the time the last Silver Wraith chassis was built in 1959, however, traditional coachbuilding using aluminum bodywork over wooden framing was rapidly disappearing.

Chassis number WFC28, offered here, is understood to be one of just 61 Silver Wraiths outfitted with coachbuilder H.J. Mulliners formal Sedanca de Ville body, design number 7055, according to Bernard L. Kings The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and Silver Wraith. Constructed with aluminum panels over wood framing, the body features an enclosed rear passenger compartment with a sliding hood over the drivers compartment and displays H.J. Mulliners distinctive razor edge styling and narrow windshield pillars.

WFC28 was supplied new to noted Rolls-Royce retailer H.R. Owen Ltd. of Berkeley Street, London, and acquired by steelmaker Darwins Ltd. of Sheffield, after which the car passed through Rippon Bros. of Huddersfield. Eventually, the Wraith was sold to Mrs. M.G.D. Renshaw of Westmorland, and was chauffeur-driven during her time of ownership.

The Silver Wraith reportedly arrived in Canada in 1967, after being acquired by William Clark, a lawyer in Ontario. He drove the Rolls-Royce regularly throughout the 1970s, after which it became a part of his estate in the 1980s, according to insurance documents in the cars history file. Roger Hadfield acquired the vehicle from Mr. Clarks estate in 1992 and reportedly commissioned a restoration in 1998. He showed it at Rolls-Royce Owners Club events and added roughly 15,000 miles to the odometer on tours, including the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Wheels on Road 50th anniversary tour in 2007.

Today, the vehicle is finished in black, with the passenger compartment upholstered in Fawn West of England wool broadcloth and the drivers compartment in Fawn leather. Notable features include an electrically operated division glass and rear blind, recessed interior lighting, rear heater, radio installation, and twin occasional seats, providing generous accommodation.

With documentation detailing its Anglo-Canadian history that will surely appeal to Rolls-Royce enthusiasts, WFC28 is a fine example of the Silver Wraith Sedanca de Ville and would make for an excellent addition to any collection of significant British luxury automobiles.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.