Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith 1953 Sedanca de Ville by Hooper 4Door

This Lot will be sold at auction at Symphony of Spring; Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 7th March. Originally commissioned by Nubar Gulbenkian. Recent restoration costing in excess of £188,000. Appeared in the cult film Withnail and I. A unique opportunity to purchase a piece of motoring history. This 1953 RollsRoyce Silver Wraith commissioned by Nubar Gulbenkian is a standout example of bespoke postwar luxury and eccentric automotive taste. Built on the longwheelbase Silver Wraith chassis by the famed London coachbuilder Hooper & Co., this car features the rare and elegant Empress Line Sedanca de Ville bodywork that reflects both the eras coachbuilding excellence and Gulbenkians unique flair. Nubar Sarkis Gulbenkian (18991972) was an ArmenianBritish oil heir and socialite with a legendary reputation for style and extravagance. A permanent resident of Londons Ritz Hotel, he was wellknown for his passion for RollsRoyce automobiles and for commissioning highly personalised cars that pushed the boundaries of traditional luxury. Gulbenkian is believed to have ordered four Silver Wraiths from Hooper, each reflecting his distinctive tastes and penchant for lavish details.This 1953 Silver Wraith (chassis ALW 47) features a smooth 4.5 litre straightsix engine and mechanical innovations such as an optional automatic transmission for the period. Its Hooper Sedanca de Ville body allowed the chauffeurs roof section to retract, creating an openair sensation for the front compartment a design both sophisticated and whimsical for its time. The interior is sumptuously appointed, with reclining rear seats trimmed in fine cloth, electric windows, air conditioning, and an electric division between driver and passengers. A distinctive touch is the use of exotic python snakeskin on parts of the dashboard and rear division, a signature of Gulbenkians personal specifications.This Silver Wraith also has a cinematic and cultural legacy: it appeared in the cult British film Withnail and I (1987). The car was used by the character Uncle Monty in the film, which was written and directed by Bruce Robinson, further cementing its place in classic car lore. Gulbenkian was known to have liked his chauffeurs to drive in a brisk manner and had a speedometer fitted to the rear division so he could keep an eye on his employee's progress.This example formed part of the late James Crickmays private collection, having been acquired a number of years prior by Frank Dale & Stepsons. James used the Silver Wraith regularly for social occasions, family events and the RollsRoyce annual rally on many occasions, and it was also loaned by James to Lord March for several Goodwood Revival meetings, to chauffeur Lord March's guests between the circuit and Goodwood House. In more recent times the car has been owned by a private collector on the Isle of Man. He commissioned extensive amounts of work to be carried out by M.J.Pickles Ltd. in Macclesfield. This included a full mechanical rebuild, together with some bodywork restoration. Whilst work has been carried out on the interior, this is largely original due to the uniqueness of the Gulbenkian effect. The invoices paid to M.J.Pickles Ltd from November 2015 until May 2019 total a staggering £188,680. Upon completion the car was entered into a number of RollsRoyce events and unsurprisingly this Silver Wraith won best in class. Offered for sale with a significant history folder, this RollsRoyce Silver Wraith represents an opportunity to purchase a true piece of British motoring history. Consigned by Stewart BanksPhotographs courtesy of Gregory Owain from the RollsRoyce and Bentley Drivers Club.