Featured is a beautiful 1977 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II, an automobile that was produced from 1977 through 1980. During the production run only a total of 2,136 units were built.
It all began in 1906 with the Silver Ghost. Since that time the Rolls-Royce name has long been associated with quality, luxury, and mechanical innovation. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has remained foremost in its field for more than one hundred years. As they say, an automobile for the rich and famous but with some models we think it’s attainable in today’s classic car market.
The Rolls Royce Wraith
The Rolls Royce Wraith was produced in 1938 and 1939 before being interrupted by World War One. The automobile emerged again in 1946 as the Rolls Royce Silver Wraith and was the first model built by Rolls Royce after the war.
The post war Silver Wraith was an updated version of their prewar Wraith car and the smallest of Rolls Royce models. During the years the engines of the Silver Wraith were powered up and the chassis increased from 127 to 133 inches. Also, in 1952 an automatic transmission was offered. This was a General Motors Hydra-Matic transmission. The Silver Wraith was a relatively small car for Rolls-Royce but it was still a luxury limousine, which was bought and used by nobility and heads of state. A Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was chosen to be the first Irish Presidential State Car
The Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith were produced up to 1958. In total 1,883 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraiths were produced over the 12 year lifetime of the vehicle.
The Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II
The Silver Wraith II is an extended wheelbase version of the popular Silver Shadow II. The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II was introduced in 1977 and ended production after the 1980 model year. The Silver Shadow II has a wheelbase of 120.1 inches, about three inches shorter than the Wraith II.
The Silver Waith II was produced with monocoque construction. This is where the body and chassis are fused together which makes the vehicle stronger.
The RR Silver Wraith II had an interior that was described as limousine luxury. The automobile with it’s ;longer wheelbase was very spacious.
1977 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II Specifications
Engine for this model was a 412 Cubic Inch aluminum alloy V-8 delivering 256 HP.
Transmission was a three speed automatic.
Brakes were hydraulic disc.
The Silver Wraith II’s had independent front suspension with independent with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar.. The rear suspension had independent trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, an anti-roll bar.
Wheelbase was 123.0 inches, overall outside length 208.7 inches. width 71.7 inches, height 59.8 inches.
Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II total production 1977-1980 was 2,154 vehicles.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
1927 Rolls Royce Phantom One Dietrich Victoria Convertible
1986 Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible
Reference material for this article includes…Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: Strive for Perfection by Andreas Braun… Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: Making a Legend by authors Simon Van Booy and Harvey Briggs…Rolls–Royce and Bentley: The history of the cars by M. Bennett.
Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II Collector Cars
Rolls Royce produced a wide variety of automobiles since it’s inception. All luxurious appearing and also in a variety of sizes. This legendary automaker of some of the finest luxury cars money can buy has had a reputation of excellent engineering since its introduction in 1906.
Because of it’s name, Rolls Royce vehicles make excellent collector cars. As far as the Silver Wraith II is concerned, many models today are extremely affordable for those wanting to start a collection.
The Silver Wraith II was the most formal of all Rolls Royce saloons (sedans). Anyone shopping for a used Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II is advised to examine the vehicles history and mechanical history. Current sales proies for a Silver Wraith II’s in excellent condition are about $15,000-$16,000. You’ll likely find models both higher and lower than these amounts.
(Photos and article copyright Auto Museum Online)