The Silver Wraith, the first large-chassis Rolls-Royce produced after World War II, retained the regal elegance of its pre-war predecessors augmented with improved driving dynamics. Every example received custom coachwork, which spanned relatively sporting coupes and dropheads to imposing limousines and landaulettes. Sadly, by the time Silver Wraith production concluded in 1959, the generations-old coachbuilding method had come to an end.

Chassis number WDC61, offered here, features renowned London coachbuilder Hooper & Company’s design number 8098, a rather regal touring limousine with fenders that rolled back to virtually disappear below the doors, only to re-emerge and gently curve over the rear wheels, partially shrouded by metal “spats.” An attractive combination of classic razor-edge lines with modern streamlining, the design was dubbed “Teviot,” after the Scottish river, and would be among the most popular bodies on the early Silver Wraith.

At its completion in April 1949, WDC61 was sold by the famous New York City dealer Hoffman Motors to Mrs. T.C. Jenkins of Baltimore, Maryland. The former Marie “May” McShane was the widow of Thomas Courtenay Jenkins, member of one of Baltimore’s oldest and most prominent families in business and philanthropy, as well as a descendant of Francis Scott Key. Delivery was made to her residence at the Warrington, the glamorous high-rise apartment building that, upon its construction in 1927, had been the first of its kind in Baltimore and remains one of the city’s most sought-after addresses.

By 1972, Mrs. Jenkins’ car had passed to Archie Hough, one of several North Carolina-based enthusiasts who would enjoy it in the coming years. Dominic Cappelli and long-term caretaker Dr. Frederick B. Storey, both of Charlotte, would also count among WDC61’s caretakers. Mr. Storey is known to have owned the car as late as 1987. In this era, it was restored to the present livery, a rich burgundy with black fenders, accented by leather upholstery in an interior equipped with a power-operated division window and upgraded air conditioning and Alpine audio systems.

The Silver Wraith joined the Vehicle Vault Collection in early 2014. A service inspection at Bentley of Denver in September 2014 revealed that the engine block was cracked. After searching for two years, the dealership located a correct-type replacement block and reinstalled a refurbished engine built around the replacement block in September 2016, as confirmed by an invoice for the work on file. Today, this Silver Wraith remains in very charming overall condition and would be ideal for a new owner to share with family and friends, carrying them in appropriate regal style.