Debuting in late 1946 as Rolls-Royce’s first post-war offering, the Silver Wraith utilised many of the products developed during the company’s war effort. The new car rode on a relatively short 127-inch wheelbase developed from the pre-war Wraith. While similar in design, the new chassis was significantly strengthened to support the coil-spring independent front suspension and live axle with semi-elliptical springs at the rear. As post-war austerity waned, the chassis was eventually increased to a length of 133 inches in 1952.

Powering the new car was the B60 inline six-cylinder engine developed during World War II to power troop carriers and light tanks. The overhead-valve gear arrangement was replaced with an aluminium “F-head” layout with larger valves and water jacketing around the valve seats. Final displacement came in at 4.3 litres, eventually expanding to 4.6 and then 4.9 litres by the end of production.

Ordered new in late 1949 by John (Ivar) Felix Charles Bryce, this Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was owned by James Bond author Ian Fleming’s closest childhood friend from new. It is well known that Fleming spent a lot of time with Bryce in his New York home on East 74th Street, and the friend is credited with having inspired Fleming to create James Bond’s CIA counterpart, Felix Leitner, as a character. Fleming is said to have written parts of Diamonds are Forever during one of his trips to Bryce’s New York home.

Chassis number WGC75 was specified as a Touring Limousine with a sunroof and was finished in Dark Blue paint with Blue leather hide adorning the cabin. It was delivered to the Bryce’s local agent, Weybridge Autos Ltd on 13 October 1950, and swiftly delivered to his home, Send Grove, in Send, Surrey. This Rolls-Royce was registered as “LLR 686”, a registration that the vehicle still wears today. While the later history of this Silver Wraith is unknown, the car was at some point repainted in a dark grey colour, but retained the factory-correct interior, which is well preserved. Acquired by the consigning owner in 2009, this Silver Wraith has mostly remained in dry storage while it would benefit from servicing prior to road use. It is accompanied by copies of the factory build sheets.

An ideal entry level vehicle for the post-war Rolls-Royce and 007 enthusiast, chassis number WGC75 presents a wonderful opportunity to own a part of the story of Britain’s greatest spy book and film series.