Test Drive - 1951 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Park Ward Saloon!

This is a multiple Best of Show and first place winning 1951 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Park Ward Saloon that has participated in numerous RROC Tours and events. Being restored to both show and tour in, it is a wonderful balance of gorgeous condition and looks as well as fun to drive. This has the most desirable and rare combination of features including left hand drive (LHD) and four speed manual transmission. The Park Ward Style 144 was the most popular design on the Silver Wraith chassis and the sexy curvaceous line are fantastic.

LWME84 was delivered new to Mrs. C. Salvago in France. Mrs. Salvago was a stunning figure in Paris and her Silver Wraith must have been quite a scene. It was next registered with the RROC in New York by April of 1969. From 1969 through 1992 this Silver Wraith was enjoyed by Mr. Long in Brooklyn, NY. It was then acquired by the famous and fun Gary Wales in Southern California and was resold to Tom Warden, Esq in 1992.

Mr. Warden is highly respected within the Southern California region of the RROC, holding various board positions including being its former President. He commenced a full restoration of the Rolls, including a bare metal respray, chrome plating, a new interior and significant mechanical work. He used many of the highly respected experts in Southern California.

Mr. Warden completed the restoration by about 2000 and then used her at RROC and AACA events for the next 13 years. During that time, he was awarded numerous Best of Show awards, first place awards and participated on many tours. LWME84 was thoroughly enjoyed and well loved.

During April of 2013, the Silver Wraith was acquired by a well-known collection of 3,500 collector cars. We acquired her earlier this year from the collection and fully recommissioned her for its next loving caretaker.

The livery is stunning in Bordeaux and Georgian Silver two-tone, which complement its sweeping lines. The paint is in concours condition today with only a few small touched up areas that are not visible without close scrutiny. The panels are beautifully smooth, and the paint has a glass finish that is ready for show. The chrome and stainless steel are in very good to excellent condition throughout. The iconic Rolls-Royce radiator shell was professionally polished and looks great today. The wide white walled tires look perfect for a LHD Rolls in the US. We love the curvaceous style!

The interior is a matching Burgundy leather and Wilton wool that looks perfect with the paint colors. The gray wool broadcloth headliner is the perfect complement to the burgundy leather. The interior was done by Mike Ambrose who has prepared many concours classics for Pebble Beach. The wood has all been refinished and is in good to very good condition. This Wraith was ordered with an electric driver’s door window. Areas for improvement are the inside rear window surround is not present.

The engine compartment is detailed for show and is in wonderful condition today. The Silver Wraith performs well and ran cool even in 110-degree F weather here in Phoenix. Its venerable 4.3 liter straight six cylinder is quiet and smooth with excellent power. The four-speed manual column shift is easy and shifts with confidence. The chassis has been cleaned and painted and is very presentable today. The wiring has been replaced with a new wiring harness.

The Silver Wraith is complete with most of its large tools, jack, spare tire, flashlight, lube canisters and has a battery cut-off switch, seatbelts and a more modern stereo. We disconnected and removed its rear speakers, but replacements can easily be added. This Silver Wraith comes with some spares and historical documentation. The awards remain with Mr. Warden.

For more information and details, please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or [email protected]. This Silver Wraith is proudly displayed in our Phoenix showroom.