Here is a really fine and very original example of a Silver Wraith II. It is the rare fuel injection model built specifically and only for the Californian market. These were only built in 1980 – the last year of the Silver Shadow model run. This one is production run 41,624C – the “C” suffix is for California fuel injection model.. With the last Silver Shadow/Wraith II being 41,648C, this car is the 24th last Silver Shadow model made! Being a 12th month 1980 build date, this car would have reached American shores and registered as a 1981 car.
The Silver Wraith II is the long wheel base version of the Silver Shadow II. Easily identified by the same rear window (opera window) and standard fitment Everflex vinyl top, it is 4” longer in the rear door. This provides a noticeable increase in rear passenger space.
This was a one family owned car (until 2015), bought new by famous Detroit Lions football player, Mel Farr. He debuted in 1967 and last played in 1973. He later opened a Ford dealership (1975) that came to be number 1 in the US with some $600 million in sales in its prime year. Obviously a successful man in his time, the Rolls-Royce would have been his ultimate vehicle. The car was passed on to his mature son in later years but has always remained in the 1 family ownership. It was obviously rarely driven sporting a low 32,000 miles. The car was then owned by a collector and gained only 2,000 miles since to now show 34,000.
It is finished in original Walnut metallic with a unique order of dual colour fine-lines of cream and gold to the waist-rail. The interior is very elegant light tan Connolly hides with chocolate coloured piping with carpets in the reverse them of chocolate and cream piping. The Walnut metallic is a beautiful colour in that it takes on a different hue depending on lighting conditions. Please see all the various photos that show this. It varies from a rich dark brown in low-light, to a mid-tone bronze-cinnamon colour in strong sunlight. Simply gorgeous.
This is a very clean and unmolested example that has clearly been lovingly maintained all its life. It is totally original with no modifications right down to its original Blaupunkt push button radio and Pioneer cassette player. A pampered Rolls-Royce, having lived all its life in southern states and when not in use, always kept in a garaged environment. It has always been well maintained and serviced and comes with its original manual.
The Silver Wraith II presented here has been recently fully work-shop inspected with all work needed carried out. Important costly items such as the hydraulics and brakes have been fully checked. It is ready to drive and enjoy. The odometer shows a low 34,200 and although not verifiable it is very apparent by the overall condition of the car that they are original. The car drives straight and true with the fuel injection version offering added engine and driving smoothness.
The interior looks close to perfect. The leather is in absolutely outstanding original condition with no cracks, tears nor wear and remains supple and soft – true to its Connolly characteristics – and can be truly described as excellent if not perfect. The leather has never even been re-dyed so accurately displays the “burnished” leather look unique to Connolly, Vaumol hides with Luxan grain – In the Connolly process, the leather hides were rubbed with a dark stain so as to accentuate the grain and natural pores of the leather to give a quasi-antique look. Re-dyed leather loses this appearance.
The burr walnut wood finishes throughout have been refinished by us. The two front door cappings had some lacquer chips and marks and because the interior is otherwise so rather perfect, we refinished all the interior wood to exacting Rolls-Royce standards (cost of $3,500). It now looks absolutely stunning with a very rich and deep grain. Head lining is original and in super clean condition. The Wilton wool carpets are in perfect condition. The boot (trunk) carpet also finished in the brown with tan piping theme is also in good condition.
The body on this Wraith II is straight and the paint is shiny and lustrous. The car had some areas repainted over the years but a lot is also original. It has only the odd and subtle marks from mild use with some minor blemishes here and there as you would expect but it is overall consistent, still remains shiny & crisp and presents nicely – certainly, well above average. The Everflex vinyl top is in excellent condition.
The whitewall tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread. The hubcaps, unique to the Wraith II, are excellent with no dents or imperfections. All remaining bright-work is in good condition as is glass, electrics and instruments. All electrics have been checked right down to the smallest and insignificant dash and courtesy light. The typical “slow window” syndrome typical of the model have been repaired and so all operate well.
Under the bonnet, the presentation is amazing. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life. You must take the time to look at the photos of the engine bay as its presentation is like that of a near new example. Simply stunning!
The car is of very high standard and is an easy 91/2 out of 10 rating.
~~ This stately Silver Wraith II is an excellent condition representation of the marque that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It makes for an excellent driver or point of discussion at your next Rolls-Royce meet! ~~
International bidders are always welcome.
For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below.
The photos are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
