1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Landaulette

In the Collection since 1983, this landaulette limousine, in which the rear passengers are covered by a convertible top, was originally supplied to Sir Charles Noble Arden-Clark, Governor of the African Gold Coast in the Colony of Ghana. The blue light on the windshield reveals its use by authorities, which did not prevent the vehicle from being stoned during the March 1955 riots for the colony’s independence.

The design with a driver’s partition and three rows of windows allows the rear roof to open above the passengers’ seats to enable them to greet others during celebrations. The spacious interior is upholstered in cream wool fabric and carpeting, with footrests and stools, framed by fine woods. It includes a bar cabinet and folding tables.

The standard option initially featured a four-speed manual gearbox, with the automatic option not available until 1952. At the same time, a stretched chassis version was introduced, with 639 units produced until 1959. The short chassis ceased production at the end of 1953.

All cars supplied to the Royal Family have distinctive features, including fabric-upholstered seats, absence of chrome on the doors, and no license plates. They were built to precise requirements concerning safety, interior space, special door width, and visibility, among others. The blue roof light, above the windshield, was reserved for dignitaries during visits to the colonies.

The Silver Wraith was replaced at official events by another limousine of the same brand, the Phantom VI, featuring a longer chassis with seating for seven.

• Chasis: ALW32
• Carrocería: J.Mulliner& Co
• Motor: L6 / 4.257 cc
• Velocidad: 180 kmh
• Producción: 1.883 uds
• Período: 1946-1959