No. made : 1,783
Engine : 6
cylinder in-line configuration.
Bore & stroke : 3 1/2" x 4 1/2"
c.c. : 4,257
Transmission : Single dry-plate clutch, 4 speed gearbox
Chassis : Pressed-steel
parallel girder with
channel crossmembers and cruciform
bracing
Dimensions : Wheelbase 127"
Performance : Max. speed 84 mph (135 km/h)
The Silver Wraith differed from
the Mark VI in that, rather than
being offered as a complete car,
the tradition of manufacturing a rolling-chasses only was maintained, the
body being erected by a coachbuilder.
The England of the post war era had more urgent requirements than luxury motor cars. The economy had suffered and production was severely handicapped by shortages of raw materials. Further, the high priced, high quality car had become subject to a prohibitive purchase tax. To add to the misery petrol was rationed and only available on coupons.
Rolls-Royce, therefore, approached
the subject of production of
the Silver Wraith with not only
hesitation but great care. It had
been decided that Rolls-Royces
and Bentleys should not continue to
be built in strictly separate series.
Instead, it had been agreed essential that as many parts of the
chassis, engine and gearbox should be
identical for
the different makes and thus interchangeable. The fitted
hydraulic jacks shown on the chassis
drawing were never fitted.
In this regard the Silver Wraith
illustrated the company's new
philosophy that complicated components
did not belong on a
chassis, whichshould
be realiable and easy to maintain anywhere
in the world.
In respect of the engine there were no notable differences between the Silver Wraith and the Mark VI. A camshaft with lower lift than that of the Bentley, and asingle Stromberg carburettor instead of twin SU carburettors were the only modifications.Thus more torque was gained at low revolutions.