1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Sedanca de Ville by Hooper
1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Sedanca de Ville by Hooper
This 1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith commissioned by Nubar Gulbenkian is a standout example of bespoke post-war luxury and eccentric automotive taste. Built on the long-wheelbase Silver Wraith chassis by the famed London coachbuilder Hooper &Co., this car features the rare and elegant 'Empress Line' Sedanca de Ville bodywork that reflects both the era's coachbuilding excellence and Gulbenkian's unique flair. Nubar Sarkis Gulbenkian (1899-1972) was an Armenian-British oil heir and socialite with a legendary reputation for style and extravagance. A permanent resident of London's Ritz Hotel, he was well-known for his passion for Rolls-Royce automobiles and for commissioning highly personalised cars that pushed the boundaries of traditional luxury. Gulbenkian is believed to have ordered four Silver Wraiths from Hooper, each reflecting his distinctive tastes and penchant for lavish details.
This 1953 Silver Wraith (chassis ALW 47) features a smooth 4½ litre straight-six engine and mechanical innovations such as an optional automatic transmission for the period. Its Hooper Sedanca de Ville body allowed the chauffeur's roof section to retract, creating an open-air sensation for the front compartment - a design both sophisticated and whimsical for its time. The interior is sumptuously appointed, with reclining rear seats trimmed in fine cloth, electric windows, air conditioning, and an electric division between driver and passengers. A distinctive touch is the use of exotic python snakeskin on parts of the dashboard and rear division, a signature of Gulbenkian's personal specifications.
This Silver Wraith also has a cinematic and cultural legacy: it appeared in the cult British film Withnail and I (1987). The car was used by the character Uncle Monty in the film, which was written and directed by Bruce Robinson, further cementing its place in classic car lore. Gulbenkian was known to have liked his chauffeurs to drive in a brisk manner and had a speedometer fitted to the rear division so he could keep an eye on his employee's progress.
This example formed part of the late James Crickmay's private collection, having been acquired a number of years prior by Frank Dale &Stepsons. James used the Silver Wraith regularly for social occasions, family events and the Rolls-Royce annual rally on many occasions, and it was also loaned by James to Lord March for several Goodwood Revival meetings, to chauffeur Lord March's guests between the circuit and Goodwood House. In more recent times the car has been owned by a private collector on the Isle of Man. He commissioned extensive amounts of work to be carried out by M.J.Pickles Ltd. in Macclesfield. This included a full mechanical rebuild, together with some bodywork restoration. Whilst work has been carried out on the interior, this is largely original due to the uniqueness of the Gulbenkian effect. The invoices paid to M.J.Pickles Ltd from November 2015 until May 2019 total a staggering £188,680. Upon completion the car was entered into a number of Rolls-Royce events and unsurprisingly this Silver Wraith won 'best in class'. Offered for sale with a significant history folder, this Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith represents an opportunity to purchase a true piece of British motoring history. Consigned by Stewart Banks
Photographs courtesy of Gregory Owain from the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Drivers Club.
Lot details
Year: 1953
Make: Rolls-Royce
Model: Silver Wraith Sedanca de Ville by Hooper
Registration: XYJ 402
Chassis No: ALW47
Engine No: 446A
Odometer: 24,036
* Originally commissioned by Nubar Gulbenkian
* Recent restoration costing in excess of £188,000
* Appeared in the cult film 'Withnail and I'
* A unique opportunity to purchase a piece of motoring history
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