In this post we wanted to share a workshop case study with you. It’s all about a Silver Wraith, but before we dive into the car itself, here’s a little background on the Silver Wraith…

Introduced in April 1946, the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith marked a bold new chapter for the marque—its first model to emerge in the post-war era. In keeping with Rolls Royce’s previous models, the Silver Wraith was offered exclusively as a rolling chassis, leaving the artistry of coachwork to the hands of bespoke coachbuilders.

Longer and more refined than its Bentley Mk. VI counterpart, the Silver Wraith boasted a seven-inch extended wheelbase with a robust box-section frame. Innovations such as independent front suspension, adjustable rear hydraulic dampers, and four-wheel drum servo-assisted brakes reflected a continued commitment to engineering excellence.

Beneath the bonnet, a smooth 4.3-litre straight-six engine—paired with a four-speed manual gearbox—delivered an effortlessly dignified driving experience, winning favour with both chauffeurs and self-driving owners alike. Over the years, the Silver Wraith evolved steadily: engine size increased to 4.6 litres in 1951, and then again to 4.9 litres by 1955. A four-speed automatic gearbox was offered from 1952, while power-assisted steering was introduced in 1957. Perhaps most notably, the Silver Wraith was the last Rolls-Royce to feature such a vast array of body styles—a final flourish of the coachbuilt era before standardisation took hold. It remained in production until 1959, outlasting its Bentley sibling.

Workshop Case Study

Recommissioning a One-Off Gurney Nutting Silver Wraith at Harvey Wash Ltd

Completed in August 1950, this particular Silver Wraith is a rare and striking example of post-war British coachbuilding. One of only eleven drophead Silver Wraiths constructed by the renowned Gurney Nutting of Chelsea. This car is the only example of its design executed as a fixed-head coupé.

Delivered new by Jack Barclay Ltd to Mr. Howard of Ashford, Kent, the car came fitted with a level of luxury well ahead of its time, including hydraulically operated windows and roof—features that were considered cutting-edge in 1950.

The Silver Wraith changed hands for the first time in 1958, when it was acquired by Colonel Rupert de Larrinaga, British Olympic ski champion. It later changed hands again until it eventually found its way into the hands of a U.S. collector.

In the early 2000s, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration. It remained in the USA until around 2012, when a Lebanese collector acquired and transported it to Lebanon, where it stayed for approximately a decade.

In 2023, the car made its way to a new owner and then to the Harvey Wash Ltd workshop. After a decade of standing, it was indeed in need of a full recommission.

Over the course of two lengthy workshop sessions, we gave the vehicle an extensive recommission, mechanical overhaul, and hydraulic system restoration, bringing it back to full operating condition. Work covered all major systems including the engine, brakes, suspension, electrical, fuel and hydraulic roof/window mechanisms.

It took quite a bit of work to bring this Silver Wraith back to life—here’s a look at what we did:

Initial Inspection & Mechanical Restoration

• Full inspection, identifying reported performance, electrical, and hydraulic faults.
• Engine recommissioned with carburettor and ignition systems serviced.
• Fluids drained and renewed: engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, and differential oil.
• Cooling system fully overhauled including water pump, thermostat housing, radiator and hoses.
• Engine mounts replaced; engine block and heater matrix flushed.
• Gear selection issues diagnosed and corrected; clutch free play adjusted.
• New pedal rubbers and prop shaft centre bearing strap fitted.

Brake & Suspension System Overhaul

• Full brake system renewal: master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake servo (re-lined), linkages adjusted and freed off.
• Front and rear suspension dismantled, cleaned, and rebuilt with new pins, bushes, and spring leaf.
• Wheel bearings serviced; wheels balanced and aligned.
• Shock absorbers topped up; steering components adjusted and reassembled.

Fuel System Repair

• Petrol tank removed, restored and repainted.
• Fuel sender unit tested, repaired, and wiring renewed.
• Fuel lines cleaned and replaced where required.

Hydraulic Roof & Electric Window Systems

• Significant work carried out on the complex hydraulic systems:
  • Hydraulic windows disassembled, RAMs and valves rebuilt with new seals sourced via specialist engineering firms.
  • Pipework traced, corrected, and new sections fabricated as needed.
  • Pressure release valves cleaned, adjusted, and refitted for stable window and roof operation.
  • Roof RAMs resealed and tested; full system bled and calibrated.
• Interior trim removed and refitted to allow access for window and roof repairs.
• Roof closure mechanism adjusted for smooth operation.

Electrical & Lighting Repairs

• Brake lights, indicators, and flasher relay systems tested and repaired.
• Trafficator wiring repaired and rear indicators modified with period-correct chrome units.
• Wiring repaired and rewired as required.
• Dynamo serviced, aftermarket regulator removed, and original-spec regulator fitted with correct wiring layout reinstated.
• New wiring run for various systems including indicators and radio (client-supplied unit installed).

Final Adjustments & Testing

• Extensive road testing and system checks carried out.
• Final tuning and brake adjustments completed.

A Challenge Worth Taking On

It was a pleasure to have this lovely vehicle in our workshop—though we’d be the first to admit that its advanced window and boot lift hydraulic systems presented more than a few challenges along the way! It quickly became apparent that the hydraulic window lifts hadn’t operated correctly in quite some time, and returning them to proper function proved to be a complex and time-consuming task. At one point, one of our team, formerly an RAF engineer, even created a hand-drawn ‘map’ of the hydraulic system, meticulously drawn out on a scrap of cardboard!

Working on this unique car was a real labour of love. From sorting the tricky hydraulic systems to giving the whole car a new lease of life.  We do enjoy a challenge—and this one certainly delivered.

If you have a classic vehicle of your own that needs some attention, do of course get in touch. You can email us at info@harveywashltd.co.uk or give Matthew a call on 01376 571174

And finally, a special thank you to James Grinter Esq, for letting us share the story of his unique Silver Wraith!