1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith by Hooper & Co

Highlights

  • Former show car at The Earls Court Motor Show of 1953
  • Bought new by Geraldo Bright - popular '30s dance band leader
  • Elegant coachwork by Hooper, coachbuilders for the Royal Family since 1945
  • Only 35,000 miles covered by 1995 when the vendor acquired the car from the Bright family

The Appeal

For over a hundred years, the name "Rolls-Royce" has been synonymous with success. The act of purchasing one of these fine motor cars shows all around you that you've made it. A Rolls is a statement symbol par excellence - so you often find that any given classic example has been owned by someone notable.

Take this rather elegant  Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith for example. After the stylish bodywork was completed by Hooper, this car was displayed at the 1953 Earls Court Motor Show where it caught the eye of famous band leader Geraldo Bright - known simply as 'Geraldo' to his fans. Following his death in 1974, the car remained in the family and was acquired by the vendor in 1995. Since then, 'Geralodo Prince', (as the car is affectionately dubbed), has been part of their wedding hire fleet, playing a key role in many couples' special day.

With such an important role to play, the Rolls-Royce has been well-maintained which is evidenced in a series of invoices and notes which accompany the car. The vendor has also attained the factory build which make for some fascinating reading.



History and Paperwork

  • Registered in 1953
  • Purchased by Geraldo, famous band leader, at The Earls Court Motor Show of 1953
  • Remained with the Geraldo family until 1995
  • Covered only 35,000 miles by 1995
  • The odometer now displays 84,844 miles
  • Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
  • Copy of the factory build records included in the sale - these are remarkably detailed and provide further fascinating insights into the Hooper bodywork
  • Significant invoice from 2020 details extensive work



The Condition

  • This car presents very well throughout and appears in fine condition for its age
  • Rakish bodywork by Hooper & Co
  • Two-tone scheme: ivory body contrasted with gloss black wings and roof
  • Whitewall tyres complement the two-tone scheme and are appropriate for the era
  • Large chrome headlights in very good visual order
  • Kneeling 'Spirit of Ecstasy'
  • Besides light age-commensurate patia, the interior looks remarkably good
  • Contra opening doors allow easy access to a spacious and luxurious cabin
  • Parchment leather interior in smart order with no heavy wear
  • Matching lamb’s wool carpeting
  • Exquisite walnut woodwork with intricate marquetry
  • Equipped with a cocktail cabinet



The Mechanics

  • 4,257 cc straight-six
  • Four-speed manual gearbox
  • The vendor includes a copy of the maintenance schedule 
  • Significant brake overhaul in 2020 and new rear springs were also fitted
  • Extensive electrical system overhaul, also in 2020
  • We understand the Rolls-Royce to be in very good running and driving order



BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions. 
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 

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Auction Details
  • Year 1953
  • Make Rolls Royce
  • Model Silver Wraith
  • Colour Multicolour
  • Mileage 36,000 Miles
  • Engine size 4566
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Colney Heath
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Auction ends
Bidding history
12 bids from 6 bidders
  • fredkar•••• £25,000 03/07/24
  • fredkar•••• £22,000 03/07/24
  • fredkar•••• £17,500 03/07/24
  • Dimbula•••• £12,000 03/07/24
  • jamesjs•••• £9,300 03/07/24
  • rr2745 £9,200 02/07/24
  • jamesjs•••• £9,100 02/07/24
  • rr2745 £9,000 01/07/24
  • jamesjs•••• £8,100 01/07/24
  • rr2745 £8,000 01/07/24

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