**For Sale: 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith Hearse at West Coast Classics**
West Coast Classics is proud to present an extraordinarily rare and historically significant vehicle: a 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith Hearse. This unique automobile is believed to be the only one of its kind ever built, making it an exceptional opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of classic cars. This particular Wraith Hearse is not only a testament to the craftsmanship and luxury synonymous with the Rolls-Royce name but also a piece of automotive history, having won the prestigious "Best of Show" award at the 2018 Rolls-Royce Owner's Club Lake Michigan Region Concours d'Elegance.
**Exterior and Interior:**
The vehicle boasts a distinguished gray paint color that complements its stately presence. The interior is adorned with rich burgundy and maroon leather seats and door panels, exuding an air of opulence and sophistication. The etched glass windows and hand-crafted wood casket deck with polished rollers further enhance its elegance, making it a fitting tribute to the era's bespoke coachbuilding.
**Historical Significance:**
The Rolls-Royce Wraith was produced at the Derby factory from 1938 to 1939, with only 492 chassis built before World War II abruptly ended production. Of these, just 58 Wraiths are known to exist today, none of which are hearses, making this vehicle potentially one of a kind. Rolls-Royce did not build complete cars in 1939; instead, they produced running chassis that were sent to independent coachbuilders for custom bodywork. This hearse is believed to have been part of the renowned A.W. Lymn Family Funeral Service fleet in Nottingham, England, adding to its storied past.
**Technical Specifications:**
- 4,257 CC F-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
- Single Downdraft Carburetor
- Estimated 90 BHP
- 4-Speed Manual Gearbox
- 4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Drum Brakes
- Front Independent Suspension with Coil Springs
- Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
The Wraith's engine was based on the 25/30 model but featured a cross-flow cylinder head, and the four-speed synchromesh gearbox retained the traditional right-hand change. The vehicle's Parthenon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot are iconic symbols of the Rolls-Royce brand, further enhancing its allure.
**Provenance and Condition:**
This Wraith Hearse was sold some years ago into a renowned private collection in the USA before being acquired by West Coast Classics. It remains in exceptional condition, with no rust or accident history, and is in very good running order. The rarity and condition of this vehicle make it a truly exotic classic car, offering a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of automotive history.
**Conclusion:**
The 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith Hearse is a remarkable example of pre-war luxury and craftsmanship. Its rarity, historical significance, and award-winning pedigree make it a standout addition to any collection. This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to own a vehicle that is not only a testament to the Rolls-Royce legacy but also a unique piece of history. Do not miss the chance to acquire this exceptional automobile, as you will surely waste years looking for another such example, as none are known or believed to exist.
"Best of Show"at the 2018 Rolls-Royce Owner's Club Lake Michigan Region Concours d'Elegance
Right-hand driveOne of 492 Wraiths Built with Just 58 Wraith's (Not Hearses!) known to exist according to the RROC - no other Hearses!
Technical Specs:
Built on Rolls-Royce's last pre-war chassis design
Etched glass windows
Hand-crafted wood casket deck with polished rollers
Parthenon grille
Spirit of Ecstasy mascot
Burgundy leather seats and door panels
World War II's outbreak in 1939 abruptly ended production for the Rolls Royce Motor Company and just 491 examples were completed, making the Wraith among the rarest prewar Rolls-Royce models and a significant milestone in the marque's technical development.This could possibly be the second Rolls Royce Hearse ordered by the renown and legendary A.W. Lynn Family Funeral Service of Nottingham, England! From their online presence today, their first ever Rolls-Royce Hearse Funeral car was reportedly a 1929 Silver Ghost and a 1939 Wraith were also part of the A.W. Lymn fleet while these particular vehicles may no longer be with us, we still have Rolls-Royce hearses of a similar vintage in our fleet to this day.
Sold some years ago into a renown private collection in the USA, before being acquired by us this year.
Rolls-Royce did not build whole cars in 1939; they only produced the running chassis, which were then sent to independent bespoke coachbuilders to be fitted with custom bodies, including hearses. As there are no specific production numbers for hearse models from the factory it is not known how many would have been converted into hearses, but we believe this car to most likely be 1 of 1 built in 1939.
The Rolls-Royce Wraith was built at their Derby factory from 1938 to 1939 and supplied to independent bespoke coachbuilders as a bare rolling chassis. The in-line six cylinder, overhead valve, 4,257 cc engine was based on that of the 25/30 but featured a cross-flow cylinder head. The four-speed synchromesh gearbox had second, third and fourth speeds and retained the traditional right-hand change.
Although chassis were only produced in 1939, cars bearing 1940 or later delivery and registration dates are not uncommon. Some cars were finished off during early 1940. Others were held in storage and sold and first registered during the war years. A few were actually bodied during wartime. In addition, 16 prewar chassis were bodied in early 1946 and duly delivered to the government with the final Wraith was delivered in 1947.
It is of interest that the word Wraith is an old Scottish word meaning "ghost" or spirit.
