1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Hooper Limo- SOLD!

1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Hooper Limo

This is a gorgeous 1948 Rolls-Royce Hooper Touring Limousine that has been lovingly cared for and has beautiful coach lines. Although largely original, this Silver Wraith (chassis number WVA68) has benefitted from a Masons Black and Silver two tone paint with contrasting red coach stripes. The livery combination looks stunning with the original red leather interior. Many chrome items have been refinished, including the front and rear bumpers and door handles. The overall impression is wonderful and stately.

This Rolls was ordered new by J. Cohen, Esq. at Kenilworth Court, Edgbaston, Birmingham, England. Mr. Cohen loved this Rolls. He owned the car from the time Hoopers delivered it to him in January 1948 until it transferred to its second owner in 1964. in 1995, WVA68 was owned by Karen W. MacHarg from Pinehurst, North Carolina. Ms. MacHarg enjoyed the car. The file history contains a letter from the author of the book on Silver Wraith motorcars, Mr. Bradford Powers of Palmer, Mass. In October 1995, Mr. Powers wrote to Ms. MacHarg stating that it must be one of the lowest original mileage Silver wraiths in the World. WVA68 was included in Mr. Powers book on Silver Wraiths.
Ms. MacHarg sold the car to Mr. Jeff Minogue, a significant collector of Rolls-Royce motorcars in Northbrook, Illinois. It remained in his collection for nearly twenty years. WVA68 was purchased by us to remain in our collection. It was a featured motorcar in our recent wedding. We presently have no choice but to offer it for sale with great reluctance.

Upon delivery of the car to us, we had approximately $12,000 worth of mechanical improvements made. The maintenance and repairs were performed by the last remaining factory trained Rolls-Royce engineer in North America, Mr. Roger Ford. These improvements include new brake drums, shoes, and hoses, complete and thorough major tune-up including carburetor rebuild, ignition wires, valve adjustment. The fuel tank was cleaned and lined, new fuel pump and thorough cleaning of the fuel system including a new sending unit. Five new tubes and white wall tires were purchased and installed on newly painted wheels. The compression was checked and it was measured at the correct factory level in all six cylinders at 100 ft lbs.

The chassis was cleaned and detailed. Please examine the photographs carefully to see the wonderful condition of the original rear leaf spring gators (leather covers). This is indicative of a low mileage car that has not seen weather. They are in beautiful shape. The paint was thoroughly color sanded and looks beautiful.

This model is the last year of the CCCA Full Classic status which are welcome at concours events throughout the US. After the improvements we participated in the La Jolla Motor Tour and the La Concours d’Elegance held on April 2014. The car drove 200 miles beautifully with continued operations at appropriate operating temperatures and oil pressure. It performs well at highway speeds and has plenty of power to climb hills, etc. Of course the brakes are brilliant! The instruments and radio work but the trafficators (turn signals) only work slightly.

WVA68 will benefit from the following three areas:
1-Chassis/mechanical: the engine mount replaced (a new mount is included), front end rubber should be replaced and front end detailed;
2-Interior: the leather should be re-dyed and a new red leather cover made for the drivers seat (it was ordered new with an extra cover) and new Wilton carpet installed; and,
3-Exterior: the black paint needs lacquer touch-up for burned through areas from color sanding.

WVA68 and retains its original engine W153A. It is Hooper’s body number 9408 based on design 8034, a Touring Limousine.

This is a gorgeous Silver Wraith that we are selling from our personal collection. It is with regret that we must sell this elegant motorcar. This is an opportunity to add a rare and beautiful car to your collection. WVA68 comes complete with large and small tools and Owners Handbook (the car can be sold with or without the tools and handbook). We are in the process of obtaining a current California title. WVA68 may be seen and inspected at our facility in Temecula, CA Wine Country.

For more information and details, please call or text Classic Promenade at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.