Rolls-Royce Wraith (1938)

Chassis design

The Wraith featured an independent coil-sprung front suspension based on the Packard 120 retaining semi-elliptical leaf springs on the rear axle. The hydraulic dampers at the front had their damping rate controlled by a governor and so varied with the speed of the car, making it superior to its predecessor, the 25/30 H.P. and on a par with the Phantom III. The car was still built on a separate chassis, but this was now of welded rather than the traditional riveted construction. The drum brakes were assisted by a mechanical servo driven by the engine, patented by Hispano-Suiza and built by Rolls-Royce under licence. Wire wheels of 17 inch diameter were fitted, with the spokes usually covered by removable discs. A built-in hydraulic jacking system was fitted, operated by a lever under the passenger seat.

Performance

Cars based on the Wraith chassis could reach 85 mph; this was very dependent on the weight and style of body fitted. In one test by "The Motor" magazine in October 1938, a 0–50 mph time of 16.4 seconds was recorded.

Production

In 1938, a typical touring car cost £1700, which included the chassis cost of £1100. 492 chassis were made. 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. The final Wraith was delivered in 1947.

Gallery

File:1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith Hooper Drophead Coupé WXA78 (8511813973).jpg|1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith Drophead Coupé by Hooper File:1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith coupé by De Villars.jpg|1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with closed coupé bodywork by De Villars (The twelfth Wraith built) File:Rolls_Royce_Wraith_E_R-1939_(10610743044).jpg|1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith 2-door saloon File:Rolls_Royce_Wraith_by_James_Young_(1939)(21067142809).jpg|1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith by James Young File:Rolls-Royce_Wraith_Faux_Cabriolet_Vanvooren_1939(Volante)jm20663.jpg|Rolls-Royce Wraith Faux Cabriolet Vanvooren File:Rolls-Royce_Wraith_Faux_Cabriolet_Vanvooren_1939(Volante)_jm20661.jpg|Rolls-Royce Wraith Faux Cabriolet Vanvooren (rear)

Film and media appearances

• The eponymous registration plate of the novel and TV series NOS4A2 belongs to a Rolls-Royce Wraith.
• Another Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith appeared in the 1956 novel "The Hundred and One Dalmatians" as Cruella de Vil's car.

References

References

1. (2002). "The Rolls-Royce Motor Car: And the Bentley Since 1931". [[Batsford Books]].