Chassis no. WME51
1951 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith by James Young
This handsome bespoke Wraith with its burgundy and black livery, purchased new in 1951 by pioneering Scottish ophthalmologist Sir William Stewart Duke-Elder, is the epitome of postwar luxury. The James Young body is straight and highly original, as aristocratic as anything on four wheels. Front fenders swoop elegantly across the body to meet their rear counterparts at the back wheel wells.
The 1951 year brought a new 4,257cc six-cylinder engine of cast-iron, monobloc construction with an aluminum cylinder head. The new Rolls engine featured overhead inlet and side exhaust valves, paired to a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh. The interior of this car is charming. It has patina but a ton of originality and is in remarkable shape for its 75-year vintage. Tan leather is paired with walnut appointments including rear-seat tables, dash and door trim. A sunroof is positioned above the rear passenger compartment.
Sir Duke-Elder, the car’s original owner, was a distinguished ophthalmic surgeon and served as President of the Ophthalmological Society of the UK. In 1932, he treated Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald, eventually operating on both of Macdonald’s eyes successfully to treat his glaucoma. Later, he served as Surgeon Oculist to King Edward VIII and subsequently to King George VI and finally to Queen Elizabeth II. In recognition of his service to the royal family, Duke-Elder became a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and subsequently a Knight Grand Cross. He is recognized as the founder of modern ophthalmology.
Until recently part of a large collection, the Wraith has not been on the road for several years, but is a solid, handsome example with huge upside for the dedicated vintage Rolls Royce collector. It has not been molested and presents a major restoration opportunity.
Chassis no. WME51
1951 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith by James Young
This handsome bespoke Wraith with its burgundy and black livery, purchased new in 1951 by pioneering Scottish ophthalmologist Sir William Stewart Duke-Elder, is the epitome of postwar luxury. The James Young body is straight and highly original, as aristocratic as anything on four wheels. Front fenders swoop elegantly across the body to meet their rear counterparts at the back wheel wells.
The 1951 year brought a new 4,257cc six-cylinder engine of cast-iron, monobloc construction with an aluminum cylinder head. The new Rolls engine featured overhead inlet and side exhaust valves, paired to a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh. The interior of this car is charming. It has patina but a ton of originality and is in remarkable shape for its 75-year vintage. Tan leather is paired with walnut appointments including rear-seat tables, dash and door trim. A sunroof is positioned above the rear passenger compartment.
Sir Duke-Elder, the car’s original owner, was a distinguished ophthalmic surgeon and served as President of the Ophthalmological Society of the UK. In 1932, he treated Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald, eventually operating on both of Macdonald’s eyes successfully to treat his glaucoma. Later, he served as Surgeon Oculist to King Edward VIII and subsequently to King George VI and finally to Queen Elizabeth II. In recognition of his service to the royal family, Duke-Elder became a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and subsequently a Knight Grand Cross. He is recognized as the founder of modern ophthalmology.
Until recently part of a large collection, the Wraith has not been on the road for several years, but is a solid, handsome example with huge upside for the dedicated vintage Rolls Royce collector. It has not been molested and presents a major restoration opportunity.
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