A 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II, originally owned by Princess Margaret, is heading to auction later this month.
It offers a rare opportunity to own a car created for the Royal Family, built to the specification requested by the only sibling of Queen Elizabeth II.
The car is set to be sold by H&H Classics, as part of their sale being held at the Imperial War Museum on Wednesday, 26 May.
Handbuilt for a princess
First introduced in 1975, the Silver Wraith II was a long-wheelbase version of the existing Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. An extra four inches of metalwork were added to allow buyers to specify a dividing partition, but not lose out on legroom.
HRH Princess Margaret was exacting about the design of the Rolls-Royce. Along with the typical royal accoutrements of a flag mast and illuminated shield, she specified that the side indicators be set into the chrome swage line.
Standard to all Silver Wraith II models was the use of a stretched black Everflex vinyl roof, and smaller formal rear window.
Tailored by royal decree
Inside the Silver Wraith II, HRH Princess Margaret requested that the piping for the cloth upholstery be positioned to stop it contacting her neck if she reclined. Larger mirrors were added to the C-pillars, along with a lower rear seat squab and raised floor.
Black Nuella leather covers the top and bottom of the dashboard, with a Matt Rosewood veneer trim used. The non-reflective coverings were deliberate, to avoid causing glare if flash photography was used.
Her Royal Highness, using the pseudonym of ‘Mr Edgar’ gave Rolls-Royce five months to complete the work. The completed Silver Wraith II, painted in Cardinal Red, was finally delivered on 16 May 1980.
A moving museum piece
For some 22 years, the Silver Wraith II served HRH Princess Margaret and countless other dignitaries on official duties.
The Silver Wraith II is known to have carried HM The Queen, The Queen Mother, and Lady Diana Spencer. It was also used by President Ronald Reagan on a trip to the UK.
The final royal duty undertaken by the car was on 15 February 2002, where it carried family members to the funeral of HRH Princess Margaret at Windsor Castle.
Ready for a new life
Sold into private ownership, the Silver Wraith II was purchased by Ronald Allwright in June 2002. During his ownership a new Everflex roof was fitted, along with a refurbished steering rack. More recently, the current seller of the car acquired it in 2016.
Accompanying the Silver Wraith II is an extensive history collection, with copies of the build records and servicing work. Period photos of the car undertaking royal duties will also be included.
Given the importance of the car, H&H Classics estimates that the Rolls-Royce could achieve £45,000 to £55,000 ($64,000 to $78,000).
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