Rolls-Royce Wraith I gallery (1938–1939)

The original Rolls-Royce Wraith was introduced in 1938 as the successor to the 25/30 hp model, manufactured at the historic Derby facility until the outbreak of World War II interrupted civilian production in 1939. Built on a robust welded chassis frame with an independent front coil-spring suspension and a live rear axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs with hydraulic dampers, the car delivered unmatched ride refinement for its era. It was powered by a 4.3-liter (4257 cc) inline-six overhead-valve petrol engine featuring an aluminum cylinder head and a single cross-draught carburetor, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on the top three gears. Rolls-Royce supplied running chassis to elite bespoke coachbuilders such as Park Ward, H.J. Mulliner, and Hooper, who crafted custom saloon, limousine, and drophead coupe bodies. Only 492 rolling chassis were built, primarily serving the British domestic market and high-ranking officials across the Commonwealth.