Rare 1947 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Inskip Convertible (w/ startups)

A very rare purple 1947 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Inskip Convertible, one of two built, arriving at and leaving the Motor4Toys Charity Car Show & Toy Drive at Los Angeles Pierce College. This car, chassis no. WYA26, was originally commissioned by New York millionaire and industrial heir Thomas "Tommy" Franklyn Manville Jr. It was displayed at the 1949 New York International Motor Show and advertised in the New York Times in 1952 as "the most expensive Rolls-Royce convertible ever sold in the U.S.A." After a restoration by a later owner, the car received numerous awards and was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1995 and 1996.

The years immediately following World War II were difficult for automakers, especially those in the luxury segment. Rolls-Royce understood that the world wasn't quite ready for another Phantom yet. But there was certainly still demand for luxury cars wearing the famed Double-R badge. The Silver Wraith, introduced in 1946, was the first new post-war Rolls-Royce. Similar to today's Ghost, it was intended to be a smaller (but still incredibly luxurious) Rolls. But unlike today's cars, Silver Wraiths were sold as rolling chassis and bodied by coachbuilders. And that practice, which was common at the time, paved the way for some of the most creative and elegant automotive designs in history.

I mean, just look at this thing! From the front, the imposing chrome grille makes sure you don't mistake it for anything other than a Rolls-Royce. But guide your eyes across the rest of the car and you'll see that chrome flow beautifully into swooping French-inspired bodywork by J.S. Inskip finished in a magnificent purple color that truly stands out when under direct sunlight. The phrase "rolling sculpture" gets thrown around a lot in car communities, but few cars fit that description as perfectly as this.

And despite its rarity, the owner gladly brought it out on a cold and slightly wet morning, allowing many others to enjoy its beauty. He actually brought out quite a few special cars that morning (see that transporter near the end?), but chose to drive home in this one rather than load it on the truck. What a priceless experience it must be to sit behind the wheel of such a masterpiece!

Would you drive a rare classic like this in public, or keep it locked up in a garage or museum? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!