In our global role of supporting Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners, we are dedicated to keeping these pieces of history where they should be, on the road. We take great pride in supporting customers who are passionate about restoring their vehicles.

From the beautiful landscapes of South Africa, a dedicated enthusiast undertakes an impressive restoration project, revitalizing a 1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith. This effort showcases the customer's unwavering commitment to preserving automotive history and pays tribute to the enduring legacy of the Rolls-Royce brand.

Customer Journey:

"In South Africa, there are a considerable number of RR and Bentley cars, although their presence is not as abundant as in the UK. Our local group compiled a comprehensive list of cars owned by its members, and I specifically focused on the body styles.

I have been a frequent visitor to the Real Car Company website for many years. Back in 2003, I came across the WGC43 model on their site, and I was immediately drawn to its classic design combined with post-war mechanics. It was a 1949 Silver Wraith crafted by HJ Mulliner. Ever since I laid eyes on it, I have admired its style.

Me and John Wheeler

I noticed in the members’ list that John Wheeler owned around 10 cars, including a similar HJ Mulliner model. I had been reminding him for several years about my interest in that particular car, and finally, in 2015, he decided to sell it.

As an added bonus, my father was born in 1948, which added an extra layer of appeal to the car.

WZB21 is a 1948 HJ Mulliner 4-door, 4-seat Touring Limousine originally made for the retailer JS Inskip. Interestingly, many of the engine parts are chrome-plated instead of cadmium-plated, leading me to speculate whether this car was intended for the US market as part of a British car promotion after the war. The chassis cards also label it as "Operation Inskip." Moreover, it lacks a built-in rear number plate but instead features a special American-style number plate bracket and lamp.

Here is a list of the actions I have taken with the car:

I rebuilt the carburettors, then replaced the fuel lines and fuel pump.  Next came the suspension. I replaced the front springs, shock absorbers, and bushes.

Here is a list of the actions I have taken with the car:

On November 4, 2015, I acquired WZB21 from John Wheeler. The engine and gearbox were taken out, and new pistons and bearings were installed. Based on the last tax disc attached to the car, it was likely last on the road in 1973/1974 when the engine was removed for repairs. The engine work was finished, but it was never reinstalled. During that time, a rat had taken shelter inside the car, causing a significant mess in the passenger compartment but fortunately not much damage. Additionally, the car was fitted with a full flow oil filter kit, and the previous owner had carried out a timing gear conversion.

On November 6, 2015, I began polishing the chrome, although the bumpers and radiator shell were too heavily tarnished and required replating.

On November 17, 2015, I removed the engine side and rear blanking plates to inspect the waterways inside the engine block and ensure they were clean.

On December 14, 2015, I removed the brake master cylinder for repainting. Later, I installed new seals on the front brake cylinders and cleaned and reinstalled the rear brakes.

On December 19, 2015, I removed the cylinder head to examine the inside of the engine block and discovered new pistons. I reattached the head using a new head gasket.

Between January and March, I removed the head lining. Although the handbook claimed it was an easy task, it took longer than expected to achieve a perfect result. Numerous tiny nails were needed to secure it in place.

On March 10, 2015, I addressed an issue with the central division, which was not functioning properly. I removed it and found that the motor base was broken. I had a new one made and refitted the motor, restoring the working condition of the division.

On February 7, 2016, I removed the front hubs to grease the bearings. Surprisingly, the original seals were still intact, suggesting that no one had attended to them since the car left the factory. I also cleaned the brake shoes and drums and installed new seals on the wheel cylinders.

On January 11, 2017, I sent the bumpers, over riders, wheel discs, hub nuts, and radiator shell for chrome plating.

On April 8, 2017, I replaced the rear gearbox mounting and the front anti-roll bar rubbers.

On May 6, 2017, I fitted a new oil seal to the steering box.

On December 10, 2017, I removed the rear springs, cleaned them, replaced two broken leaves, oiled them, and then reinstalled them.

On April 8, 2018, I removed the fuel tank, cleaned it, and repainted it.

On February 2, 2019, I reinstalled the engine and gearbox into the car, filled them with fresh oil, flushed the coolant system, fitted new Ensign F4 tires, and replaced the differential oil.

On August 24, 2019, I installed new rockers, a new rocker shaft, and new rocker springs.

On September 9, 2019, the car started for the first time since the early 1970s.

On September 28, 2019, I adjusted the steering box to eliminate any clearance issues.

On November 27, 2020, I Removed the starter motor, cleaned up the commutator on the lathe, and fitted new starter motor brushes.

On November 28, 2020, New pins, and pads for the cross-steering tubes to try to cure excessive leaks from here.

"The enduring nature of quality, even after the price is forgotten", is a statement often attributed to Henry Royce. The fact that this particular car has withstood the test of time reaffirms Rolls-Royce's reputation for building exceptionally well-crafted vehicles.

It's fascinating to observe how instantly recognizable the brand is to nearly everyone, and how it captivates people's attention. Wherever I go, it inevitably sparks conversations, even with individuals who may not have approached me if I were driving an ordinary car.

I express immense gratitude to Flying Spares for their remarkable efforts in sourcing, developing, and manufacturing parts that are no longer available. Their efficient supply of necessary components greatly facilitates the task of keeping these extraordinary cars on the road."

(Credit: Gabriel Vijioen)

If you have a restoration project that you'd like to share with us. Please send us your project details and photos at Marketing@flyingspares.co.uk. We look forward to hearing about and sharing the amazing restoration projects that our customers have undertaken!