Silver Wraith II

(1977-1980)


No. Made : 2,145

Engine : 8 cylinder 90 degree V configuration

Transmission : Rear wheel drive, 3 speed automatic gearbox

Chassis and body: 5 seater 4 door saloon, steel monocoque, separate sub frames front and rear, independent front suspension with coil springs.

Dimensions : Wheelbase 120 inches

Max speed : 120 mph (193 km/h) - acceleration 0 - 60 mph in 11.3 seconds


In February 1977 a new range of models consisting of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, the Bentley T2 and the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II was introduced. Outwardly the models were identifiable by bumpers with rubber inserts and edges made from polyurethane. This was not new, however, to owners in the USA. There, all Silver Shadows since Autumn 1973 had been delivered with these special bumpers and a changed radiator.

The modification to the radiator, which allowed the bumper to slip under it, was dictated by US regulation that required a bumper to be fitted that would absorb an impact of 5 mph without causing permanent damage to the vehicle.

Those cars not destined for the USA received a front air dam. This hinted at the extensive wind tunnel testing to which the car had been subjected, where the installation of this item had convinced designers of the need to provide better stability at high speed.

The driver found several particular changes that made it more comfortable to drive in traffic. The recirculating ball steering of the earlier models had been replaced by a rack and pinion arrangement. the new unit felt crisper and reacted more quickly. The latter resulted from the newly tuned front suspension which led especially to a more precise wheel attitude.

Combined with the gear selector was a switch for speed control, which enabled a chosen speed to be maintained without operating the accelerator pedal. The dashboard had a new layout. In a similar manner to that of the Bentley of the period, guages for oil pressure, cooling system temperature, fuel and generator were combined in one circular instrument, rather than being scattered in the form of single units over the facia.

A reminder of the cars from the early post-war period was the choice of the name of Silver Wraith II for the long wheelbase model; the first Rolls-Royce motor car after the Second World War had been so christened. The new bearer of this name had a 4 inch (10cm) longer wheelbase than the standard model; this increase was entirely for the benefit of rear seat passengers who enjoyed more leg room. If the car was ordered with the optional "limousine" division, the room gained was lost because of its depth. Without measuring the wheelbase the Silver Wraith II could be distinguished from the Silver Shadow II by the fact that a smaller rear screen was fitted and, usually, the roof was covered with Everflex.