The Rolls-Royce Wraith has always been synonymous with luxury and bespoke craftsmanship. Since its introduction as the marque’s first post-war model, the Wraith chassis served as a canvas for the world’s finest coachbuilders. While Rolls-Royce offered understated elegance, there were always discerning clients who sought something truly exceptional, a statement piece that transcended the ordinary. This is the story of a particular Wraith Rolls, a 1955 Silver Wraith, that stands alone as the only Rolls-Royce ever bodied by the renowned Italian carrozzeria, Vignale.
Joseph J. Maschuch, Esq., from Maplewood, New Jersey, was undoubtedly one such individual. When he commissioned his Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, he envisioned a vehicle that was anything but subtle. Starting with a long-wheelbase chassis, Maschuch turned to Vignale, the Italian futurists celebrated for their daring and innovative designs. The result was a truly unique limousine, a Wraith Rolls unlike any other before or since.
Vignale’s design for this Silver Wraith is immediately striking. The iconic Rolls-Royce grille is flanked by distinctive sealed-beam P100 headlights, while hooded fog lights are seamlessly integrated into the front fenders. The rear of the car is equally dramatic, featuring a sweeping C-pillar and a retractable rear window – a design element remarkably similar to the 1959 Lincoln Continental Sedan, suggesting a possible influence. Even with the extended wheelbase, the need for a spacious, opulent cabin necessitated a long rear overhang to accommodate a substantial trunk. Upon its delivery in mid-1955, this Wraith Rolls was undeniably peerless, and it remains so today.
Beyond its captivating aesthetics, this Wraith Rolls boasts an array of bespoke features meticulously documented in its build sheets. Under the hood, a distinctive touch of personalization is evident: the engine block, head, dynamo, starter, air cleaner, carburetor, and inlet manifold are all finished in green paint. Adding to the visual flair, all visible pipes under the bonnet were specified to be chrome-plated.
Inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of luxury and innovation for its time. Air conditioning ensures passenger comfort, while exquisite cabinetry in the rear compartment conceals a full bar and a centrally mounted television. A Becker Mexico radio graces the dashboard, providing period-perfect entertainment. All windows are power-operated, as is the front seat, showcasing the advanced technology of the era. The chauffeur’s compartment is trimmed in practical black leather, while Mr. Maschuch and his passengers luxuriated in grey broadcloth.
Perhaps the most talked-about feature of this Wraith Rolls is discreetly located under the right rear passenger seat: a toilet with a gold-painted seat. While its intended purpose might raise eyebrows, it’s widely understood that this unique addition served primarily as a rather glamorous champagne cooler – a testament to the owner’s desire for unparalleled luxury and perhaps a touch of whimsy.
Today, this extraordinary Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith continues to radiate the same distinctive elegance it possessed upon its creation. Having been cherished by its current owner for over a decade, the car retains its original interior, carefully preserved and cosmetically refreshed over the years. Accompanied by its comprehensive factory build sheets, original Silver Wraith handbook, jack, and tools, its provenance is meticulously documented. This exceptional Wraith Rolls is also featured in Lawrence Dalton’s authoritative book, Rolls-Royce: The Elegance Continues, and immortalized as a 1/43 scale model by ABC-Brianza, further cementing its place in automotive history.
While Vignale is celebrated for its stunning coachwork on Ferraris and other Italian sports cars, this Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith remains their sole foray into crafting a body for the esteemed British marque. This Wraith Rolls is more than just a car; it’s a rolling piece of art, a unique fusion of English luxury and Italian flair. It serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, “nothing succeeds like excess,” and what better way to make an entrance than from the back seat of this exceptional Vignale-bodied Rolls-Royce? This isn’t a car to drive; it’s a car to be driven in, preferably with a chilled bottle of champagne – or perhaps something even more extravagant – waiting in the “cooler.” This remarkable Wraith Rolls is truly a celebration of automotive artistry and bespoke luxury without equal.
