1969-1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

Between 1969 and 1980, the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II served as the formal, long-wheelbase flagship of the marque. Built for heads of state, dignitaries, and owners who preferred to be driven, it combined advanced suspension technology with traditional craftsmanship. It was less about speed and more about presence, comfort, and authority.

Technical Details:

The Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II was based on the Silver Shadow II platform but featured an extended wheelbase to provide enhanced rear passenger space. Power came from Rolls-Royce’s long-running 6.75-liter V8 engine (6,750 cc), an all-aluminum overhead-valve unit that had evolved from the 6.2-liter engine introduced in 1959. As customary for Rolls-Royce Limited and its successor Rolls-Royce Motors, official horsepower figures were not emphasized, but contemporary estimates place output at approximately 200–220 horsepower depending on specification and market.

Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission supplied by General Motors (Turbo-Hydramatic). Unlike earlier Rolls-Royce models that relied on separate chassis construction, the Silver Wraith II used a monocoque body structure derived from the Silver Shadow series. This represented a major engineering departure when introduced in 1965 and remained in use throughout the model’s production.

One of the most significant technical features was the self-levelling hydraulic suspension system licensed from Citroën. High-pressure hydraulics were used not only for braking but also for maintaining constant ride height regardless of passenger load. By the time of the Silver Wraith II (introduced in 1977 as the successor to the original Silver Wraith), rack-and-pinion steering and revised front suspension geometry had been adopted from the Silver Shadow II, improving handling precision. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, providing strong and stable stopping power for a vehicle of this size.

• Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce Motors
• Model Name: Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II
• Year of Manufacturing: 1969–1980 (Silver Wraith name reintroduced in 1969; Silver Wraith II produced 1977–1980)

Design:

Visually, the Silver Wraith II retained the dignified proportions associated with Rolls-Royce throughout the 1970s. The extended wheelbase was the most defining design characteristic, increasing rear legroom and reinforcing the car’s chauffeur-driven purpose. The traditional upright grille, crowned by the Spirit of Ecstasy, remained central to the car’s identity.

Compared with the earlier Silver Shadow, the Silver Wraith II featured a revised front end introduced with the Silver Shadow II in 1977. Changes included a deeper front air dam and modified bumper integration to meet safety and aerodynamic considerations of the era. The overall silhouette remained formal and restrained, with broad surfaces and limited ornamentation.

Inside, the emphasis was clearly on rear passenger comfort. The extended wheelbase allowed for generous legroom, and many examples were equipped with division windows separating the driver from the passenger compartment. Wood veneers, Connolly leather upholstery, and deep carpeting reflected the brand’s established approach to craftsmanship. The dashboard design remained conservative, with clearly arranged instruments and minimal visual distraction.

Historical Significance:

The Silver Wraith name had long been associated with Rolls-Royce’s long-wheelbase, chauffeur-oriented models. The reintroduction of the Silver Wraith in 1969 as a long-wheelbase version of the Silver Shadow acknowledged continued demand for formal limousines even as automotive design trends shifted.

In 1977, the model was updated and renamed Silver Wraith II, aligning it with the mechanical revisions introduced in the Silver Shadow II. This period coincided with significant changes within the company, including the 1971 bankruptcy of Rolls-Royce Limited’s aerospace division and the subsequent restructuring that led to the formation of Rolls-Royce Motors for automobile production.

Production numbers for the Silver Wraith II remained relatively modest compared to the standard Silver Shadow. Fewer than 2,200 examples of the Silver Wraith II were produced between 1977 and 1980. The model was eventually succeeded by the Silver Spirit-based long-wheelbase limousines in the 1980s.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Silver Wraith II became closely associated with diplomatic and ceremonial use. Its extended wheelbase and optional division made it suitable for official duties and state functions. In many markets, it served as a symbol of institutional continuity during a period of political and economic change.

Enthusiasts often note the complexity of the hydraulic suspension system. While it delivered exceptional ride comfort, it also required careful maintenance, contributing to the car’s reputation for technical sophistication. The seamless ride quality, however, became one of its defining characteristics.

Unlike more flamboyant luxury cars of the 1970s, the Silver Wraith II maintained a restrained visual identity. Its appeal lay in proportion, craftsmanship, and understated authority rather than overt styling statements.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2021. This event, held annually in the spa town’s Kurpark and along the Kaiserallee, is one of Germany’s most picturesque classic car gatherings. In 2021, the 44th edition featured 300 vintage vehicles from 80 different brands, including rare models. The event embraced a 1970s theme, showcasing over 40 vehicles from that era. An innovative highlight was the “automobile fashion show,” where models presented current fashion trends while riding in open-top classic cars through the park. The event concluded with the traditional Concours d’élégance, awarding 120 prizes across 15 categories.

Conclusion:

The 1969–1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II represents the formal, long-wheelbase evolution of the Silver Shadow era. Powered by the 6.75-liter V8 engine and equipped with advanced hydraulic suspension and disc brakes, it combined modern engineering with traditional Rolls-Royce craftsmanship. Its extended wheelbase, monocoque construction, and emphasis on rear passenger comfort defined its role as a chauffeur-driven flagship. As one of the last long-wheelbase Rolls-Royce models of the 1970s, the Silver Wraith II stands as a significant link between classic British luxury traditions and the modernized limousine designs that followed.