A rare piece of automotive and royal history is now available to the public, as a 1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Park Ward Landaulette, once tasked with transporting the Queen Mother, has been listed on Bring a Trailer.
Commissioned specifically for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s 1957 visit to Northern Rhodesia (modern-day Zambia), this stately Silver Wraith, chassis FLW86, was coach-built by Park Ward of London in the regal Landaulette body style. Its crown-emblazoned roof light—still operational via a dashboard switch—once signified royal presence, while flag mounts ahead of the fender mirrors added to its diplomatic prominence.
After serving the Northern Rhodesian government into the 1960s, the car returned to the United Kingdom before being acquired by its first U.S. owner in the early 1970s. It has remained under the care of its current owner since 1979. Under their stewardship, the Wraith underwent a careful refurbishment in the 1980s, receiving a timeless black exterior finish and a refreshed beige leather interior accented with burled wood trim.
Beneath the dignified exterior lies a 4.9-liter F-head inline-six engine paired with a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Twin SU carburetors supply the power, while amenities like air conditioning for both front and rear compartments, a glass partition, folding jump seats, and a cocktail set offer the kind of luxury once reserved for royalty.
Though showing 89,000 miles on the odometer, the car remains remarkably well-preserved, offered with original order specifications, service history, spare parts, and historic documentation chronicling its royal duties. Notably, an Alpine cassette stereo was later installed in the passenger compartment, blending classic luxury with a touch of vintage entertainment.
This is more than just a collector’s car—it’s a tangible connection to royal history, a meticulously preserved example of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to excellence, and a rare opportunity for collectors seeking pedigree and provenance in equal measure. See it here.