The ex-Nubar Gulbenkian, 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith 4.9-Litre LWB ‘Perspex Top’ Saloon

Built by Coachbuilt by Hooper & Co, this left-hand drive four-door saloon coachwork was intended for use on the Côte d’Azur, this car is unique and has a transparent Perspex roof with an electrically operated fabric inner blind to keep the interior cool. The interior woodwork and dashboard are trimmed in leather, a hallmark of all Gulbenkian’s cars. It has a speedometer fitted in the rear passenger compartment, while Gulbenkian also specified air conditioning, electric windows and a television set, although the latter is long gone.

After Gulbenkian sold the car it appeared in the 1964 motion picture, Les Félins (released in the USA as Joy House and the UK as The Love Cage) which starred Jane Fonda and Alain Delon. The car was sold again in 1968, on this occasion to René Gourdon, owner of La Belle Étoile dance hall in Nice, France where it was repainted in bright yellow and kept garaged in the building’s basement.

Around 15 years ago the Gulbenkian Rolls was recognised for what it was and purchased from Mr Gourdon. Tapes of Les Félins were reviewed and the decision made to restore the Wraith to its former glory. Completed towards the end of 2007 by respected marque specialists Frank Dale & Stepsons, the re-commissioning work included a full re-trim and repaint to the original specification, re-conditioned chrome and a full mechanical review.