DeValera's Rolls Royce - state papers 1985

mb1725

Article on how a UK enthusiast expressed interest in the State Rolls Royce Silver Wraith back in 1985: http://www.thejournal.ie/de-valera-car-2500497-Jan2016/

carchaeologist

It's sister car ZJ-229, a hearse, but owned by G.A. Brittain new as a car, was banger raced last June.
Im amazed ZJ5000 wasnt sold off at the time.

Thinkingaboutit

What a waste for it to be banger raced. Sad.

CianDon

Thinkingaboutit wrote: »

What a waste for it to be banger raced. Sad.

More of a dignified end rather than a slow dissolution into the ground. By all accounts she managed to donate its engine, gearbox and useable bits before hitting the track

carchaeologist

Yes, there was very little Rolls left when it hit the track. Id say the front suspension was the only mechanical items left on it when it was raced.

carchaeologist

Here it is after. Wood and aluminium don't last long. Immense chassis on it though.

Testacalda

Yep that car was lying in a field before the banger racers got it and if he didnt it would still be there. It was in a really bad state to consider restoring it, although it may have been possible. The back of it was more or less hanging there as the timber had gone. Still though, most of the useful parts were salvaged and not destroyed.

scudster

Were the grills on them silver plated or something? Compared to the bumper it looks like new!

tom_k

The late Andrew M. Pastouna, the gentleman who expressed interest in the car in 1985 was a Roll Royce enthusiasist, restorer and specialist writer/historian of the highest pedigree.

Here's an article describing briefly, a former Singapoean State car, also a Silver Wraith, which he restored and then drove regularly.

http://www.rrab.com/may00.htm

hi5

scudster wrote: »

Were the grills on them silver plated or something? Compared to the bumper it looks like new!

Stainless steel.
Here's how they make them.