George Formby's Rolls Royce goes to auction

A CLASSIC 1950 Rolls-Royce originally owned by British comedian and film star George Formby is up for grabs at auction on 30 November.

The 1950 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was on display at that year’s Earls Court Motor Show and caught Formby’s eye, so he bought it there and then. Formby was a big customer for Rolls-Royce and owned 26 of the British luxury cars during his lifetime.

The car, whose history is extensively documented, then enjoyed a rich ownership history as a much-loved family car for some twenty years. The Rolls-Royce factory conducted a complete engine change in the 1960s, before the Silver Wraith became the prize possession of a young stockbroker, who subsequently funded a complete restoration, inside and out, with bills exceeding £80,000.

Frequently celebrated in concours events, the car has since been fastidiously-maintained by Rolls-Royce specialists, and its overall condition is described as exemplary.

The 1950 Rolls is expected to raise £40,000 when it goes under the hammer.

By Press Association reporters