Feature: Why Rolls was the best car in the world

It looks just gorgeous. The long bonnet, the flowing fenders, the compact four-door sedan body, and those pointy rear fenders are all perfectly in balance. Of course, this isn't as long or as stretched out as a Phantom or a Phantom II limo, which could at times close in on the six-metre mark, but the lines and proportions still impress. Adding even more character are the big chrome Rolls Parthenon grille, the large Lucas P100 headlights, and the trumpet-shaped chrome horns. Adding to the bling are the 'solid' chrome hubcaps, and the paint colour.

Even more impressive is the fact that this car is well looked after but not over-restored. As I open the door, I realize the patina on the dash is real, the clocks and dials look nicely age-appropriate and the manner in which the white-on-black crackle instruments look – set in the massive wooden plank – is also very charming. Stepping in here really does feel like getting into a time capsule.

The huge surprise, however, is just how comfortable it is. The big leather sofa up front makes for a good driving environment. There are big door pockets on either side that are very usable, and apart from having to jump over the chrome gear lever and handbrake, the bench up front is very comfortable. 

While this car was built in 1939, the Wraith was first produced in 1938. Rolls wanted more owners to drive its cars, so it set out to design a more compact and agile Rolls-Royce. This is why Rolls strengthened the 25/30 chassis with more bracings and cross members. The car got independent suspension up front and even adjustable dampers for the rear suspension. Yes, you read that right – adjustable dampers. 

Under the hood was Rolls' most lauded engine, now in an even more evolved form. Similar to the 25/30 but with twin ignition sets, much like its aero engines, the updated 4 and ¼ liter engine got a crossflow head, four gears and modern aluminum parts instead of brass ones. The Wraith also got a four-speed gearbox.

Crewe was particularly adept at making engines. Built to look like a housing complex, this shadow factory was where Rolls-Royce made the famous, war-winning Merlin engine. Named after the bird of prey – like the Eagle and Vulture – and not the magician, making the Merlin en mass taught the men and women of Crewe plenty; and all these learnings were then transferred to this engine.

Once settled behind the big wheel, I lean forward to start the engine. The view out of the slot-like windscreen is spectacular. The long triangular bonnet stretches out before me, crested by the spirit of ecstasy hood ornament, and as the starter whirrs (sounding like it is suspended in an oil bath), I almost miss the fact that the straight-six has started ticking over. Oh My God; no wonder these cars were named after ghosts, spirits and phantoms. And remember, this is 1930s tech! The engine is smooth even by today's standards. All the years of R&D, and all the time and money spent refining the engine can really be heard and felt here. 

Selecting a gear on the exposed chrome gate is difficult at first. The gear and handbrake lever are on the right of the driver and placed low, and initially, getting your right hand to slot in gears feels unnatural. Gears need a big hand movement, but slot in with incredible precision and feel solid, especially for a car of this age. Then, all you need to do to get the car moving is a soft caress on the accelerator and you'll hear a muted whirr from under the bonnet. Pull the car harder in first gear and the non-synchro geartrain does whine, so lift off the gas, pause and then push into second. And here, the torque comes flooding through like it is a larger motor, accompanied by the sensation of heavily oiled and perfectly machined pistons moving smoothly up and down. Wow. Rolls!

Even the steering, which feels relatively heavy at low speeds, lightens up soon after, feels direct and well paced for a car of this age. It's no surprise that the ride is supple and well-settled, and on the long wheelbase, there isn't much pitching or fore and aft movement. While getting behind the wheel of any Rolls-Royce is intimidating, the Wraith soon has me relaxing and enjoying the experience. Even the drum brakes are manageable, but bite only after you really stand hard on them.

On open stretches of road on the outskirts of Kolkata, the Wraith also managed to reach a fair speed, with the torquey, smooth engine pulling it forward effortlessly, the speedometer indicating 55mph (88kph).

What a charming car, full of Rolls-Royce know-how and technology that, in its day, was probably in a class of its own. No wonder Autocar UK would call Rolls the best car in the world. The depth of engineering, build quality, and attention to detail were like few other cars of the time.

Where Rolls-Royces are just everywhere

Kanoria says “every job we do makes us better.”

If you are someone who appreciates vintage and classic cars, Shrivardhan Kanoria's workshop on the outskirts of Kolkata will come across as a little slice of heaven. Jam packed with some of the finest Rolls-Royce vintage cars around, walking through here is nothing less than a jaw-dropping exercise. In various stages of completion are a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, a Phantom I, Phantom II, the V12-powered Phantom III, along with half a dozen others. Other notable cars inside are an E-Type Jaguar and AC, besides several American cars like the Buicks, Chevrolets and Cadillacs.

This third-generation collector of vintage and classic cars established Concourz restorations in 2011. His passion was ignited by his father, Shashi Kumar Kanoria, a pioneer in popularizing classic and vintage cars in the eastern region. With more than 70 cars under his belt, Kanoria is quite fussy about restoration work and strongly believes in refurbishing old parts rather than outright replacements. “We are restorers and not assemblers.” This is true of mechanical bits, body work and woodwork. “We do most of the work — upholstery, electricals, mechanics, and paintwork — in-house,” he says, as he shows us a work-in-progress Rolls-Royce Phantom I. “We get cars from all over, and the average time for a restoration is around a year to a year-and-a-half, depending on the level of work,” says Kanoria.

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