Being handed down through multiple Kano Emirates, the vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith ALW 11, one of the most costly and famous model from 1952 in Nigeria, still keeps shiny and shows a luxurious look.
Before coming under the possession of the Emir of Kano, the Roll-Royce once belonged to Nubar Gulbenkian, a British millionaire, who enjoys collecting custom-made Rolls-Royces. In 1952, this Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith ALW 11 was exclusively designed for him.
The incumbent Emir is Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Soon after the event, Abdullahi Bayero, the then Emir of Kano (took the crown from 1926 to 1953), bought this special car. After his death, Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith ALW 11 was passed down to the next Emir, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi I (also the grandfather of the incumbent Emir).
Some believed that the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith ALW 11 was offered by Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi I to serve Queen Elizabeth II in 1956 as she paid a visit to Northern Nigeria (touring many famous places such as Kano, Kaduna, Jos, etc.)
Throughout the years, the Rolls-Royce was passed down from one Emir to another
Throughout the years, the Rolls-Royce was passed down from one Emir to another (The sitting Emir is Sanusi Lamido Sanusi)
Obviously, it must take a whole fortune to maintain a 1952 vehicle in the tip-top shape
Also, the Rolls-Royce has gone through a myriad of expensive maintenance, resulting in the fact that most of the parts are now rebuilt and replaced.
The Rolls-Royce’s new ash frame designed for the body, for example, was rebuilt. In addition, the front lights’ Perspex covers were revamped and refitted. Besides, there is a re-engineered speedometer and many more other upgrades for the car.
The Rolls-Royce has gone through a myriad of expensive maintenance
The maintaining job was done solely by Chris Lee, a long-established British Rolls-Royce specialist. As Chris Lee said, when he did the maintenance, the Emirate instructed him to do anything as his desire no matter how much the cost is.
Obviously, it must take a whole fortune to maintain a 1952 vehicle in the tip-top shape.
>>> See more: Gov. Ayodele Fayose's official car - Mercedes Benz 220S 1957
