Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I, 1959 Silver Cloud I | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

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JY Convertible
Coachwork: James Young

Originally supplied through Garage Athenee for the order of Count Salverte in Geneva, Switzerland. It was then acquired by the second owner and shipped to the USA and restored. The car was driven approximately 350 miles over the next few years, and then stored in a warehouse. The restoration was upgraded as necessary to its present condition. Shown last at the 1998 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. This car has traveled slightly over 23,000 total miles to date. It was the last of the customs by James Young on a SCI chassis.

Source - Blackhawk Collection

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Drop Head Coupe
Designer: Mulliner

A fine odler restoration of an alloy bodied, Mulliner convertible, and the only one equipped from new with air conditioning and power windows. It was originally ordered for the actress Debbie Reynolds by her husband, Harry Karle, and has done 44,000 miles.

This is the last of 13 out of 38, left-hand-drive Rolls-Royce built from 1956-1959 and is the only one equipped with air conditioning, power windows, and power steering from the factory. The 44,000 miles on the car is an example of the fine restoration that was completed about 25 years ago. The proper luggage, as noted on the factory records, was located and re-united with the car after 45 years. The car was originally delivered to Harry Karle, the husband of actress Debbie Reynolds.

Rolls-Royce mechanicals were reliable on this car and the 4.9 litre, six-cylinder engine has been known to run for 200,000 miles without a major overhaul. The interiors had leather pile upholstery, and the luxurious appointments included folding center armrest and slide-out picnic tables, ashtrays and vanity mirrors.

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Drop Head Coupe
Designer: Mulliner

The first series of Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was the replacement for the Silver Dawn and the last six-cylinder Rolls-Royce ever built.

Rolls-Royce mechanics were reliable as ever on this car; the 4.9-liter six cylinder engine had been known to run for 200,000 miles without major overhaul. The suspension was softer than in the past, with electrically adjustable rear shock absorbers. The interior had leather pile upholstery, and the luxurious appointments included folding center armrest and slide out picnic tables, ashtrays and vanity mirrors.

Of the 2,359 first-series Silver Clouds, all but 121 were bodied in the factory and were available either in single colors or two tones. The others included sedans by J. Young, and 38 convertibles coupes by H. J. Mulliner. This car is one of 13 original 38 cars built with left-hand drive.

This car was in entire original condition prior to itís first-ever restoration. It has only 24,000 miles on the odometer making it the lowest mileage example in existence.

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JY Convertible Coupe
Coachwork: James Young
Chassis Num: LSHF 169
Engine Num: SF 84

After World War II, Rolls-Royce began offering standard-steel bodied cars that could be produced quicker and provide added supplement to their custom and semi-custom line of vehicles. This began with their Silver Dawn and continued with their Silver Cloud I and has continued into modern times. Though these vehicles were produced in higher quantities, their craftsmanship and quality construction remained impeccably high. The designs were developed by custom coachbuilders such as Park Ward, Hooper, James Young, Freestone & Webb, and H.J. Mulliner.

Rolls-Royce did not list the horsepower figure that the engines produced, but it is believed that it was in the neighborhood of 180. The rear suspension was comprised of semi-elliptic springs with electrically controlled shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. The steering was by cam and roller with optional power assist beginning in 1956.

From 1955 through 1959, Rolls-Royce produced a total of 2,359 Silver Cloud I's with 121 being constructed on a longer wheelbase. This example with chassis number LSHF 169 is one of only two Cloud I's with coachwork by James Young. It sits on a 123-inch wheelbase, has left-hand drive, and a two-door drophead configuration. The exterior is finished in black paint with the interior being of red Wilton wool carpeting. The dashboard and doors are finished in burl walnut.

This car has participated in the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours. It was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell between $275,000-$350,000. There was no reserve placed on the vehicle and the vehicle left the auction unsold.

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Saloon

In April 1955 the new Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud appeared. Rolls-Royce chief designer John Polwhele Blatchley had tailored the attractive perfectly balanced body.

The Silver Cloud I is powered by a 6-cylinder in-line engine with a cast-iron cylinder block, bore x stroke 95.25x114.3mm capacity, 4887cc; aluminum alloy cylinder head; twin SU carburetors, and a four-speed automatic gearbox (manual four-speed gearbox to special order); and features a hypoid bevel final drive independent front suspension with coil springs, semi-elliptic springs rear, servo-assisted drum brakes, on a 3124.2mm wheelbase.

Tailored to the American market, this Rolls-Royce features rare factory air conditioning and power windows.

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Convertible Aluminum Body
Coachwork: Mulliner
Build Num: 7410

Luxury Clothed in Aluminum
In 1955 Rolls-Royce introduced its first all new car since the end of World War II. In the tradition of ghostly names, it was called the Silver Cloud. Although it was available as a standard steel saloon, owners of distinction often chose to purchase only the chassis and drivetrain and have their own custom bodies designed and built to their specifications.

This motorcar, built by H.J. Mulliner to design number 7410, was the coachbuilder's Earl's Court Motor Show car in 1958 and features all aluminum alloy construction. its Whitehall Grey over Rose Beige finish is completely original, as is its stunning red leather interior. Each of its two owners have cared for it for exactly 25 years.

Only 21 cars were constructed with this particular body style. The cost was a stratospheric 9,000 pounds sterling when a standard Silver Cloud saloon was 'only' 6,000 pounds sterling.

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Estate Wagon
Coachwork: Mulliner

After Harold Radford LTD had been taken over by H.J. Mulliner they produced four Silver Clouds with Harold Radford Design No: 7501, estate car bodies. Three are still known to exist and this is one of the remaining three.

The car is equipped with an overhead-inlet-valve, side exhaust valve, in-line six-cylinder 4.9 liter engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission and has a top speed of about 105 mph.

This Estate Wagon was delivered to John H. Ballentine in Connecticut on April 10, 1959. Richard Thomas is the third owner of this vehicle.

The first of four estate wagon versions of the Silver Cloud built, this Radford design was featured at the 1959 New York Automobile show. It has been newly restored and scores highly at Pebble Beach RROC events.

1959 Rolls Royce Estate Wagon New York Show Car
Radford Designed H.J. Mulliner Job #6207

The first of four similar bodies built, all of which were fitted to left drive 1959 Silver Cloud chassis for delivery to the U.S.A., this example was first supplied to John H. Ballantine on 9/9/59 finished as shown in the attached copies of the factory records in Sand over Sable with Tan hides.

A faithful and accurate restoration of the automobile was commissioned by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Thomas in August 2003 and was completed approximately one year later.

The 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Rolls Royce company is the first time the automobile has been shown since the completion of the work.

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LWB Saloon

This vehicle is a 1959 Silver Cloud I Long Wheelbase Saloon. The standard wheelbase measured 123-inches while the longer versions rested on a 127-inch platform. These were significantly more expensive as well; the base price for the Saloon was $15,655 while the LWB versions cost $19,185, a difference of $3,500.

The next major model change took place in 1955 with the introductions of the Silver Cloud. It was fitted with the current 4,887cc engine, but a totally new pressed-steel body was designed and the streamlined, elegant and perfectly balanced look of this car made it an instant success. Most cars were fitted with an automatic gearbox although a few were manual.

The rear brakes were combined hydraulic and mechanical with the usual Rolls-Royce gearbox-driven servo. Front suspension was by unequal length wishbones and coil springs with rear semi-elliptic electrically controlled dampers. A top speed of 106 mph was possible.

The press called the new Silver Cloud the 'finest car in the world' and said, 'There is little doubt that these find new cars will carry on the maker's tradition and reputation.' They were right: orders came from all around the world, with an unprecedented number from America, where it proved to be extremely popular in Hollywood.

The Silver Cloud II, launched in 1959, retained the same body as the Silver Cloud I, but was powered by a completely new V8 engine of 6,230cc. Coupled with automatic transmission as standard, the Silver Cloud II set new standards of refinement and performance. The 'Autocar' wrote: 'Only by adopting advanced production methods and thereby increasing yearly output can a superlative machine like this be made today at a price its clientele can afford. The Rolls-Royce is one of very few surviving top quality cars; the maintained standard of overall excellence is rewarded by full order books, and a world reputation which has never stood higher.'

In 1962, a lower bonnet line and twin headlamps were introduced and the Cloud III was born. Engine power was upped by 15% and the top speed rose to 117 mph. The compression ratio was increased and the 1-inch SU carburetors replaced by 2-inch units.

A 1963 road test stated: 'It is a pity that a connoisseur's car like the Rolls-Royce remains far beyond the dreams of the vast majority of the World's motorists, but good to know that cars of this quality can be built still and that there is a healthy market for them. They set a standard that is really appreciated best when one returns to driving lesser cars.'

The Silver Cloud range prompted the immortal line used in its advertising, 'At 60 miles an hour the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock.'

Source - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The last of the Rolls-Royce separate-chassis cars from Crewe, the Silver Cloud was the main vehicle manufactured by Rolls-Royce from April 1955 until March 1966. The Silver Cloud replaced the Silver Dawn and was eventually replaced by the Silver Shadow. A major update from the pre-war models, the main design work was accomplished by J.P. Blatchley.

With a simple steel box section, the chassis was welded together and was very rigid while construction was still split into chassis and pressed steel and aluminum coachwork. It wasn't until the Silver Shadow that the uni-body construction arrived.

Weighing a total of 1.95 ton's, the Silver Cloud measured 5.38 m long and 1.90 m wide. Transmission was a four-speed automatic with an engine that was a 4.9 L six-cylinder unit. Suspension was independent coils at the front and semi-elliptic springs at the rear while the brakes were servo-assisted hydraulic drums.

In 1959 the Silver Cloud II was introduced with minor changes externally, but with the addition of a 6.2 L V8 engine with now pushed the vehicles weight to 2.11 tons. The top speed jumped to 183 km/h while the biggest improvements were showcased in acceleration and torque. Essentially the Silver Cloud with a different engine, the Rolls-Royce new 6.2-liter light-alloy V8 has been said to have been inspired by Cadillac's 1949 OHV unit.

Identical in everything but the nameplate, and of course, the Rolls-Royce radiator and mascot, the Silver Cloud II favored the companion Bentley S-Type Series II. 229 units of this model were long-wheelbase limo's with division window and handcrafted coachwork, though most of these vehicles had the ‘standard steel' sedan body. Though falling behind the rising standard of chassis refinement, the 1959-1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II was still the ‘Best Car in the World'.

In 1963 the Silver Cloud III was unveiled with slightly updated external tweaks and a remodeled interior. The weight of this newest model was reduced by almost 100 kg which resulted in boosted engine speed and slight performance. Very similar to the later Silver Shadow, the headlights were updated to a four-headlamp layout.

A total of 2,238 units of the Silver Cloud were produced during its production time.

Elizabeth Johnson

Photos grouped by event
19th Annual Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States	Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance	Ault Park Concours d'Elegance	Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction
2006 Blackhawk Collection	2006 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance	2006 Palm Beach International Concours d'Elegance	2005 Blackhawk Exposition
2005 Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States	2005 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I
Year	1959
Make	Rolls-Royce
Model	Silver Cloud I
Body Style	Saloon
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis	Steel body on steel frame
Production Years for Series	1950 - 1965
Coach Work	Mulliner, James Young
Price	$15,650.00
Weight	4430 lbs \| 2009.4 kg

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Build Number	7410
Chassis Number	LSHF 169
Engine Number	SF 84

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
Cylinders	6
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	4.90 L \| 299 cu in. \| 4900.6 cc.
Valvetrain	SV
Horsepower	178.00 HP (131 KW)
HP to Weight Ratio	24.9 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	36.3 BHP / Liter
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
	L-Head
Cylinders	6
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	298.20 CU IN. \| 4887.5 cc. \| 4.9 L.
Horsepower	178.00 BHP (131 KW)
HP to Weight Ratio	24.9 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	36.3 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	6.6:1
Main Bearings	7
Engine Electronics	12-volt
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
Fuel Feed	Carburetor
	2 SU carburetors
Block	Cast-iron
Head	Aluminum
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
	L-Head
Cylinders	6
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	298.20 CU IN. \| 4887.5 cc. \| 4.9 L.
Horsepower	178.00 BHP (131 KW)
HP to Weight Ratio	24.9 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	36.3 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	6.6:1
Main Bearings	7
Engine Electronics	12-volt
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
Fuel Feed	Carburetor
	2 SU carburetors
Block	Cast-iron
Head	Aluminum
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
	L-Head
Cylinders	6
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	298.20 CU IN. \| 4887.5 cc. \| 4.9 L.
Horsepower	178.00 BHP (131 KW)
HP to Weight Ratio	24.9 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	36.3 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	6.6:1
Main Bearings	7
Engine Electronics	12-volt
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
Fuel Feed	Carburetor
	2 SU carburetors
Block	Cast-iron
Head	Aluminum
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
Cylinders	6
	Solid valve lifters
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	4887.00 cc \| 298.2 cu in. \| 4.9 L.
Horsepower	177.00 BHP (130.3 KW)
HP to Weight Ratio	25.0 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	36.1 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	6.6/6.8:1
Main Bearings	7
Engine Electronics	12 volt electrical system
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
Fuel Feed	Carburetor
	2 SU carburetors
Block	Cast-iron
Head	Aluminum
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Gear Ratios
1st Gear	13.06:1
2nd Gear	9.00:1
3rd Gear	4.96:1
4th Gear	3.42:1

Standard Transmission
Gears	4
Transmission	Automatic

Standard Transmission
Gears	4
Transmission	Automatic

Standard Transmission
Gears	4
Transmission	Automatic

Standard Transmission
Gears	4
Transmission	Automatic

Standard Transmission
Gears	4
Transmission	Automatic

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1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I