1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Long Wheelbase Saloon

The Silver Cloud Rolls-Royce and the Bentley S-Type, both introduced in early 1955, were built with unitary construction. They had improved brakes and suspension. The engine was enlarged to 4887cc and modified with a six-port cylinder head which gave an increase in power. An automatic gearbox was now offered as standard equipment and power-assisted steering was optional.

The Long Wheelbase versions rested on a platform that was four-inches longer than it standard size. Park Ward (soon to become H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward) was Rolls-Royce in-house coachbuilder who was tasked with creating the bodies for the LWB vehicles. Between 1957 and 1959, only 122 customers opted for the LWB sedan.

This example is a Park Ward long-wheelbase sedan with left-hand drive. It was sold new to the US and later acquired by the current owner in 2006. In 2007 it was brought to the Bonhams Auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, held at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California. The lot was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $100,000 but failed to find an interested buyer willing to satisfy the cars reserve.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008