1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Convertible Coupe

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.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007