The all-new Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type were introduced in April of 1955 and built as a replacement for the aging Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and Bentley R-Type. Both wore sleeker bodywork on a new box-section separate chassis, replacing the unitary construction setup for the first time on a Rolls-Royce. The brakes and suspension were improved, with the latter featuring electrically controlled damping. The engine displacement rose to 4,887cc and adopted a six-port cylinder head which helped boost power on the dependable inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine. An automatic (4-speed GM Hydramatic) transmission was now standard with power-assisted steering offered as optional equipment. ![1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud photo](../images/filler.png)
SaloonRolls-Royce offered 'standard steel' factory bodywork, while coachbuilders continued to offer bespoke creations to discerning customers' unique specifications. The factory did not offer a convertible or drophead coupe, so a coach built car was the only option if one's preference was an open-top Rolls-Royce. The soon-to-be-merged firms of H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward Ltd. (the latter already owned by Rolls-Royce) were by far the most successful of this type, lasting into 1963. These handcrafted styles fetched a hefty premium, with H.J. Mulliner's drophead coupe being priced some 50% above the standard Silver Cloud four-door sedan, which was already among the world's most expensive cars. Mulliner would complete 21 (possibly 22) aluminum-bodied drophead coupes (style number 7410) on the Silver Cloud I chassis. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and its Bentley S1 stablemate were the last models powered by the venerable straight-six in its most developed form. The Silver Cloud I would remain in production through 1958, with a total of 2,238 examples produced. The Silver Cloud II was introduced in 1959 and came equipped with a new Rolls-Royce developed 6.2-liter V8, which greatly improved the vehicle's performance. Electrically operated windows were now optional and power steering became standard. After 2,417 examples had been produced, Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Cloud III, which would remain in production through 1966 with 2,044 produced. Improvements included a slight weight reduction, interior changes, and slightly altered external dimensions. The engine received a 2-inch SU carburetor, nitride hardened crankshaft, and the compression ratio increased to 9:1. External changes included slightly increased slope of the bonnet, reduction in the radiator grille height, and a four-headlamp layout.
by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019
![1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud photo](https://www.conceptcarz.com/images/Rolls-Royce/57_Rolls_Silver_Cloud_DV-06-p-01.jpg)
Saloon
by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019
Related Reading : Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud History
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....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Related Reading : Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud History
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....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Rolls-Royce
Similar Automakers
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1957
1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Silver Cloud Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
Related Automotive News
![Prestigious European Classics, Including Exceptional 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster, Added to Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Auctions](images/articleimages/gooding-company-european-classics-pebble-400.jpg)
Prestigious European Classics, Including Exceptional 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster, Added to Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Auctions
A selection of highly desirable concours-quality offerings from Europes finest automakers, including Bugatti, Bentley, Alfa Romeo, and Peugeot, to cross the auction block at Pebble Beach next month.
Internationally acclaimed auction house Gooding...
![70 years of Continental – the ultimate grand tourer](images/articleimages/70-years-bentley-continental-1-400.jpg)
70 years of Continental – the ultimate grand tourer
70 years since the start of production of iconic R-Type Continental
In 1952, the fastest four-seat and most expensive car in the world
208 examples built, one still owned by Bentley
Inspirational design DNA and definitive Continental ethos
The...
![$252,500 Sale of Ferrari Marks First Completed U.S. Auction For Collecting Cars](images/articleimages/collecting-cars-2021-us-auction-1-400.jpg)
$252,500 Sale of Ferrari Marks First Completed U.S. Auction For Collecting Cars
1990 Singer Porsche Sells For %24921,000 While a 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta Brings %24676,000 in International Auctions
A limited-run track-focused 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale has sold for %24252,500, signifying the first official auction...
![Glamorous and Rare Mercedes-Benz at Russo and Steele Newport Beach!](images/articleimages/russo-steele-3rd-annual-newport-beach-01-400.jpg)
Glamorous and Rare Mercedes-Benz at Russo and Steele Newport Beach!
Scottsdale, Arizona (March 26, 2015) – Today, few classic cars are as sophisticated as the W111-generation Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet. Rare and highly refined, these athletic and luxurious five-passenger automobiles continued the enviable...
Enhanced Kia Rio set for Paris Show world premiere
Enhanced Kia Rio to be unveiled at 2014 Paris Motor Show
B-segment Kias makeover gives exterior and cabin a fresh appearance
Enhanced Rio range on sale in Europe from early 2015
Frankfurt, 29 September 2014 – Kia will celebrate the world...