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1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud

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.

Rolls-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 Dan Vaughan

Long Wheelbase Saloon by Park Ward & Co.
Chassis number: LALC24

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 Dan Vaughan

Saloon
Chassis number: SDD6
Engine number: SD3

There were 2,238 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I models produced from 1955 through 1959 and by the time the Silver Shadow arrived in 1965, 7,248 units had been produced. They were the zenith of prestige and luxury and powered by an overhead valve V-8 engine rated at approximately 178 horsepower (Power was never officially quoted by Rolls-Royce and was simply referred to as 'adequate'). The elegant exterior styling was done by John Blatchley in the grandest tradition. Standard bodies were produced by Pressed Steel, of Cowley, England. Though the name implies 'steel', all the doors, boot and bonnet were constructed of aluminum.

In 1957, the Silver Cloud I received important mechanical updates including the fitment of a dual reservoir braking system, power steering, and the use of a larger cylinder head and larger carburetor, increasing power by an estimated ten percent.

This Saloon is finished in silver and black two-tone with black leather interior. It is a right-hand drive that is equipped with air conditioning. It was purchased from a long-term owner in Georgia and has been given a recent show quality restoration.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the St. Johns Concours auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $50,000-$60,000. Bidding reached $35,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon
Chassis number: LSED351
Engine number: SD 400

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was introduced in 1955 and was designed by J.P. Blatchley. It was given the traditional grill and headlights but moved more towards a modern, integrated appearance. Just like the prior models, the Silver Cloud was built on a separate chassis so custom-bodied cars could be catered to every customers request. The body was steel, with lightweight aluminum panels for the doors, hood, and trunk lid. Power was from an inline six-cylinder engine carried over from the pre-war Silver Wraith. The engine was considered smoother than the V8 that followed in the Silver Cloud II. The powerplant was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Silver Cloud was enjoyed greater production and a longer lifespan than any model that preceded it.

Chassis no. LSED351

Actor James Mason took delivery of this Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I from dealer Peter Satori in 1957. The second owner was Hollywood Picture Vehicles, in whose ownership the Cloud is understood to have appeared in a number of films.

The beige interior has been outfitted with a burled wood bar including original crystal decanters and glasses, and has had recent work including a new headliner, carpet, restored wood, and restored vanity mirror. The interior is also newly equipped with a hidden modern sound system.

The car has a tool kit, handbook, a dealer advertising kit, the shop manual, and a parts list.

by Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSDD146
Engine number: SD73

This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I wears an aluminum-bodied drophead coupe by H.J. Mulliner, style number 7410. A total of 21 examples of this design were built, and twelve were on left-hand-drive chassis.

The car was ordered in 1956 by Mrs. Dorothy Staniar Assheton, with residences recorded in New York City; Darien, Connecticut; and Belleville, New Jersey. She requested that the chassis be delivered as soon as possible and requested numerous special features, including Windtone horns, unique bulbs and lenses for the fog lights and tail lamps, summer and winter thermostats, and 'puncture proof tires.' An automatic transmission and power steering were also requested.

Mrs. Assheton received the Rolls-Royce in London, England on June 2nd of 1957. It is believed she maintained the car until 1977, when it was purchased by Samuel R. Schwartz of Cedarhurst, New York. Mr. Schwartz would own the Rolls for 30 years. During those three decades, much of its time was spent residing in the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana.

The third caretaker commissioned the car's restoration, including new Velvet Green paint and biscuit tan leather upholstery. Currently, the odometer shows 69,270 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Drophead Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: B231EB or B231EK

This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Convertible is a right-hand drive example with a newer interior and an automatic transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

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.'

by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

by Rolls-Royce

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.

by Jessican Donaldson