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1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I

Wearing a design by J.P. Blatchley, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and its sibling, the Bentley S model, was introduced in 1955 and replaced the Silver Dawn and the R-Type. In the front were the traditional grill and headlights followed by a more modern and integrated look throughout. The cars were built on a separate chassis so custom-bodied cars could be built for those who were seeking additional personalization and customization. The body was formed from steel, with lightweight aluminum panels for the hood, doors, and trunk lid. It had an independent front suspension and an inline six-cylinder engine. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 13.5 seconds and top speed was just above 100 mph. The engine was carried over from the pre-war Silver Wraith and this would be the final model before the V8 engine was installed in the proceeding Silver Cloud II. While the engine was carried over from the pre-war era, it was considered smoother than the V8 that followed in the Silver Cloud II. Early Silver Cloud I engine compression ratio was 6.6:1, but later Silver Cloud I models, and all models built for the North American market were built with an 8:1 ratio. The General Motors Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, now standard with the Silver Cloud, was extremely reliable, well built, and was married to a servo-boost system to enhance braking.

Drophead coupes remained extremely popular on the Silver Cloud chassis, usually crafted by H.J. Mulliner of Chiswick, West London, who fitted several convertible designs. Cost and efficiency reasons led to the replacement of this attractive design, late in the production of the Silver Cloud I, with the so-called 'Drophead Coupe Adaptation,' modified from factory saloon body panels. This would be the standard method of construction for most Mulliner Drophead Coupes through to the end of the Silver Cloud series in 1965.

Another prominent coachbuilder was James Young Ltd. of Bromley, Kent, who was established in 1863, survived for 104 years, and was renowned for its distinctive, instantly recognizable detailing, which included graceful body moldings and unique door handles. After it was acquired by prominent London dealer Jack Barclay in 1937, the firm worked almost exclusively on Bentley and Rolls-Royce chassis. It would survive and produce fine designs until 1967.

As the trend moved away from true custom coachwork to reworked factory bodies, one could still acquire a handmade body, from the wooden frame up, by skilled artisans in the traditional manner.

Production of the Silver Cloud continued until it was replaced in 1959 with the Silver Cloud II. A total of 2,417 examples were produced. 121 were the long-wheelbase version that had been introduced in September of 1957.

The Silver Cloud was a very successful car for Rolls-Royce, with greater production and a longer lifespan than any model that preceded it. It remains a quintessential Rolls-Royce, with a degree of style that only this marque can offer, and enough power to be used on modern roads.

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe

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.

Convertible Aluminum Body by Mulliner

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.

This Silver Cloud I was delivered to Ilene Springer of New Jersey on January 28, 1959, at a cost of 3082 British Pounds, 78 Shillings and 15 pence (about $8,600 United States Dollars). This car has 89,000 original miles. It has electrically adjustable rear shock absorbers and power brakes were standard. Luxurious appointments included folding center armrests and slide-out picnic tables, ashtrays, vanity mirrors and cold weather shields over the door locks. It also has rare factory air conditioning and electric windows.

Saloon
Chassis number: LSKG 39

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. It is an original left-hand-drive example. It was sold on April 27, 1959, for $8,600 to Irene Springer of Stone Harbor, New Jersey. It was sold in June of 1983 to William Traylor of Birmingham, Michigan, from who the present owner, its third since new, purchased it in 1985.

Mark Schlachter of MetalKraft CoachWerkes of Cincinnati was commissioned for a 1½-year restoration of the body, undercarriage, interior, and engine bay. The concours-quality car then won Best in Class honors at several Rolls-Royce Owners Club meets, as well as several conours d'elegance, including Amelia Island. It is finished in an original factory Shell Gray and Claret two-tone paint scheme. It has its original burled walnut veneers and a custom matching burled walnut steering wheel by Rau Restorations of Los Angeles. All-new Connolly leather hides, wool headliner, and Wilton 1 carpet were utilized, with black square-weave carpeting for the boot.

Convertible Coupe by James Young
Chassis number: LSHF 169
Engine number: 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.

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe

A fine older 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.

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.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by James Young

This Silver Cloud I has coachwork by James Young. It was the second of two such aluminum-bodied works and it was delivered on May 22, 1959, to Alfred Hart of Bel Air, CA, finished, according to the factory built sheets, in Dark Grey with red hides. It was supplied with power operated convertible top, front door windows (unlike the first one) and antenna, as it remains today.

The current owners purchased the car in 2007 with 51,902 miles on the odometer, which is believed to be correct. They commissioned the selling dealer to carry out a mechanical review and refurbishment of the automobile including the addition of a period appearing upgraded air conditioner with complimentary cooling system and a cosmetic upgrade to his specifications. The coachwork was refinished in Oxford Blue, a Rolls-Royce color of the period, with a Saddle tan top and specially ordered hides. A correct tinted windshield as per the build sheet was fitted and the chrome bright work repaired and replaced as part of the process. Complete tools and correct handbook accompany the vehicle along with copies of the original factory records.

Estate Wagon by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSMH65

This is the second of only four H.J. Mulliner Radford-designed Estate Wagon Conversions built, all of them on the left drive 1959 Silver Cloud chassis for United States delivery, each equipped to order. This second example was originally supplied on May 8th of 1959 to Mr. R.L. McCormick of Wichita, Kansas, with Webasto folding sunroof with wind deflector, factory air conditioning, 202R radio, Marchal sidelamps and chrome filler panels to the roof at the rear door area and Harold Radford seating.

The previous owner attempted to buy another Estate Wagon but the collector who owned it would not sell. The purchase of this one from Mr. McCormick (with 116,072 miles on the odometer) was arranged and the car remained with the second owner until purchased by the third and current owner in 2007 via Vantage Motorworks of Miami, Florida. The previous owner commissioned the first thorough (18-month) restoration of the automobile by Vantage Motorworks with particular emphasis toward reliability. Three large air horns were mounted on the front apron by Mr. McCormick to frighten cattle off the road, and are still in place.

The current owner obtained the vehicle in 2011.

Estate Wagon by 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.

by Rolls-Royce

Convertible by James Young
Chassis number: LSJF202
Engine number: SF226

This Silver Cloud I was delivered through the Garage de l'Athénée, of Geneva, Switzerland, to Count François de Salverte on April 11th of 1958. The second owner had it shipped to the United States and treated it to a concours-quality restoration. The body was finished in the creamy white known as Magnolia, and given a correct, heavily padded tan cloth top and fitted tonneau cover.

This one-off Drophead Coupe with coachwork by James Young has been driven only a few hundred miles since the completion of the restoration (it has been driven nearly 37,000 miles from new).

In 1998, the car was shown at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

by Blackhawk Collection

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Aluminum Body by Mulliner

This 1959 Silver Cloud I features the H.J. Mulliner style 7410 aluminum-bodied convertible. Only 13 left drives were built from 1956 through 1959 (each one reportedly at a net loss) before Rolls-Royce decided to economize by supplying standard 4-door sedan bodies to Mulliner for adaptation to their much more numerous 7504 series.

This late example, fitted with the large valve, large carburetor, Continental specification engine, power steering and power-operated top, is the last of these works of art. It was shown on the H.J. Mulliner stand at the 1958 Earls Court Motor Show and subsequently sold to Mrs. Madeline Shea of New York. She passed it on to her daughter in 1974 and she kept it until 1989 when she sold it to Vantage Motorworks with only 80,595 miles covered during the 31 years. It was acquired by the current owner in 2001 and was then resold to the fifth owner who after enjoying the car with his young daughters decided to sell it back to the again current owners.

This example has copies of the title of the original owner, factory records and photos of the restoration, along with the books and complete tools.

Drop Head Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSMH57
Engine number: SH28

Part-way through the production run of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I, the company offered a drophead coupe by H.J. Mulliner, style number 7504. This new design, referred to as an adaption, was different from previous Mulliner Drophead Coupes and made use of a 'Standard Steel Saloon' body shell, which was heavily modified by Mulliner. In total, just 13 examples were built with 10 being left-hand-drive examples.

This post war custom coachwork car was created for Norman Paul Butler, a founder of Oak Brook, Illinois, who also established the Oak Brook Polo Club and developed the Butler National Golf Course.

Special features noted in the Rolls-Royce build sheets include:

- Special 'Ace' illuminated number plate box in place of Export with U.K. registration No. BC33 issued in 1903 on the boot.

- A 'Rev Counter' (the tachometer is mounted in the dash)

- Rear seat cushion is hinged to life up and form a luggage platform.

- Left hand drive - power assisted steering - electric windows and fog lights

- Power operated top and electric radio aerial.

- Micro switch on the handbrake mechanism controlling a warning light.

- Cold weather shield over door locks.

- Combined parking and blinking lights

The car was delivered to Mr. Butler in New York on May 15th of 1959 at a cost of $15,000. The car has been restored and has custom fitted luggage in the trunk and back seat.

Touring Saloon by Hooper

Rolls-Royce learned with its Silver Dawn model that its loyal customers were willing to accept standardized bodies that were considerably less expensive than those provided by specialty coachbuilders. When the Silver Cloud was introduced in 1955, it too, was offered as a standard steel saloon by Pressed Steel, albeit with some body panels in aluminum. While, the Silver Cloud retained a conventional chassis, nine percent of production sported custom coachwork by specialty builders such as this example.

This is one of 13 examples built by Hooper for the Silver Cloud I chassis. The touring saloon designation refers to the fact that it has no division window between the driver's and passenger's compartment. This car retains its original paint, interior and drivetrain and has been driven a bit more than 86,000 miles from new. The current owner acquired the car in 1965, becoming its fifth owner in six years.

Saloon by James Young
Chassis number: CLC 14

This is a first-series Silver Cloud that was finished at the Rolls-Royce works near the end of 1958. It was ordered through Swiss agency S.A. du Garage de L'Athnnoe and was to be displayed at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It is a long wheelbase version that was fitted with Saloon coachwork by the London-based coachbuilder, James Young Ltd. The bodywork features a division and is outfitted with a number of accessories including power steering, electric arial, Avon white sided tubeless tires, chrome plated wheel discs, wing- fog- reverse- and Le Mans headlamps, speedometer in kilometers and a high frequency horn.

After the Geneva Motor Show, the car was delivered to H. Robinson. By 1977 the Silver Cloud is known to have been owned by James Nicholso of Maryland, before being purchased by Albert Kimmel of Sacramento, CA in 1987.

The car has been given a comprehensive restoration. It is finished in burgundy with a tan interior.

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSMH195
Engine number: SH97

The most popular H.J. Mulliner convertible was design number 7504, the Drophead Coupe Adaptation. It was not introduced until very late in the Silver Cloud I's run. 13 examples were produced with 0 of them having left-hand drive for American clients. The Drophead Coupe Adaptation was a factory-catalogued design built using modified steel saloon body panels. Much of the transformation was performed by Mulliner, including installation of the multi-layered convertible top. The paint and final completion was handled by Rolls-Royce's factory craftsmen.

The cars destined for U.S. based customers were given a six-cylinder engine with higher 8:1 compression.

This particular example was ordered by Broadway producer Lawrence Carr, who selected trim details, enhanced radio output, and power options, including the windows and convertible top. Other options included 'weather guards,' to cover the keyholes and prevent them from freezing over in winter weather.

Carr took delivery of the car on June 16th of 1959. The car's second owner, Robert Frielich, would retained the car for decades. It was then given a mechanical and cosmetic restoration for Emil Kovach. The work was handled by Vantage Motorworks of Miami, Florida and no expense was spared. The car was finished in period-correct factory color scheme of Sand Acrylic, striped in Regal Red, over Beige Connolly hides and Fawn Wilton wool carpeting

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSMH21
Engine number: SH40

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and its sibling, the Bentley S model, were introduced in 1955 and replaced the Silver Dawn and the R-Type. The Silver Cloud I was the last series to be fitted with the inline six-cylinder F-head engine. Early examples had a 6.6:1 compression ratio, but later Silver Cloud I models, and all those built for the North American market, were given an 8:1 ratio. The General Motors Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, now standard with the Silver Cloud, was mated to a servo-boost system to enhance braking.

This Rolls-Royce wears coachwork by H.J. Mulliner and design number 7504. Mulliner fitted several convertible designs onto the Silver Cloud chassis, but this was their most popular. The design was introduced in April of 1959 at the New York Auto Show and most of the models were built with left-hand drive for export to the United States. Only 13 examples were created, of which 10 were in left-hand drive configuration, and this is the 4th completed.

The car has air conditioning, an automatic transmission, a Spirit of Ecstasy hood mascot, and rides on a set of Firestone gum-dipped wide whitewall tires. The AC unit is an after-market unit, albeit correct R12 Chrysler, boot-mounted, AirTemp air-conditioning system. It has a rare Yale master key, master key blank, and two Yale valet key blanks. Additionally, there is a 'Continental Touring Kit.'

It was delivered new through dealer J.S. Inskip of Manhattan, New York, to business heir George Baekeland of Southport, Connecticut, and later becoming part of the Ted Mintz Rolls-Royce Collection. P

This car has won several awards including a first place at the RROC National Meet in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1980. It won a 2nd in Class at the 976 National Meet in Toronto, Ontario and a 2nd at the 1984 RROC National Meet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

It was given a cosmetic restoration and has just over 48,000 miles on its odometer. The interior was re-trimmed in its original beige Connolly hides. The original paint color 'Morris Beige,' a delightful butterscotch color, was repainted around 2015. At that time, all major chrome was re-plated. Other work included new leather spring gaiters and exhaust system, an auxiliary electric radiator fan, electronic ignition, and new Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon by James Young
Chassis number: LSHF111

This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Saloon Coupe is one of 2 built with James Young 2-Door Saloon Coachwork, design SC 20. It has known ownership from new. It was built to the order of Hollywood producer William Goetz, co-founder of 20th Century Fox and husband to Elie Mayer Goetz, daughter of Louie B Mayer of MGM. The car was delivered to Mr. Goetz in February 1959 at the Peter Santori Dealership on Pasadena. The car remained in Mr. Goetz's care until his death in 1969. It was then sold to an east coast developer who kept the car until approximately 1992. It was purchased by a Beverly Hills Doctor in 1997 who commissioned a restoration. A restoration took place between 2010 and 2012 at an estimated cost of $150,000. The paint alone cost $35,000.

In 2004 the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It was shown again in 2015 at Pebble Beach where it was awarded third in class. The car has also been featured on the cover of the Post 55 Silver Cloud newsletter and took home first in class at the RROC Southern California Concours d'Elegance in 2016.

The car is powered by a 6-cylinder engine and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. It has aluminum body panels with steel reinforcement, a Midnight Blue exterior with a Red pinstripe, and a St. James Red leather interior with leather headliner. There is a Burled Walnut dash and door caps, Burled Walnut fold down picnic tray table, air conditioning, radio, power steering, and power windows.

by Dan Vaughan

Drop Head Coupe

While any Rolls Royce Silver Cloud is a desirable luxury automobile, the Drophead Coupes with coachwork by H.J. Mulliner takes it to another level. The Silver Cloud was introduced in 1955 as the first model from Rolls-Royce to showcase a post-war appearance. The new model featured an improved chassis of rigid box sectioning and a longer wheelbase, giving custom coachbuilders more creativity and customers a larger and more lavish interior. The legendary F-head engine was further refined when it was given twin SU carburetors for fuel induction in 1957. This refinement would be the pinnacle of the Rolls-Royce straight-6 with 4.9 liters of displacement producing 180 horsepower.

This Sand Acrylic Drophead Coupe has been meticulously restored to its as-delivered glory. With approximately 50,000 miles on the odometer, it is one of just thirteen built, with ten delivered to the United States.

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