Vehicle Description
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is a luxury automobile produced by
Rolls-Royce Limited from April 1955 to March 1966. It was the core
model of the Rolls-Royce range during that period. The Silver Cloud
replaced the Silver Dawn and was, in turn, replaced by the Silver
Shadow. The J. P. Blatchley design was a major change from the
pre-war models and the highly derivative Silver Dawn. As part of a
range rationalisation the Bentley S1 is very similar, apart from
its radiator grille.
The Silver Cloud II was introduced in 1959. It was little changed
externally, but was given a new Rolls-Royce developed 6.2 L V8
engine, which pushed the weight to 2.11 tonnes. Performance was
greatly improved and top speed was raised to 183 km/h (114 mph),
but the main improvements were in acceleration and torque. Power
steering became standard. Electrically operated windows were now
available as an option.
Although the improved performance of the new car was welcomed,
commentators of the time noted that the V8-engine in theSilver
Cloud II was neither as quiet nor as smooth as the
straight-six-cylinder-engined Silver Cloud I, despite the new
engine's hydraulic tappet operation. The new wet-linered V8 was
also a little cramped in an engine bay intended originally for a
narrower unit: in order to change the spark plugs it was necessary
to remove the front wheel on the car's right side.There seems to
have been a problem with crankshaft breakages in the earlier V8s:
this was blamed on lack of lubrication to the bearings.
The basic architecture of the Silver Cloud II did not change
between 1959 and 1963, but there were numerous minor changes
implemented, notable among them a succession of improvements to the
ventilation system.Interior changes in 1961 included the adoption
of blue instrument lighting, the introduction of a combined
indicator / headlamp flasher switch and of a handbrake warning
light. A remodelled rear light assembly was introduced in May 1962
and a change to single sealed-beam headlamps was made in August
1962.
The Motor magazine tested a Series II in 1960. They recorded a top
speed of 104.7 mph (168.5 km/h), acceleration from 0-60 mph (97
km/h) in 10.9 seconds and a fuel consumption of 13 miles per
imperial gallon (22 L/100 km; 11 mpg?US). The test car cost �6092
including taxes.
