Vehicle Description
The Silver Cloud series marked a significant step for Rolls Royce
when it was introduced in April of 1955. Rolls Royce was
rationalizing their production line as the days of supplying bare
chassis to coachbuilders were winding down and standard showroom
models were becoming ever more popular. The standardization of
production allowed Rolls Royce to produce cars in greater numbers
than ever before, though critically, while still maintaining the
same level of quality and engineering excellence that was expected
of them. The Silver Cloud was their first "mass produced" major
commercial success and in the 60 years since its introduction, has
become an icon of luxury motoring. Initially the Silver Cloud was
fitted with a traditional iron block inline six-cylinder engine.
But even before the Silver Cloud reached production, Rolls Royce
engineers were hard at work designing an engine that would carry
them through the next decade, and beyond. After several proposals
such as a V12 and even an inline eight, engineers settled on a V8
layout that would be compact enough yet provide superior output to
the current six-cylinder. This was a thoroughly advanced engine
that was cast in alloy with wet liners, and wore the carburetors in
the center of the "vee" to keep the dimensions as compact as
possible. Development of this 6.2 liter unit wasn't completed until
after Silver Cloud production was well underway, but in 1959 it was
introduced in that car which became known as the Silver Cloud II.
The Silver Cloud II was visually very similar to the outgoing Cloud
I, with only very minor cosmetic changes taking place. The big
changes lay under the bodywork where the V8 was carefully wedged
into place and several enhancements made to the chassis to improve
handling, ride, and the ability to cope with the additional power.
Once optional equipment, power steering became standard fitment. As
before, both standard and long wheelbase chassis were offered and
of the 2,717 Silver Cloud II's built, just 299 were in
long-wheelbase specification, making these particularly rare and
desirable among today's Rolls Royce enthusiasts. This handsome 1962
Silver Cloud II (S/N LLCA49) is a very rare left-hand-drive,
long-wheelbase example that was delivered new to Switzerland. �The
previous owner was a long time caretaker having purchased the car
in 1985. It appears never to have been fully restored, but rather
has been very well maintained, with only light cosmetic restoration
work performed on an as-needed basis. It is finished in attractive
sand over sable with a Biscuit Tan Connolly leather interior and
fitted with desirable Frigette Air Conditioning, power windows, and
an AM radio, all of which is documented on the original build
sheets, copies of which accompany the car. The paint work shows is
very attractive, laid down on coachwork that is straight and solid,
while the often-tricky panel gaps are tidy and consistent. Chrome
and brightwork are of very good quality, showing some care-wear but
otherwise quite attractive, straight and complete, in good keeping
with the rest of the cosmetics. Of course, the best place to enjoy
a Silver Cloud is from within the sumptuous interior. This example
does not disappoint with very clean and well-appointed cabin.
Leather seating is in excellent condition and the walnut woodwork
is in very good order, having been refinished, but not completely
restored. Air conditioning is reserved for the rear seat occupants,
who also have individual book-matched walnut tray tables.
Mechanically, this example appears to have been well-maintained and
performs admirably. The 6.2 Liter V8 is known for its amazing
longevity and this unit still runs quiet and strong, mated to the
factory original four-speed automatic transmission. The car
recently had a full service including all new brakes, air
conditioning service, carburetor rebuilds, and new tires. The
Silver Cloud remains one of the most recognizable icons of the
automobile. In this, the second series, it combines that timeless
elegance with effortless performance and exceptional rarity. .
