Lot details Registration No: 785 YUD Chassis No: SWC4 Mot Expiry: Nov 2012
Rolls-Royce launched the Silver Cloud in April 1955. It was based on a completely new closed box section frame that was reputedly fifty percent stiffer than that of the outgoing Silver Dawn. The distinguished-looking standard body was penned by in-house designer John Polwhele Blatchley, the proportions of which belied its considerable overall length of 17ft 8in and clothed all but 157 of the 2,360 Cloud Is eventually produced. The car was powered by an alloy-headed, straight-six engine of 4887cc that delivered some 155bhp at 4,000 rpm. This was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Braking was by servo-assisted 11-inch drums all round. The suspension was independent with coil springs at the front and featured a live axle hung on semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The Silver Cloud II unveiled in 1959 brought a redesigned ventilation system and standardised power steering. The biggest change, however, was the replacement of the 4.9-litre six-cylinder engine with an all-alloy 6.2-litre V8 unit. The unquoted output was sufficient to whisk the newcomer to 60mph in under 11 seconds and on to a top speed of 112mph. At total of 2,717 Cloud IIs were built between 1959 and 1962 - 2,418 with the standard wheelbase and 299 with the optional longer one.
This right-hand drive standard wheelbase example is finished in Shell Grey over Seychelles Blue. The vendor purchased it from its second owner, Doris Ivy Neale, 24 years ago and there is correspondence from her and the first keeper on file; along with sundry bills and quotations. The gearbox and paintwork were refreshed in the 1990s, the brakes relined five years ago, and the sills, distributor cap/arm and thermostat replaced more recently; along with the chassis tube below the battery. The Cloud comes complete with stainless steel exhaust and is MOT'd and taxed until the end of November.
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