Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupé

In April 1955 debuted the Silver Cloud as the first completely new developed Rolls-Royce model after World War 2. It was designed by John Polwhele Blatchley. Four years later, the British company replaced the last remaining prewar element, the inline six-cylinder engine, with a new 6.2-liter V8. This engine was kept until the 1990s as the drivetrain for various Rolls-Royce and Bentley models in constantly modernized form. With this new engine the model name changed to Silver Cloud II, while only a few other elements of the car were changed or modified. Hardly surprising, as vehicles of Rolls-Royce were considered to belong to the best offered cars worldwide in those days. The advertising agency of David Ogilvy came up with the appropriate slogan: “The loudest noise on board at 100 kilometers per hour is the ticking of the clock”. While the power and performance information wasn’t available as usual at that time, a known fact is the four-speed automatic gearbox transmitting the power to the rear wheels.

A total of 2,717 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II were built between 1959 and 1962, of which 299 had the optional long wheelbase chassis. On the short wheelbase H.J. Mulliner produced 107 convertibles for the factory with the typical english name Drophead Coupé. DM Historics of Tonbridge, southeast of London, is currently offering such a vehicle from 1960, one of only 32 with RHD. This Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupé in silver metallic with red leather seats was originally delivered to South African millionaire Max Wilson, who in addition to the open bodywork also ordered every optional extra available including power windows, radio aerial, speakers in the rear armrest and whitewall tires. He kept the Rolls-Royce for about 25 years and then sold via a classic car dealer to a Mr. Theodorovich from Hong Kong, who stored the car at the dealer for ten years and also asked for it to be repainted in white. In 2011 the car finally arrived in Hong Kong. Six years later it left again on its way to a new owner back in the UK.

At DM Historics, the rare Drophead Coupé received a careful restoration including repainting to the original ‘Shell Grey’ color, including hand-painted red pinstripes along the sides. The hubcaps of the 15-inch wheels also carry hand-drawn red stripes. All attachments have been re-chrome plated, making them sparkle in the sunshine. Inside is the original walnut wood dashboard with period-correct instruments and the typical three-spoke steering wheel. In keeping with the fresh red leather, carpets were laid in the correct shade of grey that the car originally received from factory.

If you are interested in this rare Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupé by H.J. Mulliner at a price of 345,000 GBP, you can contact DM Historics. Otherwise, it is worth taking a look in our picture gallery to start dreaming.

Images: DM Historics