1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Saloon

Description

Arguably the last of the traditional Rolls-Royces, the Silver Cloud family - along with their Bentley siblings - were announced in April 1955 as successors to the Silver Wraith/Bentley R-type models. The graceful styling of the Silver Cloud, penned by John Blatchley and Ivan Evernden, was standardised and production outsourced to the Pressed Steel Company of Cowley, Oxford. The new model was built on a longer wheelbase for additional interior space, while the much stronger box-section frame resulted in a stiffer, quieter body. Rolls-Royce continued to employ its long-serving in-line six under the dignified bonnet, featuring a new light-alloy cylinder head and twin SU carburettors, with the power output invariably described as 'adequate'. The standard transmission was a GM-derived Hydramatic four-speed automatic; Bentley customers could still order a manual-shift gearbox, though few would do so. By the late 1950s, in part to counter the threat from Detroit, Rolls-Royce developed a new V8 engine, built entirely from aluminium and displacing 6 ¼-litres, which duly found its way into the Cloud II of 1959. The new motor necessitated minor changes under the skin to the steering (with power assistance now standard across the range), suspension and exhaust system. The ventilation system was also improved, although air conditioning remained an optional extra. Externally no changes were deemed necessary and the traditional passenger compartment remained a supremely comfortable place to be, with the finest Connolly leather, Wilton carpeting and timber veneers to the facia, door cappings and fold-out picnic tables. Thanks to the powerful new engine, performance was considerably enhanced and The Autocar recorded a 0-60 mph time of 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 113 mph. In total some 2,417 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud IIs were made, plus 299 on the longer wheelbase.