Words are tough to describe this stunning 1958 Silver Cloud. Finished in rich burgundy over putty grey with blue-grey Connolly leather upholstery fashioning everything in a very original and unrestored manner.
Recently from the collection of an enthusiastic collector, this Silver Cloud is one in spectacular condition and perhaps amongst the best out of the collection. Its most recent owner has retired and moved to smaller premises and we purchased the car.
The Silver Cloud was 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.
This Silver Cloud was originally delivered January 1958 to J C Stewart-Clark, finished in Shell Grey over Velvet Green with Grey hide.
It was spectacularly repainted some 20 years ago. The quality of work done was simply outstanding and we can ascertain at a very high the cost. Today, the body and paint is quite excellent. She presents very smooth and lustrous with only very minor blemishes and imperfections you would normally expect of an older car restoration, albeit well maintained. All new rubbers were fitted to the car including the factory correct (and expensive) door rubber seals. She is finished off with burgundy fine lines to the side coach-work in the correct hand painted tradition. Chrome, bright-work (including hubcaps) are in outstanding condition. Glass and fittings all present well.
The interior is indeed beautiful with all its original fitments. The Connolly Luxan hides are supple soft with the most perfect amount of wear, just as you would want of aged hides. She does show all the lovely signs of gentle use and the warm “patina” that makes these Rolls-Royce interiors what they are (the word “patina” is used literally here, and not as a means to explain old dry and rough leather!). There has been a repair on the driver seat cushion but it blends into insignificance with the remaining hides. The rear seat is simply divine.
The African burl walnut wood throughout is in nice condition and appears to be the only noticeable aspect of the interior that has been refinished, simply because it is so good. Carpets are fine as is the headliner. Rich burgundy mouton overlays finish the interior off nicely as they draw in the same exterior colour combination.
Mechanically, the car is superb. She sings like the best should sing and always come to life when called upon. The car has been regularly maintained over the last 5 years through Park-Ward’s fully appointed facility. She idles very smooth, powers well and handles the road comfortably and straight. She comes to a stand still true and strong. The tyres on the car are period correct whitewalls and are only a few years old.
Under the bonnet she is clean and presents well. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life.
As you would expect, this Silver Cloud comes with its original accoutrements, all various tools, jack, torch, a brand new spare and operating manual.
The car is of very high standard and is an undisputable 10 out of 10 driver rating and a good Preservation Class show car.
~~ This stately Silver Cloud is an wonderful example of the marque that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. She is of RROC preservation standard that can also be used for special occasion or sunny weekend enjoyment. Take her to your next Rolls-Royce meet and you will attract considerable attention, maybe pick up a prize as well! ~~
International buyers welcome!
Interesting Information on the Silver Cloud 1955-1958.
Construction was body-on-frame, which permitted special bodied versions, though the overwhelming majority were built with the standard Pressed Steel Company manufactured steel body shell. A light-weight aluminium-based alloy was used for doors, bonnet/hood and boot/trunk lid. The chassis was a simple steel box section, welded together and very rigid. The car was 5.38 m (212 in) long, 1.90 m (75 in) wide, and massed 1.95 tonnes. The engine was a 155 hp/4000 rpm 4.9 L (300 cu in) six-cylinder unit with inlet over exhaust valves: twin SU carburettors were added in September 1957. The standard transmission was a four-speed automatic, the General Motors designed Hydramatic transmission. The turning circle was 41 feet 8 inches (12.70 m).
Brakes were hydraulic and assisted by the Rolls-Royce mechanical servo with 11 in (279 mm) drums and suspension was independent coils at the front and semi-elliptic springs at the rear. Twin brake master cylinders were incorporated from April 1956.
Power steering and air conditioning became available as options in 1956.
A long-wheelbase version lengthened by 4 in (102 mm) was also made available in September 1957, outwardly very similar to the existing car but offering improved leg space for rear-seat passengers.
The British Motor magazine tested a standard-wheelbase factory-bodied Series I in 1956 recording a top speed of 102.9 mph (165.6 km/h) and acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 13.5 seconds and a fuel consumption of 14.5 miles per imperial gallon (19.5 L/100 km; 12.1 mpg‑US). The test car cost £5078 including taxes. Total production was 2,238 cars.
See here for many more photos of different parts of the car. The photos are of super high resolution so if you right-click on any,
you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos