The Silver Cloud was the core model of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars range from April 1955 until March 1966, replacing the Silver Dawn. J.P. Blatchley's design was a major departure from the Crewe marque's pre-war models, and the somewhat derivative Silver Dawn. As part of a range rationalisation, the Cloud bears more than a passing resemblance to the Bentley S1, aside from Rolls-Royce's distinctive 'Pantheon' radiator grille. The chassis was a simple steel box section, welded together and very rigid. The Cloud's construction was divided, as with all Rolls-Royces until the Silver Shadow, between chassis and body, allowing for the provision of special-bodied versions by leading coachbuilders of the era. Despite this, the majority of Clouds were delivered with the Standard Steel bodywork, produced by Pressed Steel, and employing lightweight aluminium-based alloy for the doors, bonnet, and boot lid. The engine was a 155hp six-cylinder unit with inlet over exhaust valves. Twin SU carburettors were added in September 1957, and a four-speed automatic transmission was fitted as standard.

This beautiful Silver Cloud is presented in Mason's Black, with red hide leather interior. The coachwork was by Rippon Brothers of Huddersfield, coachbuilders since as early as the 16th Century and with a client list that included Queen Elizabeth, all the way back in 1564! This beautiful example was commissioned by a Major Lionel Brook Holliday, but never collected; instead, his daughter Marguerite collected the car. She had married Richard Blackwell, son of Sir Basil Blackwell, in 1942 and was the Silver Cloud's sole keeper until our vendor purchased it in 2020. Since then, under the watchful eye of noted marque specialist Phantom Motor Cars, our vendor has spared no expense keeping this Cloud mechanically sound - and speaking of sound, you can scarcely hear the engine running. The bodywork admittedly requires some attention to bring it back to its former glory but this Rolls-Royce is one with a history file hard to match and ready to drive away. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1956
Make: Rolls-Royce
Model: Silver Cloud Mk. I
Registration: KVH 543
Chassis No: SXA55
Odometer: tba

* Recent mechanical overhaul with marque specialist Phantom Motor Cars, costing £20,000+
* One previous owner