Lot 337: 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Sedan

Introduced early in 1955 as replacements the ageing Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and Bentley R-Type, the all-new Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type sported sleeker bodywork on a new box-section chassis incorporating improved brakes and suspension, while enlargement to 4,887cc and the adoption of a six-port cylinder head boosted the output of the dependable inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine. Development of the latter though, was nearing its end and Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their predecessors, though the new 6,230cc aluminium-alloy power unit considerably enhanced their performance. Although wider and shorter than the ‘six’ it replaced, the new engine fitted relatively easily within the engine bay, re-location of the steering box from inside to outside of the chassis frame being the most obvious alteration to the previous arrangements. Rolls-Royce’s own four-speed automatic transmission was now the only one on offer and power steering was standardised. Immensely successful both at home and abroad, the pair remained in production until superseded by the re-styled Silver Cloud III and Bentley S3 in the autumn of 1962.

This ex-Beverley Hills, California car was purchased by the vendor (its second private owner) from Vantage Motorworks, of Miami, Florida in March 2004, at which time the odometer reading was 24,711 miles. The car was treated to a brake overhaul upon acquisition and later in 2004 underwent further remedial works at J E Robison Service Co Inc, of Springfield, MA that included rebuilding the power steering pump, replacing transmission O-ring seals, retouching paintwork and refurbishing the leather upholstery (invoices available). Finished in blue with beige interior, the vehicle is offered with original owner’s manual and is described by the private vendor as “running excellently.”