Lot 344: 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II 'Adaptation'

The Silver Cloud, which replaced the R-type and Silver Dawn models, made its predecessor look decidedly old-fashioned, and represented the last of the separate-frame Rolls-Royces. As such, it was the last of the cars that could be fitted with custom coach-built bodies. This is one such car, with convertible bodywork by H.J. Mulliner, a legend within the Rolls Royce world. Since the factory did not offer an open version of the `standard steel` saloon, customers seeking open cars were obliged to contact a coachbuilder to fulfill that request. The earliest cars were powered by a development of the large six-cylinder engine from the earlier cars, but the introduction of the Silver Cloud II in 1959 saw the introduction of their all-new 6.2 litre aluminum alloy V8. Power steering and power brakes were standard, as was a four-speed automatic transmission. Just 36 of these special bodied H.J. Mulliner drophead coupes were made in right hand drive on the Silver Cloud I & II chassis. The motor car we offer has led an international life having crossed many oceans and served several distinguished owners. Delivered new by Rolls Royce agents H.A. Fox & Co. on the 2nd January 1962 to the well known, some might say 'notorious' property developer Peter Rackam who virtually ordered the entire Rolls Royce options list to adorned what was at the time one of Rolls Royce's most fashionable motor cars, the newly introduced Cloud II Mulliner adaptation. By 1966, the car was with Meads of Maidenhead, another Rolls Royce dealer, and after many more years in the UK it was exported to the US only to return several years later in the 80's. It was then subject to a full restoration, the mechanical work being undertaken by the well known firm of P.J. Fischer followed by a 'concours' cosmetic restoration by Messrs Frank Dale & Stepsons for the famous Rolls Royce collection of Hayashi, the premier collection in Japan. When his Rolls Royces were disbanded in favour of Ferraris, the car found itself again on the high seas, over the Pacific Ocean to the US once more where it was sold to the family of famous industrialist Armand Hammer probably most famous for his brand of toothpaste!. This motor car still retains in the immaculate condition of its restoration reflecting the combination of the cars cosseted life coupled with the high quality of the work carried out. In short, the paint shows almost no wear or aging at all. The chrome is excellent throughout and very high quality work, with no pitting or haze present. The headlamps and fog lamps are both correct Lucas items and are in as new condition. The interior is equally stunning with its high quality wood work, leather and wool carpeting. The seats show almost no wear and have an extremely fresh feel, as do the carpets, which are done in a smart combination of medium light grey with red leather edging with black lambswool overmats. The door cappings, picnic tables, and other wood trim are in excellent condition, with all sill panels, door shuts and detail fittings correctly aligned with all original hand tools, jack and tool kit, present. The history file accompanying this vehicle contains approximately 40 pages of the most detailed bills illustrating work carried out by P.J. Fischers and Frank Dales during the restoration, totaling almost £50,000 (covering paintwork, re-trimming, re-chroming, new air conditioning system, engine rebuild plus other mechanical works etc. etc.), as well as a copy of the invoice to Mr. Hayashi when he purchased the car for £210,000 in 1991.This is an extremely rare and significant Rolls Royce in superb order. It is among the last coach-built Rolls-Royces of the era, and the first Rolls Royce to use the V8 engine. With so little use since its comprehensive restoration, this vehicle remains in stunning condition and one of the most desirable of Rolls Royce models ever produced.