Lot 016: Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II

Launched in 1959, the Silver Cloud II marked the beginning of a new era for Rolls-Royce. Out went the old six-cylinder 4.9-litre engine to be replaced by an all-new, light alloy 6.2-litre V8. Silky smooth and much more potent, the effect on performance was dramatic: top speed went up from 100mph to 115mph and the acceleration could embarrass many contemporary sports cars.Coachwork was virtually identical to the previous Silver Cloud I, minor differences including improved headlamps and interior ventilation and power steering as standard. Some 2,417 Silver Cloud II saloons were made before production ended with the arrival of the Silver Cloud III in 1962.First registered on 29th January 1960, this car was supplied new to WR Salisbury of Oldham, Lancs, who kept it for 18 months during which time he covered 15,000 miles. It was then sold to John Mills of Radcliffe-on-Trent, Notts, who kept the car for 20 years and clocked up another 42,000 miles. In 1981 Mr Mills' widow sold it to Wing Commander Ralph Reid-Buckle of Gotham, Notts. In 1984 ownership was transferred to Mrs Gillian Reid-Buckle of the same address who kept the car until 1988. During this seven years the car travelled a further 15,000 miles. It was then sold to John Barwell of Desford, Leics, a hotelier who had the car resprayed cream from its original blue/grey to use as a wedding car. In the next 14 years it travelled a further 5,000 miles.The present vendor acquired the car in February 2002 and during his five years of ownership it has only seen very occasional use. Said to be in good driving condition throughout, it has an MOT until April 2008 and is taxed until next January. It comes with a great deal of service history from new, many old MOTs back to 1982 and still has its original owner's handbook.