Introduced in 1955, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was a massive step forward for the British luxury brand, with a beautiful full-width body styled by the company’s chief designer, John Blatchley and a modernised construction that covered the entire chassis in a streamlined yet impressively grand outer body. A huge step forward from the individually commission Rolls-Royce bodies of yore.
It was a graceful and elegant design, also shared with the Bentley S1. Both cars were more delicate on the road than their bulk suggested, too, with power steering and a surprisingly agile chassis making light work of the 4.9-litre straight six upfront – until it was replaced by the Rolls-Royce V8 in 1959.
This is an original specification six-cylinder car, now in Belgium but originally a RHD UK-supplied model, that was treated to a partial restoration in 2003. It was also fully retrimmed at the same time and it has seen little use since, meaning that both the bodywork and interior are in wonderful order.
It’s a grand and imposing car and it’s beautifully presented.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Belgian registration papers
Rolls-Royce Commission Number SXA193
Original A-Series car
Belgian roadworthiness certificate valid until 2028
THE INTERIOR
Opulent mushroom leather
Immaculate beige carpets
Beautiful wood veneers
Walnut tray tables
Open the doors of the Silver Cloud and you’re met with a level of grandeur and opulence that only an old Rolls-Royce can offer.
The interior is equipped with lovely mushroom-coloured leather, offset by smart beige carpets – all part of a comprehensive interior retrim carried out when the car was part-restored and finished to an exceptional standard. It has seen little use since, so has survived beautifully.
Everything is in fine order, including the wooden veneers and all of the dials, along with the rear tray table and a Mitsubishi radio-cassette player that was fitted at some point in the 1980s. It's a grand and comfortable cabin in which to spend time and is very well presented with only the very gentlest of patinas.
It also contains a full-size spare wheel and the original tool kit beneath the boot floor.
THE EXTERIOR
Two-tone silver over pewter
Part restored and structural refurbished 20 years ago
Excellent panel and paint finish
Superb chrome and trim
The Silver Cloud presents beautifully from the outside with no major marks or damage. It’s a grand and imposing car that has huge presence, due in no small part to its vast bulk.
There are a couple of very minor rust bubble to the upper bodywork, and an engineer’s report included with the car references similar surface corrosion to the underneath, but nothing of any great concern.
All of the chrome and trim is in fine order and the paint retains a glorious shine from its older restoration. The tyres are in visibly good order with good tread, but are very old and a new owner may wish to replace them.
THE MECHANICS
4.9-litre straight-six
Starts and runs well
Reported to drive very well indeed
Engineer’s report declaring no known mechanical issues
The Silver Cloud’s straight-six engine is derived from that of the company’s older models and is extremely powerful and smooth. It starts and performs perfectly, and an engineer’s report adds reassurance that there are no major issues. The inspection does identify some slight oil seepage from the engine and around the transmission components, but no major leaks or areas of specific concern that you wouldn’t expect from a car of its age.
It’s said to be in fine mechanical order and there are no reported faults with the drivetrain, suspension, steering or brakes.
SUMMARY
This is a really grand old Silver Cloud that was extensively recommissioned some time ago and is still gloriously presented today – it’s an imposing yet elegant old thing in very good order throughout, and with a truly gorgeous interior.
As an early straight-six example, it’s also an increasingly collectable and desirable derivative of the car that defined Rolls-Royce in the 1950s and 1960s. It’s not concours, but it’s a beautiful car that can easily be shown or used for events, weddings or special occasions. A rare find.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
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1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I
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