Description
Rare coachbuilt two-door soft-top model
One of only 74 left-hand drive examples
Highly original with a mere 22, 430 miles from new
Formerly part of the Blackhawk Museum Collection
Recently recommissioned
Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with development of its ageing six-cylinder engine nearing its end, 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 'Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though the duo's performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6, 230cc aluminium-alloy V8 engine. Although wider and shorter than the 'six' it replaced, the new power unit fitted relatively easily within the engine bay, relocation of the steering box from inside to outside of the chassis frame being the most obvious alteration to the previous arrangements. Externally the new models appeared virtually unchanged, while beneath the skin 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 Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 remained in production until the autumn of 1962.
As well as the factory-bodied cars, bespoke creations from coachbuilders James Young and the now merged firm of H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd (now Rolls-Royce-owned) continued to be available on the 'Cloud II chassis for those discerning enthusiasts wealthy enough to afford them. Indeed, as the factory did not offer a convertible or drophead coup, a coachbuilt car was the only option if one's preference was Rolls-Royce-style fresh air motoring. Available in both Rolls-Royce and Bentley forms, H J Mulliner's two-door drophead coup (Design No. 7504) was by far the most popular. Hand crafted style such as this attracted a hefty premium though, H J Mulliner's convertible being priced some 30% above the standard Silver Cloud II four-door saloon, which was already one of the world's most expensive cars. Out of a total of 2, 417 Silver Cloud IIs built from September 1959 until August 1962, only 107 had the stylish and desirable drophead coup body built by H J Mulliner, of which 74 were left-hand drive cars like this example.
Dating from the final year of production, this H J Mulliner-bodied Silver Cloud II drophead, chassis number 'LSAE89', was built to North American specification for Mr George L Jyurovat
of Peninsula, Ohio, reputedly a NASA engineer. Special features specified included Sundym glass, electric windows, electric aerial, and a split bench front seat, while mirrors to both front wings were fitted in the USA by Rolls-Royce Inc. Mr Jyurovat kept the Rolls-Royce until his death. In June 1989 the car was sold from his estate, passing to Richard Gorman of Vantage Motorworks in North Miami, Florida.
When auctioneer Thomas Barrett bought the Rolls-Royce from Richard Gorman soon afterwards, it had covered only 20, 982 miles from new. Although accompanying paperwork records the sale from Gorman to Barrett, a letter on file dated 15th June 1989 suggests that Gorman sold the car to Mr Charles Crail of Carpenteria, CA. Subsequently the Rolls-Royce passed to the late Don Williams, the highly respected American dealer/ collector, Pebble Beach exhibitor and co-founder of the world renowned Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California where the car remained until 2011. It was then purchased by Maastricht-based Bugatti collector Jack Braam Ruben, who sold it on to a Belgian collector. Little used throughout its life, this remarkable Silver Cloud II has covered only 22, 430 miles from new over the course of the last 60-plus years.
Offered fresh from extensive recommissioning by Automobile Saey of Beauvechain, this rare and exclusive coachbuilt Rolls-Royce drophead comes with their invoice for 10, 408; copies of original factory paperwork; old bills of sale; assorted correspondence; Belgian registration papers; and a current technical inspection.
NOTICE COLLECTIONS, TRANSPORT AND STORAGE Purchases will only be released when cleared funds are received.
MOTOR CARS & MOTORCYCLES
All vehicles must be collected from the Bonhams|Cars Marquee by 12noon on Monday 9 October 2023. Customers must notify BY EMAIL ONLY to Suzanne Kress , using the button below, no later than 8pm on the day of the Sale.
Please note that if Suzanne Kress hasn't received your notification on Sunday evening, all vehicles will be automatically removed to a temporary storage facility by the logistics company EXCLUTRANS BV on Monday 9 October at your expense and risk.
ADMINISTRATION AND UPLIFT FROM THE VENUE
€185 + VAT per motor car/ motorcycle
STORAGE CHARGES
First 14 days
€25 + VAT per motor car/ motorcycle per day
Payment of the uplift & storage charges and transport must be arranged with EXCLUTRANS BV. Collection is strictly by appointment only and at least 24-hours notice must be given.
POINT OF CONTACT TO ORGANISE STORAGE FEES' PAYMENT & COLLECTION
THEO VAN DEN EECKHOUT – EXCLUTRANS BV
+32 9 232 01 71
using the button below
POINT OF CONTACT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
JORIS EYSERMANS - FIBONACCI
+32 460 96 18 40
using the button below
POINT OF CONTACT REGARDING THE ORIGINAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS OF YOUR PURCHASE(S)
SUZANNE KRESS – BONHAMS|CARS
+33 1 42 61 10 11
Susing the button below
POINT OF CONTACT REGARDING PAYMENTS
CHERYL UGGLES - BONHAMS|CARS – CREDIT CONTROLLER
+44 the details below
using the button below
IMPORTANT CARS UNDER CUSTOMS BOND
Lots 103, 104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 119, 124, 134, 145, 150, 151, 155, 169, 185, 186
• Please note that for lots which are subject to the normal local duty/ import tax on Hammer Price : as Bonhams|Cars is the guarantor of the customs duties and taxes clearance, these motor cars cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.
• For these cars, collection by the buyer or a third party is only possible if import taxes are paid.
• These motor cars cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.
• Please keep in mind that it takes a couple of days to clear customs.
• Please send us from now your clearance instructions.
For all enquiries relating to Customs, be they administrative or legal, please contact:
FIBONACCI
Joris Eysermans
+32 460 96 18 40
using the button below
