1958 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud – Classified of the Week

There are resto mods and then there are resto mods and California based ICON are one of the best in the business when it comes to this perennially popular trend. But for those of you who may be unfamiliar with the term, a resto mod is a phrase used to describe a classic vehicle that has been restored using modern parts and technology whilst retaining its original aesthetic. Think Singer and its line of re-imagined Porsche’s and you’ll get the idea, and that’s exactly what ICON have done with this frankly incredible Rolls Royce Silver Cloud.

Spanning a production run of eleven years, beginning in 1955, the Silver Cloud oozed class and was very much the height of luxury motoring upon its release, and to be fair, still is. Designed by John Polwhele Blatchley, scribbler of numerous Rolls Royce and Bentley models, the Silver Cloud was the last of the “traditional” Rolls Royces, and by that we mean in the way it was styled and built using a separate body and chassis, whereas the Silver Dawn that succeeded it was much more modern with a unitary construction.

But we digress. This particular Silver Cloud only shares a fraction of components with those original models. Yes, it certainly looks the part but underneath that beautifully patinated bodywork is a different story entirely. We could bang on about the engine and running gear that was fitted to the Silver Cloud in the Rolls Royce factory but that would be pointless because it has all been completely replaced. If you’re a Rolls purist then you should probably look away now but for everyone else, well, you’re in for a treat.

When ICON got their hands on the car it was immediately disassembled so that the chassis could be modified with an independent front end and four link, 9″ rear. Four wheel Brembo brakes and rack & pinion power steering were also added before the chassis was powder coated black. Performance of this opulent beast has been monumentally upgraded to 550bhp thanks to a new beating heart in the form of a GM aluminium fuel injected LS7 V8.

Sitting low in the chassis this new powerplant helps facilitate the car’s now excellent handling due to its 50/50 weight distribution. Mated to a modified GM 4L85E four-speed transmission driving the rear wheels and with a full stainless exhaust system the mechanicals of the Silver Cloud are on point providing a simple, robust, reliable and powerful ride.

As part of ICON‘s “Derelict” collection the original exterior of the car with its weathered bodywork has been preserved with the firm belief that the years of patina have been well and truly earned and should be celebrated. And we’re all for it, frankly. The car looks simply stunning and has been fully treated ensuring a long-lasting finish. Completed in 2017 it has covered a mere 12,000 miles since.

Aesthetic originality is key to ICON’s ethos and this is clearly evident when it comes to the fully restored interior of the Silver Cloud and whilst everything does appear stock there are some tasteful, custom modifications to bring the car up to modern standards. These improvements include, but are not limited to, the addition of custom gauges with original restored faces, in-dash A/C vents and cruise control. The electrics have been completely updated too to bring the car in line with more modern fare.

Having been featured in multiple TV shows, including Jay Leno’s Garage, this award-winning car is rather well known in classic car and resto mod circles and rightly so. The attention to detail, down to the custom valve covers (hiding the coil packs) with RR badges, is staggering. With classic styling and modern performance this really is a one-of-a-kind build that can now be driven and enjoyed every day should you wish. Still instantly recognisable as a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud this particular example has been improved in every conceivable way whilst still retaining the elegance, class and charisma that these cars are renowned for. And we bloody love it.