1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Long Wheelbase Limousine

Coachwork by James Young, Ltd.

4,887cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
155bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Highly customized by Park Ward
*Delivered new to New York City
*Elegant James Young Coachwork with amble room
*Offered with Rolls-Royce factory and club records


THE ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD

Following the Silver Dawn, the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud was introduced in 1955 with a curvy, Rubenesque body shell, designed by J.P. Blatchley. While maintaining the traditional grill and headlights, and hinting at the separate fenders seen on previous models, it was Rolls Royce's first move towards a more modern, integrated look. As in the past, the car was built on a separate chassis so custom-bodied cars could be built for those who wanted a personalized version of Rolls Royce's most popular model. The body was steel, with lightweight aluminum panels for the doors, hood, and trunk lid, foreshadowing the weight saving measures taken by many car manufacturers today.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This unique Rolls was ordered new through J.S. Inskip by Mrs. Kitty L. Bradley of 3 E. 77th St in New York City. Bodied by James Young but sent to Park Ward 'for completion', this long wheelbase saloon with division was highly customized. Finished in regal Black Pearl over light fawn cloth hides, Mrs. Bradley ensured the car was fitting of the Central Park views its occupant enjoyed regularly. Featuring a special vanity, it was specified without picnic tables but with a deep, narrow receptacle (14 by 2 by 2 inches) fronted by a folding, hand wound Fleetwood clock by Jaeger. A garnish molding to matching the partition was specified and extremely specific measurements were noted for the seat cushion depth (19 inches), distance from front seat to partition (26 inches), and space from the floor to the bottom of the partition (14 inches). Assist handles in the rear were installed for ease of ingress and egress, curtains for privacy, extended armrests with ashtrays and cigarette lights for addictions, and loose covers for the chauffer's seat cleanliness. Oh, and of course 'K.L.B.' monograms on the rear doors for those in the know.

Delivered to London on the day before Halloween in 1959, the Rolls would soon make its way to the Big Apple to demonstrate to the world the Mrs. Bradley had made it there and could indeed make it anywhere. Eventually, the car was sold to Ralph Walton Jr. of Crawfordsville, Indiana before heading to California with Dr. Robert Pazen of Ventura in November of 1977 and then Jeremy Janss of Silverado in January of 1981. Janss would remain the faithful caretaker of the car for nearly two decades before selling it to experimental experience executive Fernando Eiroa of Newport Coast, California in the mid-oughties. Eiroa would go on to restore the Silver Cloud to its current color scheme of burgundy over silver with copper brown leather front and rear but retained the unique details specified on the build sheet. The restored Rolls was shown at an RROC meet in 2010 where it was awarded a 2nd place award for Most Improved Rolls-Royce.

Acquired by the current owner about seven years ago, it has been on static display since joining the present collection. As such, mechanical recommissioning is recommended before engaging in active wafting about. A symbol of opulence and luxury when new, its presence has not been lessened by age!