Ex-Lady Sylvia Ashley
1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II Saloon

6,223cc OHV V8 Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
185bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front and Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Purchased new by English model/actress Lady Sylvia Ashley
*Single family ownership since new
*62,342 original miles
*Garaged and well maintained throughout its life

THE SILVER CLOUD II

Introduced early in 1955 as replacements of the aging Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and Bentley R-Type, the all-new Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type sported sleeker bodywork on a new box-section chassis incorporating improved brakes and suspension, while enlargement to 4,887cc and the adoption of a six-port cylinder head boosted the output of the dependable inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine. Development of the latter though, was nearing its end and Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached.

The V8 was, of course, the predominant power unit in Rolls-Royce's most important export market - the USA - so it was only natural that the Crewe firm would study the best American designs - principally those of Chrysler and Cadillac - for inspiration. 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 aluminum-alloy V8 engine. Although wider and shorter than the 'six' it replaced, the new power unit fitted relatively easily within the engine bay, re-location 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 standardized. Immensely successful both at home and abroad, the Silver Cloud II remained in production until the autumn of 1962.



THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This nicely preserved Silver Cloud II was purchased new in England by British actress/model/socialite Lady Sylvia Ashley. After selling her home in London, she relocated to Los Angeles, California and brought her beloved Rolls Royce with her. The car would always remain garaged in her home and was sparingly used, as evidenced by the mere 62,342 original miles recorded thus far. Upon her unfortunate death in 1977, she left the car to her niece who took great pride in the car and kept it in wonderful cosmetic and mechanical condition. Throughout the years of ownership, the car was looked after by the skilled team of mechanics of Vanderploeg Motors in Los Angeles. They kept the car in great running condition, the same state it stays in today.

Delivered new in the beautiful color of Sand over a Tan leather interior, this Silver Cloud's livery is well presented and suits the car wonderfully. The lovely interior in LSAE589 is shod in tan hides and still presents nicely. The seating and carpets have been kept in very clean condition over the years. The veneer looks great over the tan colored interior while the rear picnic tables are in good condition. Accompanied with this single family-owned Rolls is the owner's manual, tool kit as well as a few extra parts. Surely a wonderful opportunity to own a well-preserved Cloud II.