1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II 'Radford' 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

*Exclusive Radford coachwork conversion
*Attractive, hard to find Special Blue livery
*50,033 believed original miles
*Garaged and well maintained example

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 from H.R. Owen Ltd Dealership by C.D. Productions Ltd in 1961. Shortly thereafter, this Rolls-Royce was sent to Harold Radford Coachbuilders of London for their famous 'Countryman' Adaptation. This Radford conversion outfitted the car much like a recreational vehicle consisting of fold down seats as well as a conversion of the trunk to allow a table to fold out along with pedestals in the rear bumper to allow for seats to be installed. This adaptation made the car perfect for a mobile picnic setup for one of the most luxurious cars on the market at the time. This Cloud would always remain garaged and was sparingly used, as evidenced by the mere 50,033 miles recorded, which are believed to be true. Over the years, the car has been kept in wonderful cosmetic and mechanical condition.

Delivered new in the beautiful color of Special Blue over a Grey leather interior, this Silver Cloud's livery is well presented and suits the car wonderfully. The lovely interior in SZD269 is shod in grey 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 grey colored interior while the rear picnic tables are in good condition. This Silver Cloud has been a long time California car and attended many events in the southern California area including the Santa Anita Concours Derby Days from 1978, 1979, 1981 and 1983. Accompanied with this Rolls is the owner's manual, build sheet, additional documents as well as a few extra parts. Surely a wonderful opportunity to own a well-preserved Cloud II with a very special color scheme and an exclusive and useable coachwork adaptation.