The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud replaced the post-war Dawn and was the core model in their range from April 1955 until March 1966. The J. P. Blatchley design was a major step forward from the pre-war models but still embodied the ethos and build standards for which Rolls-Royce had become internationally famous. The single headlamp version of, what was to become known as the Cloud I, harks back to earlier models and was the last Rolls model to feature them. Arguably the best looking of all Clouds, the elegantly simple lines and eerily quiet purr of the straight six 4.9 litre engine, helped secure the future of Rolls-Royce prior to the arrival of the more mass-market Silver Shadow.

Construction was body-on-frame, which permitted 'coach built' versions although the overwhelming majority were built with the standard Pressed Steel Company manufactured steel bodyshell. A lightweight aluminium based alloy was used for the doors, bonnet and the boot lid. The engine was a 4.9 litre six-cylinder unit with inlet over exhaust valves and twin SU carburettors were added in September 1957. Critics of the Cloud’s later variants noted that the new 6.75 V8 was neither smooth nor quiet compared to the Cloud 1's 4.9-litre straight-six.

Registered on the 3rd March 1958, this wonderful example stands resplendent today in Tudor Grey with a green leather interior and the beautifully veneered dashboard, door cappings and picnic tables shine brightly. With an odometer reading of 47,000 and an interesting history file, the Cloud I is a rare beast on British roads. The swooping lines have bewitched landed gentry and pop stars alike, and for many years the Silver Cloud was the transport of choice for our own Royal Family. Presented to auction freshly serviced and MoT'd, this stately car offers timeless looks and an elegance that some believe is lacking in later generations.

]]>