1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Four-Door Drophead Coupé
Coachwork by Rolls-Royce and Peter K Wilford
Registration no. 957 BXF
Chassis no. SXC477
Engine no. P3240-603CS

In 1996 Peter K Wilford (PKW), known for his Mulliner/Park Ward-style two-door adaptations of the Silver Cloud, produced a design for a four-door convertible utilising the 'standard steel' body and standard wheelbase chassis. This concept incorporated purpose-made window frames throughout, with the rear combined drop-glass/quarter light retracting into the rear door skin in a 90-degree arc, similar to the original coach-built cars from the 1960s. It is understood that nobody has successfully reproduced such a design on a 'standard steel' body, hence this car is unique. In line with PKW's attention to detail and adherence to the original designs of the time, the hood latches, sun visors, interior lights and switches are all taken from the period designs.
'957 BXF' was purchased by the owner in 2011 as a project vehicle. The vendor introduced the owner to Peter Wilford, whereupon it was agreed to produce the first PKW four-door drophead coupé to this specification. Firstly, the engine and gearbox were removed in the UK by a prominent Rolls-Royce specialist and left there for refurbishment, which included new major engine components. The car was then transported to the owner's facility in Southern Spain.

Once the body had been removed from the chassis it was reworked, shot blasted and painted with a high-protection coating in order to provide the perfect platform for the conversion. During restoration the drive train, braking system, suspension and electrics were all refurbished or replaced.

Substantial bodywork modifications included additional strengthening to the 'A' and 'B' posts with particular attention paid to the windscreen pillars and surround. All but one of the chassis mounts are solid, in line with the practice on Bentley Continental models of the period, while the addition of a small extension to the front doors, closing the gap created by the removal of the 'B' post in-fill, gives a smoother line.

Concurrently, PKW designed and manufactured the window frames, window actuators (using motor drives converted from the Silver Spirit range), hood frames, hood actuation mechanisms, hood latches, sun visors and various minor components required. The hydraulically operated hood mechanism utilises a modern hydraulic power pack with interlocks for the interior lighting and operation.

The restored body and chassis were returned to PKW in the UK where the further modified body was fitted with the hood mechanisms and windows. All of the controls for the windows and hood operation were designed and assembled in house. Returned to the owner's workshop in Spain, the vehicle was finally assembled, and the body painted in Rolls-Royce Champagne Yellow. The car has been re-trimmed, also in Spain, using top quality hides in Newmarket Bentley Tan. The carpets are light brown Wilton; the hood material is Sonnenland Classic mohair canvas; and the headlining is wool cloth. The chromium plating has been stripped and re-plated, and interior wood finishes modified or repaired as necessary and re-finished by an ex-Rolls-Royce UK specialist. The exterior paintwork comprises several coats of various primers and two-pack finishing colour.

Returned to the UK in May 2016 where final commissioning was carried out, the car was exhibited at the RREC Annual Rally at Burghley House in June 2016. Following its successful showing at the Annual Rally, the car was driven to Normandy to participate in the R-REC tour of the Route de Cidre in September 2016. This was immediately followed by a journey to Southern Spain, a total distance of 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). Since then, it has participated in events throughout Europe covering some 9,000 miles (14,000 kilometres). The current odometer reading is 35,030 miles.

This vehicle is believed to be unique in so far as no four-door convertibles were made in period on the standard Silver Cloud chassis. It is understood that in total six four-door models were made in period, all of which were coach-built by H J Mulliner/Park Ward on the long-wheelbase chassis. The relatively few four-door adaptations vary in design but usually utilise the existing door/window frames and removable 'B' post sections. This is not the case with the PKW four-door, which, based on the shorter wheelbase chassis, is unique in that it has retractable electrically operated rear drop glass/quarter lights as described above. This adaptation does not use any of the existing glass or window frames. Furthermore, no rear seat space or legroom has been sacrificed. Restoration bills are available and the car also comes with a UK V5C registration document.

This unique four-door Silver Cloud soft-top is a car to be driven with elegance and comfort over serious distances.