When Rolls-Royce began considering a successor to the reliable Silver Dawn – which was still closely related to the pre-war models – they were keen not to alienate either their generally conservative customers or the independent coachbuilders, who relied on a car with a separate and sturdy chassis. Consequently, the Silver Cloud, unveiled in April 1955, retained the classic design in which the body and chassis are separate. However, the new car was, of course, intended to be significantly better, and so closed box sections were used for the frame instead of the previous U-sections. The suspension and braking system were, of course, brought up to the latest standards, though the car was initially powered by the tried-and-tested 4.9-litre straight-six engine. At the end of 1959, this was replaced by the newly developed V8 with a displacement of 6.23 litres and an output of around 200 hp – thus the Silver Cloud became the Silver Cloud II. With this model too, in addition to the factory body, various special body styles could be ordered – including the so-called ‘Drop Head Coupé Conversion’, which, like the standard body, was carried out by H.J. Mulliner. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II offered here is one of the rare original ‘Drop Head Coupé Conversions’, which was ordered in April 1960 by Rolls-Royce New York as a left-hand-drive model for Mr Herbert Reedman of New Jersey. On 16 September 1960, LSVB451 was invoiced, and on 23 November the elegant convertible, designated as a 1961 model, left the factory bound for the USA. On 27 December 1960, the warranty was issued and the Rolls-Royce – at that time still finished in ‘Ivory Dockers’ with black leather upholstery – was handed over to its proud owner. Apart from a change of ownership in 1965, its subsequent history in the USA is unknown. At some point, however, the Silver Cloud was evidently restored and repainted in its current black color. In 2013, the elegant British car was purchased from the seller in California and imported to Germany. Upon arrival, it underwent a full inspection, followed by registration under an ‘H’ licence plate. Thereafter, the convertible was used for occasional drives and was regularly serviced and optimized. In 2014, the radiator was overhauled, and shortly afterwards the owner decided to have the engine block overhauled, including new cylinder liners, pistons and bearings. In 2015, the cylinder heads, the automatic gearbox and the brake booster were overhauled, and a new exhaust system was fitted. In 2017/18, the gearbox was overhauled again, the front axle was refurbished, the power steering pump was replaced, and all the brake cylinders were replaced. The Rolls-Royce is currently in good to very good condition and should continue to bring many years of enjoyment to a new owner. This rare Drop Head Coupé – of which only 52 were built by H.J. Mulliner – will be handed over to a new enthusiast of the legendary British luxury brand with German registration documents, including H-registration and a TÜV certificate valid until July 2028, though without Swiss customs clearance.