From the estate of the late Peter W. Schacke
1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupé
Coachwork by H J Mulliner (design no. 7504)
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. SYD 310
Engine no. 155 DS

'The choice of a V8 was logical and inevitable in a car the size of the Silver Cloud. The designers... reaped the benefits of the latest developments in engine design and combined them with Rolls-Royce experience of the light-alloy V-engines gained with the Merlin...' – Edward Eves, 'Rolls-Royce – 75 years of Motoring Excellence'.

Facing increasing competition and with development of its ageing six-cylinder engine nearing its end, 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 aluminium-alloy V8 engine. Although wider and shorter than the 'six' it replaced, the new power unit fitted relatively easily within the engine bay, relocation 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 standardised. Immensely successful both at home and abroad, the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 remained in production until the autumn of 1962.

As well as the factory-bodied cars, bespoke designs from coachbuilders James Young and the now merged firm of H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd (now Rolls-Royce-owned) continued to be available on the 'Cloud II chassis for those discerning enthusiasts wealthy enough to afford them. Indeed, as the factory did not offer a convertible or drophead coupé, a coachbuilt car was the only option if one's preference was Rolls-Royce-style fresh air motoring. Available in both Rolls-Royce and Bentley forms, H J Mulliner's two-door drophead coupé (Design No. 7504) was by far the most attractive and therefore popular, a total of 107 being built on the Cloud II/S2 standard-wheelbase chassis. Still of course a very rare car. Hand crafted style such as this attracted a hefty premium though, H J Mulliner's convertible being priced some 30% above the standard Silver Cloud II four-door saloon, which was already one of the world's most expensive cars.

Dating from the penultimate year of production, this H J Mulliner-bodied Silver Cloud II (to design number '7504') was delivered new in 1961 via H R Owen to Expertise Limited of Surrey, for the use of Mr Max Wilson of Wilson Interests Limited, London. The accompanying R-REC copy chassis cards reveal that 'SYD 310' was originally Shell Grey with fine red coachline and red leather interior. It was delivered with the special features of a heavy gauge frame and Dunlop whitewall tyres. In 1964 ownership passed to Sir Bernard Waley-Cohen Bt of Minehead, Somerset. The current vendor acquired the car in June 1974 from Mr Leslie Rees, Gipsy Mead Service Station of Fyfield, Essex (the purchase invoice for a then considerable £19,500 is on file).

A 'km/h' speedometer was fitted at time of acquisition. The car comes with a log of the distance travelled on an annual basis, commencing upon acquisition on 28.6.1974 at zero kilometres, to 31.12.2013 at 35,140. Thus Mr Schacke had covered a little over 35,000 kilometres during his ownership of the Rolls-Royce, with more sparing use in recent years of 5,000 kilometres covered in the last 10 years. During Mr Schacke's ownership the car has been fastidiously maintained by respected specialists Garage Fritz Speich AG in Zurich and P & A Wood in Essex, all relevant invoices being on file. The most recent extensive works were carried out by P & A Wood in 2008-2009; the brakes, steering, suspension, transmission, electrics, interior and doors all receiving attention, while the engine top-end was overhauled. During these works P&A Wood noted that the engine was a replacement unit. All in all, some £80,000 was spent at that time.

'SYD 310' is very smartly turned out, boasting a very straight body with good panel fit and only a few cosmetic blemishes to the bodywork and paint. The brightwork is very good, as is the under-bonnet area and hood, while the interior is exceptional, with beautiful woodwork, carpets, seats and headlining. Accompanying documentation in the comprehensive history file consists of the aforementioned copy chassis cards and purchase invoice; an old-style UK continuation logbook in the name of Mr Rees (1974); and a FIVA identity card issued in 2002.

Handsomely finished in Burgundy with contrasting beige interior, this well cared for Silver Cloud II was enjoyed for many years in the enthusiastic hands of Rolls-Royce Owner's Club members Mr and Mrs Schacke. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire an outstanding example of what, in its day, was the height of motoring opulence.

Please note this Lot will be subject to the reduced import tax of 5% should it remain in the EU.