First registered as a Cloud II Standard Steel Saloon on 02/03/1961 Purchased by our vendor in 2011, the proprietor of an established restoration business Converted to plans drawn up by Peter K. Wilford (PKW) who also worked on the car Built with four doors, to protect the modesty of ladies exiting from the rear Further restoration included rebuilding the matching numbers engine and running gear Re-trimmed, re-sprayed and topped off by a retractable electronically powered hood It is believed that only six Cloud convertibles were modified in this way A unique car that has been expertly restored and superbly adapted using the finest material.Immensely successful both at home and abroad, the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 remained in production until the autumn of 1962. Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with development of its ageing six-cylinder engine nearing its end, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. 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.As well as the factory-bodied cars, bespoke creations from coachbuilders James Young and the now merged firm of H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd. 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 coup, a coach-built car was the only option if one's preference was Rolls-Royce-style fresh air motoring. Hugely expensive when new and built in very limited numbers, these cars have always commanded a premium over the standard steel cars and numerousattempts have been over the years to adapt standard steel saloons into two-door drophead coups, with varying success. However, very few four-door cars have been converted and this stunning conversion is one of the finest we have seen. It is understood that in total six four-door convertibles were made in the period, all of which were coach-built cars from H.J. Mulliner Park Ward and based on the long-wheelbase chassis.In 1996 Peter K Wilford (PKW) known for his adaptation of the Silver Cloud Series into two-door models complementary toMulliner Park Ward designs, produced a design for a four-door convertible which utilisedthe Standard Steel body and standard wheelbase chassis. This concept would incorporate purpose-made window frames throughout with the rear combined drop-glass quarter light retracting into the rear door skin with a 90-degree arc, similar to the original coach-built cars from the 1960s. With his attention to detail and commitment to the original designs of the time, the hood latches, sun visors, interior lights and switches are all taken from period designs. Unclip the period-correct chrome latches and, at the flick of a switch, the hood retracts fully,there is no loss of rear legroom and the boot still provides ample space. The bespoke tonneau cover fits well.The engine and gearbox were removed in the UK andsent to a specialist Rolls-Royce workshop where they were refurbished withmany new components. All aspects of the drive-train, braking system, suspension and electrics were either repaired or replaced. 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 a perfect platform for the conversion. The exterior paintwork comprisedseveral coats of primers and a 'Two-Pack' finish. All of the controls for the windows and hood operation were designed and assembled in house at our vendors restoration company. The car has been completely re-trimmed using top-quality hides in Newmarket Bentley Tan. The carpets are Light Brown Wilton. The electronic-hydraulic hood's exterior material is Sonnenland Classic Mohair Canvas and the headlining Wool Cloth. All chromium plating has been stripped and re-plated,all interior wood finishes have been modified or repaired as necessary and re-lacquered by specialists and it is supplied with a fitted car cover.Presented to auction with an odometer reading of some 32,187 miles, at the time of cataloguing, which is largely immaterial in such a well-restored car.You can now book a one to one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location between the 16th and 30th July. Please contact Arwel Richards on 07434 960868 or [email protected] to secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail.The health and safety of both our customers and team remain the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.Lot 426 - 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II PKW Adaptationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lzJ-qUQvwcfalse