• Timeless design; one of the most sought-after coachbuilt post-war Rolls-Royces
• One of 74 left-hand-drive examples built by H.J. Mulliner & Co., Ltd.
• Benefits from a reconditioned interior, convertible top service and new top boot, mechanical work, and detailing in 2022, in addition to over $73,000 of repairs in 2020
• Features desirable power top and air conditioning
• Accompanied by copy of build sheet, tools, jack, and spare tire

Among the most elegant post-war bodies created for Rolls-Royce was the Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe by H.J. Mulliner, design number 7504. Introduced very late in Silver Cloud I production, the car was known as an “Adaptation,” as it was created using a factory standard steel saloon body that had been modified into a convertible by removing the steel top, fitting two doors in place of the usual four, and adding a modified chromed waistline moulding. So thoroughly massaged and reworked were the factory components, however, that the end result was truly a piece of coachbuilt craftsmanship as fine as any fully custom body.

More than half of the 107 Drophead Coupe Adaptations produced were exported across the Atlantic Ocean to meet the great demand in the United States. According to the build sheet copy on file, this Rolls-Royce was delivered new to Elisabeth Barney of Palm Beach, Florida. The document further details the vehicle as being specified with power windows and split bench front seats. This drophead coupe originally sported a Steel Blue exterior over blue leather hides, but it now wears Sand beige Metallic paint over a light tan leather interior with attractive dark accent piping. It also features factory air conditioning. Most importantly however, the car is fitted with a highly desirable power top, which will most certainly save the next owner valuable time.

Following acquisition by its previous owner in 2015, the Rolls-Royce received over $51,000 worth of mechanical work in January 2020 through Vantage Motor Works of Miami Florida, which addressed several engine and fuel leaks. In addition, the cooling system and gearbox were serviced at the same time. Later that year, the same shop fixed the aging paint along with other body blemishes to the cost of nearly $18,000; a further $4,600 job addressed the heater core. In December of 2021 the car received an annual service courtesy of Merlin Auto Group in Atlanta, Georgia.

The investment continued under the care of its present caretaker, who purchased the car in 2022. Notable work items include service to the convertible top and the fitment of a new top boot by Harry’s Auto Top and Upholstery of Los Angeles, California at a cost of $6,200; resealed left and right front wheel cylinders; and carburetor overhaul and tuning. Its seats, door panels, and side panels were repaired as needed and refinished, returning luster to the leather upholstery, and as a final touch, the car received a full exterior paint correction and exterior ceramic coating.

Offered now from a series of doting owners, this Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe Adaptation is a fine example of a coachbuilt post-war model that is always in demand. The car will be accompanied by a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II book, spare tire, tools, and a jack. Documentation includes a copy of the build sheet and repair invoices for the various jobs completed from 2020–2022.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az23.