1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II

Registration: SFO 480

Chassis:

SAE529

Odometer: 11,489

Transmission:

Automatic

MOT: Exempt

Single headlamp iteration of the Cloud

Driven to the auction

The interior presents well and is understood to have been refreshed during current ownership.

The release of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley ‘S’ series in 1955 was surely one of the main reasons behind the demise of most of the few remaining coachbuilders still producing bodies for Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis. The Silver Cloud with a beautifully proportioned body, was a car which looked so ‘right’ that there was little incentive for customers to order bespoke coachwork, and therefore soon afterwards both Freestone & Webb and Hooper ceased coachbuilding. The Silver Cloud II was introduced in 1959 replacing the Silver Cloud I. Little changed externally but it featured the 6.2 litre V8 engine. steering became standard and electrically operated windows were now available as an option.

Previously registered overseas before being repatriated to the UK, and first registered here in 1976, the early history of this 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II, registration ‘SFO 480’ is a little, shall we say ‘cloudy’ but interesting, it could have either been a car that was originally built for export, or a UK-supplied example that later went overseas before returning. Regardless, the car has remained in long-term current ownership since August 2005, amounting to around 21 years. We understand it was previously finished in Silver with Black paintwork until 1982 and now presents in White with White leather upholstery.

The vendor describes the car’s general appearance as ‘good to average’, whilst the interior presents well and is understood to have been refreshed during current ownership. Externally, the chrome work appears good, although the paintwork does show imperfections including bubbling. There is also rust and related cracks in the finish around the car, for example, around the rear right corner by the bumper.

Mechanically, the vehicle is said to run and drive well and was driven to our Marchwood auction venue. The V5 records seven former keepers, while the present owner has retained the vehicle since 2005. The maintenance file includes invoices for an oil filter kit and spark plugs in March 2022, an electronic ignition conversion kit in May 2022, oil and filter services, brake servo lining and gearbox oil seal work, a gearbox invoice from November 2008 totalling £1,175 and with servicing, spark plug, and welding repairs to both sides with gearbox oil in August 2006, as well as many other invoices for work carried out.

The paperwork file includes the current V5C, invoices for work and parts, some previous MOT certificates dating back to 1985, along with tax discs. A majestic single-headlamp Cloud II, the car represents Rolls Royce’s post-war Golden age and an opportunity for a business or enthusiast-led improvement.