1962 Rolls - Royce Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe by H.J. Mulliner

Chassis No. LSAE9
Body No. CR 5018

Among the most elegant postwar bodies created for Rolls-Royce was the Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupé by H.J. Mulliner, design number 7504. Introduced late in Silver Cloud I production, it was known within the coachbuilder's catalog as an ''Adaptation,'' built by converting a factory steel saloon body into a drophead coupe, removing the steel roof, fitting two doors in place of four, and adding a subtly modified chromed waistline molding. The alterations were so extensive that the finished car amounted to a fully custom body rather than a simple conversion.

This example, chassis number LSAE9, was ordered new by J.S. Inskip Inc. of New York, and shipped aboard the American Chief on 2 April 1962. As documented in the accompanying history file, the car was shown at the 1962 New York Auto Show prior to being acquired by its first owner, Leslie O. Pouch of Staten Island, New York. Pouch was a member of the prominent Pouch family, associated with the Pouch Terminal shipping and warehousing operation and active in Staten Island civic and banking circles. The car, finished in Steel Blue over a Blue Connolly leather interior, had its factory guarantee issued 2 June 1962.

The Rolls-Royce remained in the United States where it later entered the celebrated Blackhawk Collection of Danville, California, which held title from March 2001 until September 2008. It then returned across the pond in late 2008 before it was subsequently acquired by the current owner at public sale in February 2009.

Under current ownership, the car has benefited from continual, well-documented care. In February 2012, Cheshire Classic Cars of Chester, England, retrimmed the interior in fresh leather to the original specification, fitted a new soft-top, and refinished the front wing, at a cost of nearly £30,000. In November 2019, Twin Cam of Aalst, Belgium, carried out a full service with repairs to the braking and steering systems. Most recently, in April 2024, Marreyt Classic Cars BV of Belgium completed a further round of mechanical recommissioning, including a new wiring harness, attention to the ignition system and electrics, and a complete brake overhaul.

Few Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupes can claim a provenance so richly documented from delivery to Staten Island's prominent Pouch family, through nearly a decade in the celebrated Blackhawk Collection, to a documented recommissioning under current ownership. Combined with its rarity as one of just 74 factory left-hand-drive examples, this Mulliner-bodied drophead coupe presents a compelling opportunity to acquire a truly splendid Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe.