In 1949, Rolls-Royce promotional literature proclaimed, “In the less formal mood of today, however, many who still require all that Rolls-Royce traditionally bestows prefer to drive themselves.” The Silver Dawn was the company’s first tentative move in that direction, but in 1955, the company made real strides with the all-new Silver Cloud. A new chassis frame that was both lower and longer allowed in-house designers to fashion a far roomier and more elegant factory standard body with a lower stance and less formal, gently tapering profile. Then, in 1959, Rolls-Royce replaced the aging 4566cc 6-cylinder engine with its first V-8, an all-aluminum overhead-valve unit of 6230cc, to create the Silver Cloud II, a true driver’s car that was an equal delight, whether at the helm or cossetted in the rear in true limousine style. With approximately 25% more power, the V-8 Cloud II offered 100 MPH serenity on the way to a maximum 114 MPH. While the vast majority of the 2,716 Silver Cloud IIs produced from 1959 to 1962 wore factory standard bodies, Rolls-Royce commissioned its in-house coachbuilder to produce a more select long-wheelbase adaptation. With its wheelbase extended by 4 inches, the LWB Clouds offered roomier rear accommodation—in theory. In practice, most of the 299 LWB Cloud IIs were fitted with glass divisions, which took up pretty much all of the extra space. However, that’s not the case with this rare example, which has no division and therefore turns the extra length into useful extra leg space in the rear and more room to fold out a broadsheet newspaper and lay out refreshments on the fold-down picnic tables. Additionally, with the Cloud II, the optional automatic transmission and power steering were by now standard, as well as, of course, the signature burlwood trim and fine leather seating. The power windows on this 1961 example, finished in Porcelain White with red pinstriping, are an option. The carpets and leather, both in red, are new, and a recent service is supported by accompanying documentation. The LWB Cloud II is really two cars in one, in which you can either be chauffeured to openings and social occasions or take the helm to enjoy it on the open road.
