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1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I
The Silver Cloud I was launched in 1955 as the successor to the Silver Dawn, with a design by engineer John P. Blatchey, featuring an elegant and balanced body with rounded shapes that do not immediately reveal the car’s enormous size, offering a more spacious interior and trunk, along with air conditioning. The influence of the Bentley Continental R by Park Ward on the beautiful bodywork cannot be ignored, with the lateral wing line extended to the beginning of the rear wheel arch.
This model represented the biggest change in the Rolls-Royce line and marked the beginning of a new era of design and technology for the company. It was the first to offer a standard production body, instead of being sold as a “rolling chassis” which customers would have custom-bodied by specialist companies. Highlights include the independent pneumatic suspension on all four wheels, which provided an extremely comfortable and smooth ride, power steering, and hydraulic brakes that made it easier to handle. A pair of SU carburetors replaced the Stromberg, and a new standard Hydramatic gearbox was introduced.
The Silver Cloud I was available in several body styles, including four-door sedans, coupes, and convertibles, in two chassis lengths, short (SWB) and long (LWB). The manufacturing process was done manually and even artisanally by a workforce that in 1946 totaled 10,000 employees. In Crewe, the bodies were assembled by Pressed Steel, along with their corresponding frames and other mechanical elements.
The first series of the Silver Cloud was equipped with a 4,887 cc six-cylinder engine and side exhaust valves. A very typical engine for the brand, which preferred to err on the side of being conservative, durable, and comfortable rather than taking the risks of avant-garde designs.
In September 1959, the Silver Cloud II was introduced, now equipped with the V8 engine that continued to power Rolls-Royce and Bentley models almost until the end of the 20th century. Although it may not have stood out for its modernity at the time, time has proven its qualities.
- Chasis: LSJF166
- Carrocería: Berlina Rolls-Royce
- Motor: L6 / 4.887cc
- Velocidad: 170 kmh
- Producción: 2.360 uds
- Período: 1955-1959
