Among the most elegant postwar bodies created for Rolls-Royce was the Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe by H.J. Mulliner, design number 7504. Originally 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. 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. The Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe Adaptation proved deservedly popular, with 107 examples produced, including 74 left-hand-drive models.

Chassis number LSYD428, offered here, was ordered through the aptly named Oslo Rolls-Royce agent Erik B. Winter by Ole Holta, the leader of major Norwegian metal producers Tinfos Jernverk A/S. Mr. Holta’s specification for his new Rolls-Royce was a livery of Steel Blue over Beige, with automatic transmission and several special touches, among them a tachometer mounted in the driver’s glovebox “cubby,” an altimeter on the glovebox door, and a set of dark tan fitted suitcases—the latter, alas, now absent. There are some indications that the original owner actually intended to use the car with a chauffeur, as it was originally to be fitted with a rear-seat cigar lighter, though this did not come to fruition. LSYD428 was completed in May 1961 and sent to Oslo aboard SS Blenheim, for delivery that October to Mr. Holta.

The car’s next known owner was Henry Fischbein of Hillsdale, New Jersey, who listed it with the Rolls-Royce Owners Club in 1985 and 1987. It appears to have been cosmetically restored in this era, in its present Garnet; obviously the work was somewhat sensitive, as it appears to have preserved what may well be the original Beige Connolly leather. Some age is visible to the finishes, in particular under the hood and to the convertible top. The original engine remains in place. A battery switch has been fitted for safe storage, while the dashboard has been upgraded with an Alpine satellite radio receiver, though it retains the original special features of altimeter and tachometer as specified by Mr. Holta. At the time of cataloguing the car had recorded 2,128 kilometers, likely since restoration, and retained its original engine, number 214DS.

This is a fascinating Silver Cloud II, with an elegant air and special features to recommend it to the Rolls-Royce devotee.