200 bhp, 6,230 cc aluminium V-8 engine, twin SU carburettors, four-speed automatic transmission, steel ladder frame, independent front suspension by upper and lower A-arm with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, live rear axle with semi-elliptic springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 123"

- One of 107 Mulliner-bodied Silver Cloud II DHCs

- Less than 22,000 original miles

- Beautiful two-tone colours and extremely well-preserved interior

In 1959, Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Cloud II, the successor to the original Silver Cloud, which first appeared in 1955. Although similar in appearance, the most noticeable difference between the two cars was the introduction of a new 6.23-litre V-8 engine, replacing the inline six-cylinder unit of the Silver Cloud I. Available from late 1959, the Silver Cloud II continued through early 1962, when the Silver Cloud III succeeded it.

The new V-8 engine was a sophisticated design, and the Silver Cloud II was tremendously successful, particularly in the United States during the 1960s. Examples of the Silver Cloud II destined for America included many standard features, among them the smooth-shifting Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission, power brakes, power-assisted steering, a radio, whitewall tyres and environmental controls including heat, defrost and updated ventilation systems.

Few changes were made to the highly regarded standard steel layout of the Silver Cloud I, with four-door sedans in both short- and long-wheelbase models. Body styles also included the four-door limousine by James Young, the Radford four-door Countryman and the Drophead Coupé by H.J. Mulliner. Total production for all variants was quite low, with only 2,717 Silver Cloud II chassis produced, of which the vast majority used the short 123-inch wheelbase. Of those, H.J. Mulliner fitted only 107 examples with Drophead Coupé bodywork. As a result, every example was a truly bespoke representation of its individual owner’s tastes and exacting requirements.

The Silver Cloud II on offer was fitted with H.J. Mulliner body style number 7504 and reportedly sold new to a NASA engineer. It was eventually acquired by marque expert Richard Gorman of Florida, from whom it was purchased in 1990 by Mr. Tom Barrett with only 20,800 original miles. The car passed through a handful of collectors over the ensuing years, seeing just 500 miles of additional road usage.

In present condition, the car is extremely original and has never received any cosmetic repairs or restoration of any kind. Finished in a handsome two-tone colour combination with a tan canvas hood, the car’s interior is upholstered in striking red leather that has developed a handsome patina and, along with the wood dash, remains very presentable.

Rolls-Royce has never been reluctant to express the quality of its automobiles, nor abashed about putting it to the test. In a mid-1960s U.S. advertising campaign, the company declared, “Many people have paid the price of the best car in the world without ever owning it.” With only a little over 100 Mulliner-bodied examples, this Silver Cloud II DHC is not only very rare but is certainly one of the lowest mileage examples in existence.