Inarguably the most desirable and elegant coachwork on the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I was H.J. Mulliner’s aluminum-bodied drophead coupe, style number 7410. A total of 21 examples of this design were produced, just a dozen of which were on left-hand-drive chassis.

The order for this car, chassis number LSDD146, was placed in 1956 by Mrs. Dorothy Staniar Assheton, with residences recorded in New York City; Darien, Connecticut; and Belleville, New Jersey. Little information on Mrs. Assheton can be found, though she was obviously a lady who knew what she wanted, demanding that the chassis be delivered as soon as possible and requesting numerous special features. These included Windtone horns, unique bulbs and lenses for the fog lights and tail lamps, summer and winter thermostats, and, amusingly, a request for unique “puncture proof tires,” as well as automatic transmission and power steering.

Delivery was made to the well-traveled Mrs. Assheton in London, England, on 2 June 1957, barely six months after she had placed her order. She apparently maintained the car until 1977, when it was purchased by second owner Samuel R. Schwartz of Cedarhurst, New York. Continuing the history of long-term ownerships, Mr. Schwartz would own the Rolls for 30 years; for much of that time, it was on exhibit at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana.

The third owners commissioned the car’s restoration, including new Velvet Green paint and biscuit tan leather upholstery. Much of the original burled walnut woodwork remains in place and has been refinished, and the car also retains serial and body number plates, as well as the original engine, number SD73. It recorded 69,270 miles at the time of cataloguing. The car is accompanied by its correct full-size spare and partial original sets of road and hand tools, including the inspection light, jack handle, tire pump, and wheel tool, as well as copies of its build and ownership information from the Rolls-Royce Foundation and the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club.

As post-war coachbuilt Rolls-Royces increasingly climb in desirability, it is the original Mulliner drophead coupe that discerning collectors demand and seek. With almost all of the scarce left-hand-drive survivors remaining in long-term ownership, this is the rare opportunity to acquire a distinguished example, with low ownership and a quality presentation that has been known and admired for many years.