Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe by James Young 1959 - World Of Classic Cars -

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe by James Young 1959

In 1955, the long-awaited Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I was introduced and enthusiastically accepted by eager buyers. The Silver Cloud I combined the best of old-world tradition with modern processes, as it was the final Rolls-Royce model to be powered by the reliable inline six-cylinder engine, yet it could also be had with full modern “standard steel saloon” bodywork, which was beautifully proportioned and cost far less than a coachbuilt car. In fact, of the 15,414 Silver Cloud chassis—Series I through III—produced between 1955 and 1965, fewer than 200 were outfitted with custom coachwork, and even fewer of these were truly “unique” designs.

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe by James Young 1959

Among the most prominent and prestigious coachbuilders for the Silver Cloud was James Young Ltd., of Bromley, Kent. This renowned shop, which was established in 1863, survived for 104 years and was known for its distinctive, instantly recognizable detailing, which included unique door handles and graceful body moldings. Following 1937, the firm worked almost exclusively on Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis, as it had been acquired by prominent London dealer Jack Barclay that year. It would survive and produce fine coaches until 1967.
Eight Silver Cloud I chassis were bodied by James Young as drophead coupes, and of these, seven were four-passenger cars. This car, chassis number LSJF202, was the only example built as a two-passenger design. As a two-passenger design on such a long chassis would have seemed rather awkwardly proportioned, James Young utilized the same basic design as for the four-passenger model, but he replaced the rear seat with additional space for luggage.

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe by James Young 1959

The car was bodied in lightweight aluminum alloy that was reinforced with steel, and it was equipped with practically every optional item available in 1959, as well as a few extras. Car radios still weren’t commonplace in 1950s Europe, but this car has one, as well as power steering, power windows, and even a power-operated radio antenna, with the latter being installed by James Young. Also specified were Le Mans-type “24” headlamps, high-frequency horns with a muting switch, an export-type rear number plate, a fitted suitcase, chrome-plated disc wheel covers, and a speedometer reading in kilometers. The interior was painstakingly stitched together from vat-dyed Connolly leather hides, and matching tan carpets were fitted with the finest British Wilton wool. Burled Circassian walnut veneers define the fascia, trim, and door sills. Naturally, with the “L” prefix on its chassis number, it was originally equipped with left-hand drive, and it still retains this most desirable feature today.

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe by James Young 1959

The completed Silver Cloud I was delivered through the Garage de l’Athénée, of Geneva, Switzerland, to Count François de Salverte, a prominent socialite and expert in Louis XVI furniture, on April 11, 1958. After being acquired by its second owner and shipped to the United States, this one-off Drophead Coupe received a concours-quality restoration, which was performed by leading Rolls-Royce specialists. The body was finished in the creamy white known as Magnolia to Rolls-Royce enthusiasts, and it featured a correct, heavily padded tan cloth top and fitted tonneau cover, resulting in a sensational appearance. With its blank rear quarters, the raised top gives the car an unusually sporty air.