Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Rolls-Royce Ltd |
Production | 1955–1966 7,372 produced |
Assembly | Crewe, England |
Layout | FR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 4.9 L I6 6.2 L Rolls-Royce V8 |
Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Kerb weight | 4,647 lb (2,108 kg) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Silver Dawn |
Successor | Silver Shadow |
Silver Cloud I | |
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Overview | |
Production | 1955-1958 2,238 produced |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 4-door saloon variations provided by coachbuilders were: 2-door convertible 2-door coupé |
Related | Bentley S1 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 4.9 L I6 |
Transmission | 4 speed GM Hydramatic automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 123 in (3,124 mm) (short-wheelbase) 127 in (3,226 mm) (long wheelbase, offered for 1957 and 1958 cars) |
Length | 212 in (5,385 mm) |
Width | 74.75 in (1,899 mm) |
Height | 64 in (1,626 mm) |
Silver Cloud II | |
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Overview | |
Production | 1959-1962 2,417 produced |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 4-door saloon Variations provided by coachbuilders were: 2-door convertible 2-door coupé |
Related | Bentley S2 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 6.2 L Rolls-Royce V8 |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 123 in (3,124 mm) (short-wheelbase) 127 in (3,226 mm) (long wheelbase) |
Length | 213 in (5,410 mm) |
Width | 74.75 in (1,899 mm) |
Height | 64 in (1,626 mm) |
Silver Cloud III | |
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Overview | |
Production | 1963-1966 2,044 produced |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 4-door saloon Variations provided by coachbuilders were: 2-door convertible 2-door coupé (a small number of 4-door convertibles, hearses and station wagons were also built) |
Related | Bentley S3 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 6.2 L Rolls-Royce V8 220HP (estimate) |
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is an automobile produced by Rolls-Royce Limited from April 1955 to March 1966. It was the core model of the Rolls-Royce range during that period. The Silver Cloud replaced the Silver Dawn and was, in turn, replaced by the Silver Shadow. The J. P. Blatchley design was a major change from the pre-war models and the highly derivative Silver Dawn. As part of a range rationalisation the Bentley S1 is very similar, apart from its radiator grille.
Construction was body-on-frame, which permitted special bodied versions, though the overwhelming majority were built with the standard Pressed Steel Company manufactured steel body shell. A light-weight aluminium-based alloy was used for doors, bonnet/hood and boot/trunk lid. The chassis was a simple steel box section, welded together and very rigid. The car was 5.38 m (212 in) long, 1.90 m (75 in) wide, and massed 1.95 tonnes. The engine was a 155 hp / 4000 rpm 4.9 L six-cylinder unit with inlet over exhaust valves: twin SU carburettors were added in September 1957. The standard transmission was a four-speed automatic, the General Motors sourced Hydramatic transmission. The turning circle was 41 feet 8 inches (12.70 m).
Brakes were hydraulic and assisted by the Rolls-Royce mechanical servo with 11 in (279 mm) drums and suspension was independent coils at the front and semi-elliptic springs at the rear. Twin brake master cylinders were incorporated from April 1956.
Power steering and air conditioning became available as options in 1956.
A long-wheelbase version lengthened by 4 in (102 mm) was also made available in September 1957, outwardly very similar to the existing car but offering improved leg space for rear-seat passengers.
The British Motor magazine tested a standard-wheelbase factory-bodied Series I in 1956 recording a top speed of 102.9 mph (165.6 km/h) and acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 13.5 seconds and a fuel consumption of 14.5 miles per imperial gallon (19.5 L/100 km; 12.1 mpg‑US). The test car cost £5078 including taxes.