Rolls Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe LH by Young
|
Automobilhersteller : |
Rolls Royce |
|---|---|
|
Modell: |
Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe LH by Young |
|
Jahr: |
1955-1959 |
|
Art: |
Cabriolet |
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 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.
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.
