Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud 1959–1962 car dimensions: 5378 mm long, 1898 mm wide and 1626 mm high. Unladen weight is 2,108 kg.
The cabin features Connolly leather upholstery, burr walnut veneers on the dashboard and door cappings, and deep-pile Wilton wool carpets for a quiet, opulent space. Power-assisted steering is standard. Electric windows are optional. An improved two-level heating, demisting and ventilation system is fitted, with full air conditioning available as an option. Fold-down picnic tables appear in the backs of the front seats. No modern electronic driver aids are present.
The boot holds a spare wheel in its own compartment plus a full tool kit and provides enough room for family luggage. Fitted luggage sets were offered as an option. An air-conditioning unit, when fitted, takes some of the space.
The cabin uses full leather upholstery on seats and door cards with burr walnut wood cappings and veneers on the dashboard and door tops. Thick wool carpets cover the floor. Front and rear have large central armrests. The space is generous for five, with a smooth ride from the independent front and leaf-spring rear suspension. Improved ventilation supplies fresh, heated or cooled air focused more on the front. Electric windows are an option. Power steering is standard. The overall feel is quiet and formal with picnic tables and vanity mirrors available in rear.
Petrol V8 engine, typical consumption 13 mpg imperial.
Chassis lubrication points need attention every 10,000 miles or yearly.
Standardised service schedules at 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 miles.
Servo-assisted drum brakes with twin master cylinders and mechanical rear backup.
Power-assisted steering standard.
The 6.2-litre V8 runs on petrol with twin SU carburettors. Period tests record around 13 miles per imperial gallon. Fuel tank holds about 18 imperial gallons.
Service follows fixed schedules. Chassis greasing or oiling points need top-up every 10,000 miles or once a year. Engine oil changes come more often, with full checks and lubricant changes at the longer intervals. Air conditioning, if fitted, needs specialist attention.
Brakes are four-wheel drums with a gearbox-driven mechanical servo. Twin master cylinders separate front and rear circuits. The system keeps rear brakes working if hydraulics fail. No period crash-test ratings exist. Power steering is standard. Seat belts were not standard equipment.
Keep the car with regular lubrication and brake checks. The aluminium V8 needs care with cooling and oil. Specialist knowledge helps with the hydro-mechanical brakes and optional refrigeration unit. Parts and knowledge remain available through clubs and specialists.
Length 5378 mm, Width 1898 mm, Height 1626 mm, Wheelbase 3124 mm (Silver Cloud 1959–1962)
Sources: manufacturer data, Rolls-Royce Workshop Manual, carfolio.com and conceptcarz.com, Wikipedia.