1957 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Mulliner

1957 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud 1 Drop Head Coupe.
Chassis number: SBC118
Registration number: OBC253 (Belgium.)
'Luxury clothed in aluminium', chassis number 'SBC 118' was constructed to H J Mulliner's design number '7410'. Mulliner completed only 21 drophead coupés on the 'Silver Cloud I' chassis (11 left-hand and 10 right-hand drive).

Mentioned in the book 'Original Rolls-Royce & Bentley 1946-69' by James Taylor, 'SBC 118' was ordered by J P W Maynard Esq of Fulmer, Buckinghamshire through London dealership George Newman Ltd. First registered on 18th April 1957, the car was delivered with the optional power-assisted steering and power-operated hood, both of which remain in working condition today.

In February 1961 the Rolls-Royce was bought by one M E Kirkpatrick of Lowesby Hall, Billsdon, Leicestershire, passing in 1984 to Richard C Himmel in the USA. Based in Chicago, Richard Himmel enjoyed a successful career as an interior designer during the 1960s and 1970s, working for clients including Muhammad Ali, the Playboy Club, and the Chicago Sun-Times' famous gossip columnist, Irv Kupcinet. Later on Richard and Elinor Himmel moved with their children to Palm Beach, Florida, and there are photographs of the Rolls-Royce in Florida on file. The Himmels kept the Silver Cloud until 1998 when it was bought by the current vendor in Holland.

When the current owner purchased the car it was in a good driving condition though showing signs of age. Accordingly, the owner commissioned an extensive restoration to the highest standard, which was carried out by Noblehouse in the Netherlands. The exterior colour scheme is a very attractive dark blue with matching hood and beige interior, which it retains today. The restoration was finished in 2000 and the Rolls-Royce registered for the road in Belgium. Since then it has been used regularly but only in good weather, covering around 15,000 miles over the course of the last 18 years.

This Silver Cloud has been maintained meticulously, receiving regular servicing at a noted Belgian Classic car garage. Recently the rear axle was renewed and the final drive ratio changed to enable high-speed cruising at reduced revs, while the engine, cooling system, steering mechanism, and ventilation system were checked over by Leo Stoffels in the Netherlands, as confirmed by bills on file totalling over €15,000. Accompanying documentation also includes copies of the Rolls-Royce and Mulliner build sheets; copy old US title; FIVA Identity Card (issued 2002); taxation report (dated 2000); Belgian registration papers; and invoices for parts and work carried out totalling an estimated €80,000-plus. Extensive works have been done by Historic Competition services in Antwerp, who have also been responsible for looking after & servicing the car in recent years.
The car is thus in impeccable condition and very very rare with so few having been made.