6,223cc OHV V8 Engine Twin SU Carburetors 185bhp 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Independent Front and Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Rear Suspension 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes *Shown at the 1959 Earl's Court Motor Show *Delivered new to the US *Rare, coachbuilt Silver Cloud *Believed to be the final Hooper-bodied Rolls THE SILVER CLOUD II Introduced early in 1955 as replacements of the aging Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and Bentley R-Type, the all-new Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type sported sleeker bodywork on a new box-section chassis incorporating improved brakes and suspension, while enlargement to 4,887cc and the adoption of a six-port cylinder head boosted the output of the dependable inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine.

Development of the latter though, was nearing its end and Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached.

The V8 was, of course, the predominant power unit in Rolls-Royce's most important export market - the USA - so it was only natural that th...