The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, built from 1955 to 1966, is for many people the classic image of a Rolls-Royce: a tall, upright grille, flowing front fenders and a long, elegant body. It was produced in three series — the Silver Cloud I with a six-cylinder engine, the Silver Cloud II (1959) with Rolls-Royce’s new V8, and the Silver Cloud III (1962) with its distinctive paired headlights. It was one of the last Rolls-Royce sedans built on a separate chassis, and it remains one of the most popular classic wedding cars.

Silver Cloud at a glance
Production 1955–1966
Series I (1955), II (1959), III (1962)
Engines 4.9-litre inline-six (I); 6.2-litre V8 (II and III)
Construction Separate chassis with steel body
Bentley twin Bentley S1, S2, S3

Silver Cloud I (1955–1959)

The first Silver Cloud used a standard steel body built by Pressed Steel and finished by Rolls-Royce, though coachbuilders still produced special bodies on the chassis. Power came from a six-cylinder engine, and an automatic transmission was standard. A long-wheelbase version followed for chauffeur use.

Silver Cloud II (1959–1962)

The big change was under the hood: Rolls-Royce’s new aluminium V8, a design that, in developed form, powered Rolls-Royces and Bentleys for more than half a century. It gave the Silver Cloud more power and smoothness, particularly important in the American market.

Silver Cloud III (1962–1966)

The final series introduced paired headlights and a slightly lower grille. Many enthusiasts consider it the most attractive version. Coachbuilt versions, including the “Chinese Eye” coupés and convertibles by H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, are especially valued.

The Bentley S-series

Bentley sold nearly identical cars as the S1, S2 and S3, distinguished mainly by their rounded radiator. Continental versions with lighter coachbuilt bodies were faster and are highly prized today.

Why the Silver Cloud endures

The Silver Cloud represents the end of an era: it was among the last Rolls-Royce sedans built on a separate chassis before the monocoque Silver Shadow. Its proportions and chrome detailing are timeless, and many survive in excellent condition.

A wedding favorite

Classic Silver Clouds are a staple of wedding hire in Britain and the U.S. If you’re weighing a classic car against modern luxury for your wedding day, read vintage vs modern wedding cars. For guests and the wedding party, modern vehicles like our Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offer air conditioning and space. See our wedding transportation.