4 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD THE CAR TO INDUCE SOCIAL INFERIORITY IN ALL CADILLAC OWNERS

‘At 60 miles an hour the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock.’ This is not only one of the finest examples of copy created by advertising legend, David Ogilvy, it also encapsulates the appeal of the Rolls-Royce in rarefied US circles. Here was a motor car with the cachet of being imported, discreet – a description which would not apply to the average Cadillac or Lincoln – and with a more tangible sense of tradition than a Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer. $13,995 was a vast sum of money in the late 1950s, but maintaining social status was beyond mere dollars… WHAT TO PAY PROJECT £8500 // USABLE £17,500 // GOOD £30,000 // CONCOURS £40,000 // PRICE WHEN NEW £5078 (1956)

ONE FOR SALE IN THE USA

1961 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD II, $38,000 (£28,500)

‘6.2 V8, excellent condition, mechanically sound, original body and smart upholstery.’

WE SAY

‘Values for American Silver Clouds plummet if they’re much different from UK spec, so unmolested quality is paramount.’

BUY IT FROM

Private seller, hemmings.com (contact through the website)

ONE FOR SALE IN THE UK

1956 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD I, £46,500

‘£8k refurb in 2016 including hydraulics. Wonderful interior, showbiz history.’

WE SAY

‘Recent refurb bodes well for mechanical integrity. Always worth getting an independent eye to check the work, though.’

BUY IT FROM

Vintage & Prestige Fine Motor Cars, 01375 379719