1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II

This one was ordered by a hotel chain. In 1961 Howard Johnson's took delivery of a long-wheelbase Silver Cloud II for its New York corporate offices — a car with a partition, folding tray tables, and a bud vase, built for people who were being driven rather than driving.

This 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II is a left-hand-drive, long-wheelbase model delivered new to the corporate offices of Howard Johnson's in New York. The car remained with the company until 1964, when it was traded in and purchased by Forbes, Inc. A series of private owners in Texas, Illinois, and Connecticut followed, and at some point it was repainted in its current two-tone scheme and the partitioned interior reupholstered in tan leather. Power comes from a 6.2-liter V8 linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Work performed since 2022 has included replacing the water pump, overhauling the brakes, and servicing the air conditioning. It is offered on dealer consignment with historical documents.

Background

Introduced in late 1959, the Silver Cloud II was distinguished from its predecessor primarily by a new V8 developed in-house. Around 2,700 examples were produced in total, of which approximately 300 were long-wheelbase variants.

Exterior

Chassis LLCA18 left the factory finished in black and was later repainted in cream and brown. Exterior details include a Spirit of Ecstasy ornament, a badge bar, driving lights, and round side mirrors. Multiple holes have been drilled in the bumper overriders.

Wheels, Suspension & Brakes

The 15" steel wheels wear color-keyed full covers, and Coker American Classic whitewall tires were mounted under current ownership. Factory equipment included coil-spring independent front suspension, a live rear axle on semi-elliptical leaf springs, and power steering. The drum brakes and servo were rebuilt in 2023.

Interior

The cabin has been reupholstered in tan leather with color-coordinated carpets. Burl wood veneer accents the dashboard, windshield frame, and door caps. A bud vase is mounted to the right B-pillar, and power windows were factory equipment. Rear occupants are provided with a power-operated partition, folding tray tables, grab handles, and a folding center armrest; per the selling dealer, the partition window does not raise or lower. The three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of Smiths instrumentation consisting of a 120-mph speedometer, a combination gauge, and a clock, alongside a MotoMeter indoor/outdoor ambient temperature gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 26,000 miles.

Engine & Drivetrain

The 6.2-liter V8 is outfitted with dual SU carburetors and sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The water pump and coolant hoses were replaced and a tune-up performed under previous ownership.

Condition

Corrosion is noted on underbody components.

Note: The car is titled in Arizona, and the title describes it as a 1960 model. Additional details including chassis documentation, service records, and further photography will be provided to serious inquiries.