Test Drive - 1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I

This is a beautiful example of an older restoration on a 1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I standard saloon that has been owned and cherished by its present owner for the past 43 years. It was sympathetically restored, as needed, about 45 years ago and has been well maintained since. This is a beautiful example of a classic and desirable Rolls-Royce.

The Masons Black (Paint Code 501) over Tudor Grey (Paint Code 222/2023) is complimented by a single Ivory coachstripe. The repaint was presumably performed about 45 years ago in the original and classic color combination, including maintaining the same color lines and coachstripes as it was delivered new. The condition of the paint is very nice with excellent shine and luster.

There are a few areas with small chips and scratches from the past 45 years that are only noticeable upon close inspection. The chrome and stainless steel are in overall very good with only light scratching on some of the chrome and a couple of small dents in the rear bumper overriders (bumper guards).

The interior has been refinished in its original and correct Blue leather (VM 3244) with matching blue piping. The leather is in very good to excellent condition and is very soft and supple. The blue leather seats are complimented with Blue Wilton Wool carpeting (Color Code 98) and Grey wool headcloth (R6517), both in beautiful condition today. The wood was likely refinished decades ago during the restoration and is in excellent overall condition today. The burl wood veneer is beautiful and needs nothing.

Mechanically, the venerable 4.9 liter straight six cylinder engine is remarkably quiet, more so than what we normally hear. The engine compartment is largely in show condition today and has been fastidiously maintained by its owner. This Silver Cloud drives very well and has been well cared for through the years. The four-speed automatic transmission works well and shifts smoothly. This Silver Cloud benefits from its factory power steering, which makes driving it effortless.

Mr. Carl Knapp acquired this Rolls in 1978 near Chicago, Illinois at 23 years of age. At the time, he was dating a bank president’s daughter. He financed the purchase through the bank with a seven-year loan, unheard of at the time. He acquired the car as a long-term investment that he could use occasionally and enjoy. This Rolls has never seen rain or inclimate weather for the past 43 years under his care. In 2005, Mr. Knapp retired to Scottsdale, AZ and SDD76 has been here ever since. When acquired, the odometer had accumulated 9,600 miles and it now has just over 17,300 miles (He averaged 180 miles of use per year). The true mileage is unknown, as the odometer may have been reset 45 years ago during its restoration.

SDD76 comes complete with an owners manual, its large tools, flashlight, jack and spare wheel. The rear leaf spring leather gaiters are in very nice condition, meaning that it has not seen inclimate weather. The factory build sheets and 158-point inspection report are included as document tabs on our website at www.classicpromenade.com. The front center ashtray and small tool tray are missing.

For more information and details, please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 at [email protected]. The Rolls is available for viewing in our showroom in Phoenix, AZ.