Land Rover Defender 90 XS Hardtop, 2016

Chassis No.: SALLDWNP7GA490119

Engine No.: 151006021204DT224

Registration: FG16 YUU

Sold £36,416 | Sold

The release of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley ‘S’ series in 1955 was surely one of the main reasons behind the demise of most of the few remaining coachbuilders still producing bodies for Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis. The Silver Cloud with a beautifully proportioned body, was a car which looked so ‘right’ that there was little incentive for customers to order bespoke coachwork, and therefore soon afterwards both Freestone & Webb and Hooper ceased coachbuilding. The Silver Cloud II was introduced in 1959 replacing the Silver Cloud I. Little changed externally but it featured the 6.2 litre V8 engine. Performance was greatly improved and the top speed was now raised to 114mph.

The main improvements though were in acceleration and torque. Power steering became standard and electrically operated windows were now available as an option. This Silver Cloud II had led quite an interesting life. It was owned by Christopher Leefe between 1974-2008, who is best known as the author of the Rolls-Royce Alpine Compendium, of which a signed 1st edition copy is included in the sale. Mr Leefe relocated to Germany at some point in the cars past and decided to take the car with him. During its time in Germany, it was cared for by British car specialists M + R Automobile in Günding, just north of Munich.

There are several invoices from M + R Automobile, including one for some comprehensive restoration work carried out in 2007. The car comes with an extensive history file, with many invoices dating back to 2000. Also included in the sale are copies of the extensive factory build sheets detailing all dates at various stages of the manufacturing process, a Silver Cloud II brochure and an original, bound owner’s manual. The toolkit is also believed to be the original and the vendor informs us that it is complete. The overall condition of the car is very good, the bulk of the restoration work was carried out some 16 years ago now, but it was clearly done to a high standard as it has held up well.

The interior appears to be original, offering a very nicely patinated feel without the need for any urgent attention. The paintwork has a good shine and the two-tone colour scheme which the car wears today suits it perfectly. The car has been upgraded with electronic ignition and a stainless steel exhaust. A new battery was fitted in September 2022 and the car has covered just 500 miles since its most recent service. The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is possibly one of the most elegant luxury cars on the market and represents amazing value for money. Offered to auction due to a house move, this example will be missed by its owner but it is ready for its next custodian to enjoy.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=3589&au=72