Rolls-Royce has always signified the “lifestyles of the rich and famous” and the 1955 to 1966 Silver Cloud was no exception. Of 2,238 built across 12 years, 121 of them were turned over to custom coach builder H.J. Mulliner for special projects. That included 2-door coupes and convertibles, and a handful of Estate Wagons like the one here. We don’t know its history or when it came to the U.S., but the seller says it’s solid enough for a restoration. Located in El Monte, California, this once opulent wagon is available here on craigslist for $25,000. Kudos to Tony Primo for this very rare tip!
There were three “generations” of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. SC I was assembled between 1955 and 1958, SC II from 1959 to 1962, and SC III from 1963 to 1966. The last gen, including the seller’s, gained quad headlights but continued to be propelled by a 380 cubic inch V8. We assume that’s under the hood of this ’63 custom build as no photo of that is provided.
One source suggests that the total number of Estate Wagons produced was limited to four, conceived by taking a 4-door sedan and converting it into a station wagon. We’re told this Rolls is in good overall condition and has a layer of dust to indicate it’s been in storage. There is no reference as to whether it runs, and the odometer reads 30,000 (miles or kilometers). This is a right-hand drive model, suggesting was built for the home market.
The single photo of the interior doesn’t show the level of trim that you might expect from a Rolls. We’d like to see what the rest of the passenger compartment looks like, but to no avail. If you’re looking for something really, really rare to restore and have deep pockets, could this British status symbol be for you?
Nice to see a shooting brake! Wish there was some wood other than the usual accoutrements as it would be more appropriate.
Lovely as it is, I still would not want it.
Thank you for the write-up Russ.
Beautiful car, but sadly the purchase price is 1/10 of the maintenance costs.
If money was no object, this would be a dream project. Sadly, this is going to take some deep pockets and mine just aren’t that deep.
A shooting break of refined providence but looking like it fell on hard times. Not sure of this is a hippe wagon or what perhaps the Beatles were involved?
It’s strange that this 1 of 4 built Rolls would be this neglected.
Not really. So were many old dream/concept cars neglected, like the 1955 biscayne dream car found cut in half in a scrap yard! & the eventual condition of Straker’s car from 1970 Brit sci fi tv show, “UFO”. Google them.
Most of the corperate made dream cars were sent to the crusher by the manufacturers. Some yards spirited them away from view, and kept them hidden. This car had to be imported to the states, and that couldn’t have been cheap. Obviously, it wasn’t some backyard builders custom, that got regulated to the used car lot, after the thrill of the show was gone.
Borrowing from Mercedes Benz wisdom, “Nothing’s more expensive than a ‘cheap’ Rolls Royce”.
Interesting work vehicle!! Can you see a load of 2×4’s going to a job site in this!
Something makes me think it may have been built as a hearse?
What a travesty! Absolutely shameful for that motorcar to be in a scrapyard!! And in that condition!
We have two 1965 SCIII’s that were from my 2 sets of Grandparents. (My older brother was actually borne in one of them en-route to hospital.
This style estate wagon was also used as a hearse back in the day, as well as a country home’s run about.
The amount of labour & expense to properly & justly restore this rolling work of art would be too high. Best for parts. And only sold to a reputable R.R. dealer/restorer.
In a scrapyard! Bloody shameful!
This makes me want to take up surfing.
H.J. Mulliner was located in West London.
Mulliners was located in Birmingham.
They were two totally separate and distinct companies.
This was obviously unloved at some point, unlike most S3 examples. A pity, since it’s probably not feasible to fix a car in this condition. But could be a garage project for someone to tinker around with. In this state worth way less than 10K.
My friend had a 57 Bentley that he kept at my house because he didnt have room.I used to strap my surboards on the roof and cruise PCH to the waves..so cool to drive a surf Bentley…but this would waaaay outcool that.This would be a major project but what a glorious vehicle when finished..complete with surf racks and a few, vintage, surf decals..You could even sleep in the back on long trips.I hope someone saves it..
A Shooting Brake Rolls advertised on Craigslist. Really? Obviously a scrap yard and a seller thinking he can cash in, I’m guessing. “They” would be better off cleaning it up and putting it on a British web site. Where did the tail lights go?
The tail lights are probably on the back of a fibreglass t-bucket or dune buggy.
I can picture this Estate backed up to the edge of the polo field with a lovely picnic spread on its tailgate.
Rare but ruff ruff ruff! Could easily exceed its value in a competent restoration. Seller not doing himself or buyers any favors with that one poor interior photo either.
Rare but ruff ruff ruff! Could easily exceed its value in a competent restoration. Seller not doing himself or buyers any favors with that one poor interior photo either.
I grew up in Delray Beach and the Ballantrynes had one. it was an SC1. it was always driving slowly up and down streets in town. I have researched the ballalntyne’s car and it was done by Harold Radord. while I think the price for the subject car (was) good (sold apparently), most of the parts missing would have to be hand manufactured and I dare not think of the cost. to properly restore this car would well into the 6 figures. RHD, nope.
Love the rotting trunk liner on the cream leather seats. Truly a neglected car.