1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud ‘Honeymoon Express’
Many consider the 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud to be one of the most beautiful mid-century Rollers, although coachbuilders Freestone & Webb decided they could improve on it, they took delivery of a rolling chassis in March 1958 and just 3 months later the completed Drophead Coupé rolled out of the workshop. It was a design that starkly contrasted with the more traditional, understated style of the Silver Cloud and it was set to become one of the most famous Rolls-Royces of the post-war era.
The car was first shown to the world’s press at the 1958 Earl’s Court Show, the motoring journalists in attendance dubbed it the ‘Honeymoon Express’ due to the fact that it was an elegant two seater and had a trunk large enough for any bride’s luggage.
178 bhp, 4,887cc F-head six-cylinder engine, two SU carburettors, four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs and wishbones, semi-elliptic rear springs with electrically controlled shock absorbers, power-assisted steering, and power-assisted hydraulic front and hydro-mechanical rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 3,124 mm (123″)
The scarlet red Connolly leather interior and matching red carpets are fitted with British Wilton wool broadloom. Burled Circassian walnut veneers define the fascia, trim and window sills. Luxury aside, the most fascinating feature on this car is the hydraulic top. Metal flaps on either side “pop” open, along with the rear cover, and allow for the top to effortlessly rise. When lowered, the navy blue canvas power top disappears below the belt line, completely hidden under the electrically operated metal cover. With the top down, rear vision for the driver is completely unobstructed, unlike many European convertibles whose tops retreat to a rather bulky position under the canvas cover.
Bespoke motorcars like this one are valued like fine art, antiques and other rare commodities and will always be treasured. One of only two Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds produced with this exceptional drophead coupé body design. Its place in Rolls-Royce history is assured, and its significance to enthusiasts is impossible to overstate, as this may very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire the Honeymoon Express.
