1957 Rolls Royce Cloud I

Current ownership since 1968

Estimate: £24,000 - £26,000*

Reg No: PCB 555 MOT: Exempt

Chassis No: SED149

Launched in April 1955, the Silver Cloud was based on a completely new closed box-section frame that was reputedly fifty percent stiffer than that of the outgoing Silver Dawn. The newcomer’s elegant Standard Steel Saloon body was penned by in-house designer John Polwhele Blatchley, the proportions of which belied its considerable overall length of 17ft 8in. Though the retention of a separate chassis allowed for the production of bespoke coachwork, all but 157 of the 2,360 Cloud Is produced featured the in-house offering.

Powered by an alloy-headed, 4887cc straight-six engine mated to 4-speed automatic transmission, the model utilised servo-assisted drum brakes all-round. The suspension was independent with coil springs at the front and featured a live axle hung on semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. Changes introduced in 1956 included the incorporation of twin brake master cylinders and the options of power steering and air conditioning. A test by Motor magazine in 1956 recorded a top speed of 102.9mph and a time of 13.5 seconds for the 0-60mph dash.

Handsomely finished in Silver Grey over Dark Grey with Grey leather interior, this Silver Cloud was purchased by its later owner in August, 1968. We understand he then became the car’s second keeper. Now registering some 144,798 miles, it was subject to a major restoration carried out in 1988 at 117,922 miles and invoices for this work are contained in the accompanying history file. Having seen little use over the past five years ‘PCB 555’ will require careful recommissioning before returning to the road however the Cloud has just received some minor mechanical fettling.

2001 Bentley Arnage Le Mans Series

1 of just 62 RHD examples made

Estimate: £18,000 - £22,000*

Reg No: MX51 NSN MOT: February 2024

Chassis No: SCBLC31E91CH0597

Launched to celebrate Bentley’s return to the famous La Sarthe circuit after a seventy-one year hiatus with the EXP Speed 8 (which won its class), the limited edition Arnage Le Mans Series was differentiated from its more commonplace Red Label sibling via wider wheelarches, special 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, quad exhaust pipes, sports bumpers, vented front wings and Le Mans Series badging. Inside, the instruments bore bespoke Dark Green faces with ‘Le Mans Series’ logos to the speedometer, rev counter and centre console. ‘Winged B’ motifs adorned the door cappings and headrests, while a unique gear lever design and drilled pedals also featured. Powered by the same turbocharged 6.75 litre V8 engine (400bhp/619lbft) allied to automatic transmission as the Red Label, the limited edition model was similarly capable of 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and 155mph (governed). Only 62 of the 153 Arnage Le Mans Series cars built were to right-hand drive specification.

Finished in special order Emerald Midnight Metallic with Barley and Spruce leather upholstery, chassis 06597 was supplied new via Ron Stratton & Co Ltd of Cheshire to local businessman Michael Smyth. Specified with a polished fire extinguisher, Sundym glass and power folding mirrors, the sports saloon was serviced at 9,502, 17,883, 20,617, 29,683, 38,167, 46,758, 52,494, 57,229, 59,232, 62,988, 64,963, 66,976 and 67,845 miles. Displaying a warranted 68,022 miles at the time of consignment, the Arnage has formed part of a private collection since April 2017. Covering less than 2,000 miles in the interim, it is described by the vendor as being in ‘very good overall’ condition with regards to its engine, transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. The original bookpack is augmented by a continuation service book and most of the tools are present in the spare wheel. Kept garaged and on charge (the relevant C-Tek device is included), the sports saloon also comes with an expensive indoor cover and spare keys.