Sold 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud HJM Drophead Coupe 169940214 Tweet

n 1955, the long-awaited Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was introduced, and the last series to be powered by the remarkable inline six-cylinder engine. Although the new steel-bodied saloon was in demand, there remained an exclusive market for bespoke, hand-formed aluminum coachwork for affluent clients. Of the 15,414 cars the company built between 1955 and 1965, an understandably small fraction were special commissions. Prolific coachbuilder H.J. Mulliner fitted several convertible variants onto the Silver Cloud chassis. Arguably their most beautiful was design 7410. The astronomical price of the handcrafted model was a major contributing factor to the advent of the Silver Cloud Adaptation convertibles, which utilized factory sedan shells and could be finished at a significantly lower cost than the clean-sheet design, coachbuilt variants such as the 7410.

The elegant 1958 7410 offered here, (the final year of production of the model) one of just 11 built in left-hand drive, has a fascinating, extensively documented pedigree. Manhattan music publishers, Chappell & Co., ordered a pair of these bespoke cars to be presented as gifts to the famous Broadway composers Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Fritz Loewe, recognizing their brilliant score for My Fair Lady. The two collaborated on numerous hit Broadway shows, including Brigadoon, Paint Your Wagon, Gigi, and Camelot. Upon retirement in the early 1970s, Fritz Loewe moved to Palm Springs, California, bringing his beloved Black Pearl Rolls-Royce with him. After maintaining stewardship for 19 years, he sold the car to its Malibu-based second owner.

The third owner was James Jim Toole, a legend among Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners. He was a stickler for authenticity and, coupled with his talent, eye for design and superior work ethic, he patiently restored the 7410 in its as-delivered livery. Numerous photographs of the work detail the depth of the effort, correct factory methods and materials used throughout the superb restoration. The wood veneers and Connolly leather upholstery in particular have a welcoming factory-like appearance. Mr. Toole showed this car over many years, winning countless awards. As a senior judge with the Rolls-Royce Owners Club his expertise and reverence for the Rolls-Royce marque are evident throughout this Drophead Coupe.

In 2011, a noted private collector acquired the 7410 from Mr. Toole's estate and in 2015, it joined the most recent owners diverse collection, whose full-time staff continued to maintain and preserve the Rolls-Royce and with it, Mr. Toole's brilliant restoration. Complete with its tools, original road-spare case, copies of the Rolls-Royce build cards, an extensive collection of restoration photos, a fascinating history file, and Mr. Loewe's matching three-piece monogrammed luggage set, this significant Rolls-Royce has been held in the highest regard since it first embarked on its A-list life.

A recent acquisition by ourselves, this delightful performer has been diligently serviced and prepared for countless years of continued enjoyment. If desired, the superb restoration can be freshened for serious Concours d'Elegance competition. The pedigree and condition will doubtlessly garner future awards.