Six months to breathe new life into a legend
Atelier CVDC’s mission was to pick up this project where it left off and carry out a complete restoration in a particularly tight six-month timeframe, whereas this type of work usually takes between 8 and 10 months!
There were two reasons for this tight deadline:
The customer had no prolonged storage solution for his vehicle
The car had to be ready for a rally that had already been scheduled, bringing together a large number of Rolls Royce collectors.
This challenge was met thanks to a well-established protocol, a clear process and efficient logistics, which enabled us to take charge of the vehicle quickly and define a guideline from the outset.
A real technical, aesthetic and logistical challenge, which our team met with rigour and passion.
We were delighted to welcome to our workshop a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II, straight from the Paris region. This prestigious saloon, emblematic of British refinement in the 60s, had already undergone an initial phase of partial restoration, unfortunately unfinished by a previous professional.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II: an icon of the 60s
If there is one model that embodies the prestige and elegance of post-war British motoring, it is the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Produced between 1955 and 1966, this range of luxury saloons remains one of the most emblematic symbols of the Rolls-Royce brand today.
The Silver Cloud II, introduced in 1959, represents the discreet but significant evolution of this prestigious lineage. Aesthetically, it remained faithful to the fluid, classic lines of the first model. But it was under the bonnet that the major changes took place. The six-cylinder gives way to a powerful 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering a real performance boost.
The Silver Cloud II offered a smoother ride, enhanced by the introduction of power steering, still a rarity on this type of vehicle at the time. Its ride comfort, roadholding and quiet operation make it an exceptional car.
Produced in just 2,417 examples, the Silver Cloud II is now a sought-after model, prized by collectors for its timeless refinement and remarkable performance for its time. A true work of engineering, combining traditional craftsmanship and modern mechanics.
Discover all the stages in the restoration of this prestigious car in our workshop!
Optimised planning for a prestige restoration
1st stage: inventory and appraisal of the vehicle
The first stage of the restoration was to draw up a meticulous inventory of all the parts already dismantled. The aim was to understand the actual state of progress of the project and identify any missing or damaged parts.
At the same time, we carried out a double check: that of the bodywork, a blend of steel and aluminium, and that of the interior woodwork, so characteristic of the Rolls-Royce world. This initial work enabled us to define a clear and orderly action plan, with a view to restoring the car to its original condition.
2nd stage, bodywork: stripping, straightening and paint preparation
The bodywork phase required rigorous groundwork. We completely stripped the surfaces, taking into account the diversity of materials used, such as the aluminium doors and fixed steel components.
Adjustments and straightening were then carried out to restore perfect alignment between the various elements, an essential condition for the quality of finish expected on a vehicle of this standing.
Two coats of epoxy primer were applied, followed by four coats of filling primer, sanded several times, until a flawless surface was achieved, ready to receive the final colour.
Step 3: the paintwork
Once the bodywork work was complete, the next step was to restore the original colours of this Silver Cloud II. Thanks to extensive research, we were able to find the exact Rolls-Royce colours : a deep blue for the upper part of the body, and a refined metallic grey for the lower part.
The paintwork was followed by several coats of varnish, interspersed with sanding and careful final polishing. The radiance of the result underlines the sober, majestic lines of this automotive icon.
4th stage: reassembly and finishing
The final stage was reassembly, with the same attention to detail that characterises our work. Every piece of chrome was polished and every exterior accessory precisely repositioned.
Inside, the woodwork was carefully varnished in seven coats before being reassembled in the cabin. Finally, all the doors were reassembled, restoring this Rolls-Royce to its original noble and timeless appearance.
Methodology and rigour to meet a tight deadline
This complete restoration perfectly illustrates the expertise of the Atelier CVDC: rigorous craftsmanship, an eye for detail, respect for authenticity and mastery of deadlines. Giving such a vehicle a new lease of life is always an exciting adventure, and this Silver Cloud II will remain one of our workshop’s most memorable projects.
If you too would like to renovate your classic or prestige car, don’t hesitate to contact us !
