posted on October 15, 2026
Timeless British luxury icon
Step back into the 1960s behind the wheel of a 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. This classic luxury 4-door sedan is a British engineering marvel, proving that you don’t need speed to make an entrance. Expect whisper-quiet acceleration, a striking chrome grille, and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament leading the way.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud set the benchmark for British luxury cars, and was even Amos Burke’s ride of choice in every episode of the American detective series, Burke’s Law. From its sweeping fenders to its tapered trunk, this Rolls-Royce blends stately performance with a commanding road presence. Daren’s 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud brings this mid-century masterpiece to Los Angeles and is our October car of the month.
Key takeaways:
- The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was the core model of the Rolls-Royce range from 1955 to 1966, a stately sedan built for comfort over speed.
- The Silver Cloud revitalized the brand’s post-WWII image, and even inspired the most famous automotive print ad written by legendary ad executive David Ogilvy, which read: “At 60 miles an hour the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock.”
- It set a new standard for luxury and quickly became the car of choice for Hollywood stars like Fred Astaire and the British royal family.
- Expect an effortless driving experience, a near-silent 6.2-liter V8 engine, “wafting” suspension that glides over potholes and uneven pavement, and a commanding view over the hood.
Why the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is the October car of the month
- Unmistakable post-war Rolls-Royce craftsmanship you can drive, not just admire at a museum.
- Four seats and an automatic gearbox make it easy to drive (no stick shift experience needed).
- Perfect for milestone occasions like weddings, anniversaries, photo shoots, and cinematic LA cruises.
- Hosted by a highly rated classic car specialist with 2,600+ completed trips and 11 years of hosting.
1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II specs
This 1962 Rolls-Royce is a Silver Cloud II, and you can spot it by its single round headlamps. The Cloud II arrived in 1959 and brought the biggest change of the whole Silver Cloud run: a new 6.2L V8 built by Rolls-Royce, replacing the inline-six in the original. Power steering became standard, so this big sedan was easier to place on the road. The V8 made the car a little heavier, and period testers noted it wasn’t quite as hushed as the six. But the extra grunt was what the Cloud II was all about.
| ENGINE | HORSEPOWER | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MILEAGE | DAILY PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L V8 | Not officially published (estimated between 180 and 200 hp) | About 11 sec (10.9 sec in period tests) | About 105 mph | About 11 mpg | $2,000 |
*Daily price reflects the live listing and is subject to change.
A quick history of the Silver Cloud
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was in production from April 1955 to March 1966 and was the core model of the Rolls-Royce range. It replaced the Silver Dawn, handed over to the Silver Shadow, and about 7,373 cars were built in total (including standard wheelbases, long-wheelbase, and coachbuilt variants). Under the skin, it’s a traditional body-on-frame design. Most used the factory ‘Standard Steel’ body built by Pressed Steel, but the separate chassis left plenty of opportunity for coachbuilder specials.
Here’s how it changed between generations:
- Silver Cloud I (1955 to 1958): The original came with a 4.9L straight-six engine and a four-speed automatic. Power steering and air conditioning showed up as options in 1956, and a long wheelbase version followed in 1957 with extra rear legroom. About 2,238 standard wheelbase models were built.
- Silver Cloud II (1959 to 1962): The biggest model, and one you can rent on Turo. Rolls-Royce swapped in its own 6.2L V8 for far more torque and punch, and power steering became standard. Period testers found it slightly louder on the road, but its handling and performance made up for it. About 2,417 standard wheelbase models were built.
- Silver Cloud III (1962 to 1965): The final chapter debuted at the Paris Salon with a quad headlamp and a slightly lower grille. It was lighter, with more power from larger carburetors. About 2,044 standard wheelbase models were built.
Exterior & design
The Silver Cloud II boasts stately proportions. Expect a long, sweeping hood that stretches out to house the V8, balanced by a formal roofline and a roomy cabin. The fenders flow smoothly back into the doors, a far cry from the separate pontoon wings of the pre-war era. It’s the kind of body that looks nicely settled even when it’s parked.
Then there’s the front end. A tall, upright chrome grille takes prime position on the face of the car, with the Spirit of Ecstasy standing proud on top. Chrome runs all the way around: bumpers, window surrounds, hubcaps. On Daren’s car, the glossy cream paint and classic wide whitewall tires add a touch of timeless sophistication.
It’s a big car, too. Measuring over 17 feet long and weighing more than 2 tons, the Silver Cloud II commands the road. Driving this luxury sedan, you’ll notice heads turning at every stoplight.
Tip from the author: The rear doors can be on the small side, so getting in and out takes some grace. Take your time and skip the heels.
Interior & technology
Inside the cabin, expect deliberate and understated craftsmanship that captures the air of a high-society lounge. The centerpiece of the front cabin is a massive dashboard crafted from polished Burr Walnut. Expect a glossy wood grain that sweeps across the dash and runs around the window surrounds. Here you’ll also find a central cluster of vintage Smiths gauges flanked by old-school toggle switches and even a prominent classic radio built into the woodwork.
Fitted with four seats, you’ll settle into deep, heavily padded leather in a cabin built for conversation. The front row offers wide bucket-style seats while the rear bench feels more like an upscale sofa than a car seat. And in true luxury style, the rear passenger compartment delivers generous, plush carpeted legroom to allow you to stretch out comfortably.
But our favorite feature of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II has to be the Burr Walnut picnic tables built into the backs of the front seats. Beautifully finished and designed for beverages or notebooks, these thoughtful touches elevate any drive.
As for technology, the Cloud II offers features that were a novelty for its time. Power-operated windows and dual-level heating and ventilation systems were a rarity for the 1960s, while the valve radio entertainment system represented the highest tier of mobile audio available during this era.
Performance & driving experience
So what’s it like to drive a Silver Cloud II? Think gliding, not driving. This luxury car soaks up bumps, leans gently through corners, and offers a calm cabin experience. It’s a cruiser, not a canyon carver, and that’s the whole point of driving this classic car.
Now, let’s get into the specs:
- Engine: Under the long hood sits a 6.2L V8 developed by Rolls-Royce. Hydraulic tappets keep things quiet, so you get a distant hum rather than a roar. Fun fact: on the Cloud II, changing the spark plugs on the right side meant taking off the front wheel first.
- Performance and speed: At over 2 tons, this is no sports car. Period road tests clocked 0 to 60 mph in about 11 seconds, with a top speed above 100 mph. Those were strong numbers in 1962, and the delivery is smooth and silky rather than sharp, sports-car acceleration.
- Transmission: A four-speed automatic, so there’s no stick shift to worry about. Just select drive and go.
- Ride and handling: The ride is soft and wafting, with plenty of gentle body roll. Speaking from experience, you’ll quickly learn to take corners slowly and let the car do its thing.
- Brakes and steering: Drum brakes with servo assist, plus power steering as standard on the II. The big steering wheel is light, which helps with parking, but leave extra following distance. This is the kind of car that doesn’t like to be rushed.
- Fuel and usability: It runs on premium and guzzles a lot of it (roughly 11 mpg in period tests). Best for a day out rather than an extended road trip.
For renters, this is a car made for Southern California. Cruise down Sunset Boulevard, glide through Beverly Hills, or set off on a sunset drive up the coast toward Malibu. There’s no better place to be seen in a classic Rolls-Royce. Add a stop for photos with the Hollywood Sign in the background, and you’ve got the money shot. Pick-up is in Los Angeles so you can be on the road in no time.
How it compares
The Silver Cloud II had some serious rivals, with the closest being its own twin. The Bentley S2 was essentially the same car with a different grille and badging, and it shared the same 6.2L V8. Over in Detroit, the Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special offered big, automatic comfort with a punchier V8 on paper. The Lincoln Continental and Mercedes-Benz 300 SE were also chasing the same well-heeled drivers.
Then there’s the modern take. Today’s Rolls-Royce Ghost, a sibling to the Phantom, is far quicker, all-wheel drive and packed with tech. What it can’t match is the Cloud’s vintage character.
Which brings us to what these cars are worth. Well-kept examples have sold for six figures at auction houses like RM Sotheby’s, and a proper restoration doesn’t come cheap. That’s exactly why renting is the smart way to experience this model: you get the keys without the commitment.
| 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II | Bentley S2 | Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special | Rolls-Royce Ghost (current) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L V8 | 6.2L V8 | 6.4L (390 cu in) V8 | 6.75L twin-turbo V12 |
| Horsepower | Not published (estimated between 180 and 200 hp) | Not published (often quoted around 200 hp) | 325 hp | 571 hp |
| 0 to 60 mph | About 11 sec | About 11 sec | About 11 sec (10.8 in one test) | 4.6 sec |
| Top speed | About 105 to 114 mph | About 105 to 114 mph | x | 155 mph (governed) |
| Years produced | 1959 to 1962 (Cloud II) | 1959 to 1962 | 1961 to 1964 (this generation) | 2020 to present (this generation) |
Did you know? The Silver Cloud II and the Bentley S2 debuted in 1959 with Rolls-Royce’s first all-aluminum V8.
Who should rent this car?
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or exploring Los Angeles in a classic car, this vehicle is a great fit for:
- Wedding and anniversary drives
- Photography fans and content creators
- Classic car and Hollywood fans
- Special-occasion drives
- Scenic LA day cruises
Note: This listing requires drivers to be 30+ to book, and the car only seats four, including the driver.
Frequently asked questions about the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
What’s the difference between the Silver Cloud I, II, and III?
The biggest change is the engine, followed by the looks. The original Silver Cloud I (1955) used a 4.9L straight-six. The Silver Cloud II (1959) switched to Rolls-Royce’s 6.2L V8, and power steering became increasingly common. The Silver Cloud III, introduced in October 1962, added four headlamps, a slightly lower grille, a lighter body and a bit more power. Each generation also came in a long-wheelbase version with extra rear legroom. You can a Silver Cloud II on Turo.
Does the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud have power steering and air conditioning?
Yes, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud offers power steering. For air conditioning, it depends on the car. Air conditioning was an option from 1956, so not every Silver Cloud has it.
How many people does the Silver Cloud seat?
The Silver Cloud seats four people comfortably, including the driver. There are two front seats and a roomy rear bench, with plenty of legroom in the back.
Is the Silver Cloud good for weddings and photo shoots?
Yes, the Silver Cloud is a natural fit. The chrome grille, cream paint, and whitewall tires look great on camera, and the cabin has room for a small group. Add the Hollywood Sign as a backdrop, and you’re set. Just remember you’ll be driving it yourself, so plan your route and give yourself extra time for parking.
How much does it cost to rent a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud?
The cost of renting a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud depends on your dates. Daily prices change, so check the live listing for the current rate. It’s a way to drive something collectors pay serious money for, without the cost of owning it.
Rent a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud on Turo
Few cars make an entrance like a Silver Cloud. It’s been a screen star since the 1960s, and now you can experience it for yourself. This isn’t a car built for speed. It’s built for cruising through Beverly Hills, sunset drives toward Malibu, or an unforgettable wedding-day arrival. With its timeless design, Hollywood history, and unmistakable presence, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is a fitting choice for our October car of the month.
Ready to roll? Rent Daren’s Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud on Turo, with pickup and return in Los Angeles, California.
Still searching for the right car? Browse classic cars, Rolls-Royce rentals, and exotic and luxury cars available to book today.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
