1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe Adaptation

by H.J.Mulliner - Countryman by Harold Radford

Of the 107 Drophead Coupe Adaptations built to style number 7504, chassis number SXC465 is the only one known to have been built with London coachbuilder Harold Radford’s special Countryman Touring accoutrements, more often fitted to four door cars and the occasional custom-built shooting brake.

Amongst the most elegant post-war bodies created for Rolls-Royce was the Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe by H.J. Mulliner, design number 7504. The car was known as an “Adaptation,” and it was created using a factory standard steel saloon body that had been modified into a convertible by removing the steel top, fitting two doors in place of the usual four, and adding a modified chromed waistline molding.

So extensive were Mulliner’s modifications that the resulting car was, in its every detail, essentially fully coachbuilt.

Radford’s Countryman package was intended to make our Rolls-Royce suitable for extended journeys “into the rough” by providing all of the comforts of home for its well-to-do passengers;

The trip might begin at home by filling the capacious boot, with a specially built, expanded lid, with supplies for the journey. What can not fit into the boot may be stowed in four pieces of bespoke Antler luggage, stored atop the fold-flat rear seat behind the driver and passenger. Special cubbyholes hidden throughout the interior house magazine racks, cosmetics for the lady, and a notebook.

Upon arrival at his destination, occupants might unpack from the boot and unfold a small table, suitable for cards or dining for two, seated on a pair of “toadstool seats,” small stools attachable to the rear bumper overriders. The result was a completely comfortable spot for a gentleman and friend to enjoy the spoils picked up at Harrods’, Fortnum & Mason, or ones preferred provisioner, before leaving London.

In equal measure; a fine automobile, as well as an essential lifestyle accessory for the sporting outdoors-person in addition to representing a sound investment for the future.

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