- Auctions
- Online Auction - 14th August
- 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I EWB Factory Prototype
1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I EWB Factory Prototype
Lot Number: 20001
1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I EWB Factory Prototype
The first ever Silver Cloud Long Wheelbase prototype, beautifully restored and steeped in Rolls-Royce history, with expert oversight and exceptional provenance.
ESTIMATE: £55,000 - £60,000
including buyer's fee of 6% plus VAT
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TIMED AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Thursday 14th August, 2025 at 7.00pm local time
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DRIVE
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REG NUMBER
YLG 990 -
ODOMETER READING
84227 Miles
SUMMARY
The first ever Silver Cloud Long Wheelbase prototype, beautifully restored and steeped in Rolls-Royce history, with expert oversight and exceptional provenance.
DESCRIPTION
Background:
To capitalise on the success of the standard steel saloon, Rolls-Royce introduced the long-wheelbase version of the Silver Cloud I as a refined alternative to the ageing Silver Wraith. The chassis was lengthened by 4" to accommodate an electrically operated division between front and rear compartments, making it suitable for both chauffeur-driven and owner-driver use. The design was elegantly treated to ensure the added length blended harmoniously into the car's original silhouette.
This particular car, registered in 1956, is of extraordinary significance. Known as YLG 990, it is the very first Silver Cloud LWB produced and served as the experimental prototype. Originally numbered 28-B, it was later renumbered ALC 1X and used internally by Rolls-Royce for development and transport duties before being sold to Weybridge Autos.
The Car:
Finished in Sage over Velvet Green, YLG 990 is a rare and historically important example, presented in very useable and attractive condition. It has been owned by the current keeper since 2018 and has had only four previous owners. During this time, over £50,000 has been invested to restore the car both mechanically and cosmetically to a very high standard.
YLG 990 was the RR brochure car, factory press demonstrator and was reviewed by both Motor and Autocar magazines in period.
A bare metal respray was carried out by Cad Cam Automotive in Coventry at a cost of £30,000. The restoration process included lead-loading, correct panel alignment and meticulous paint preparation, all carried out using original photographs and factory references to replicate the car’s original finish. Importantly, key prototype features such as hand-extended rear door panels were retained with visible seams, following advice from classic car expert Quentin Willson, who also oversaw the restoration.
Mechanically, the car has undergone a full recommissioning by Rolls-Royce specialists Balmoral, with over £20,000 spent to ensure it drives as intended. This included an overhaul of the brakes, suspension, and steering, along with engine tuning and the fitting of period-correct radial tyres. As a result, the car starts readily, drives beautifully, and maintains the regal stance expected of a Silver Cloud.
The interior features leather upholstery sympathetically restored by a previous owner and further refreshed by Balmoral in 2025. Original leather has been retained where possible, and the wood veneers have been professionally restored by specialists in Crewe.
YLG 990 is featured prominently in numerous Rolls-Royce publications and archives. It has a full chapter devoted to it in Davide Bassoli’s definitive work Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining and was the subject of a seven-page feature in the November 2020 issue of Classic Cars magazine. A photograph of the car is also on display at Hunt House, headquarters of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club. Importantly, recent research by Quentin Willson overturned the long-held belief that the design was solely developed by Park Ward, confirming instead that legendary designer John Blatchley played a key role in the prototype’s styling.
Recent maintenance includes:
• Complete overhaul of braking, steering and suspension
• Engine tuning
• Replacement of tyres with correct specification radials
• Full bare metal respray
• Refurbishment of wood veneers and interior leather
Documentation includes: • Full photographic record of restoration
• Feature article from Classic Cars magazine
• Chapter from Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
• Historical research documents
• Chassis documentation with both prototype and production VINs
Location: Warwickshire
Seller: Private
Photography: Professional
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 20001
- Make
- ROLLS-ROYCE
- Model
- SILVER CLOUD
- Registration Number
- YLG 990
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Chassis Number
- ALC1X
- Engine Number
- BSA311
- Transmission
- Automatic
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Justin Dawkins
- Car Specialist
- 07718 140398
- justin@iconicauctioneers.com
Telephone Justin
WhatsApp Justin
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