On May 12th, one of the rarest and most important post-war coachbuilt Rolls-Royces in existence will be offered at RM’s Monaco auction: the 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Honeymoon Express Drophead Coupe, chassis no. SGE270, with sensational original finned Freestone & Webb two-seater coachwork and disappearing top. Christened the Honeymoon Express by design journalists at the Earl’s Court Show due to its limited seating capacity and ample trunk space, it featured design that was not only daring in its day but unlike anything the average British motorist would have ever seen before.
1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Honeymoon Express Drophead Coupe by Freestone & Webb Ltd.
The rolling chassis was delivered to Freestone & Webb in London on March 11, 1958. While most mid-1950s Rolls-Royces had graceful, gently rounded side panels, the body sides of this car featured concave coves that stretched from stem to stern, with rear wings that feature aggressive vertical tail fins. Aside from its breathtaking presentation in two-tone Lugano Blue with Silver Chalice coves, the Honeymoon Express is exceptionally rare as one of only one percent of all Silver Clouds to carry truly bespoke coachwork. It is one of just three with this radically-designed drophead coupé style, still carries its original engine stamped SE385, shows only 42,070 miles and is even accompanied by its original British registration plate, AM2375.
Such Bespoke motor cars are valued like fine art—they will always be treasured. The opportunity to acquire this motor car after its single ownership over the last three decades may very well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as this is one of only two such Rolls-Royces built. Check RM Auctions’ website in the coming weeks for a full catalogue description and be sure to register to bid on this unique opportunity.
1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Honeymoon Express Drophead Coupe by Freestone & Webb Ltd.
