1959 Rolls-Royce Other

Sedan

4.7L I6

Automatic

LSMH99

Clear

Gasoline

Jim Facinelli was the person who redid this incredible car. He was a three year term President of the Rolls-Royce Foundation and continues to serve as Vice Chairman. He is currently a National Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Judge for the 19th year. He is an avid collector of motor cars and an all around automobile junkie. This car is not like many other RR’s you will find. It was the second place winner at the Rolls Royce Owners Club National Meet, Concours Division, at the Homestead in W. VA.. There were only 12 points difference from the first place winner who had 387points. The car was designed by the renowned John Blatchley This is the car that everyone thinks a Rolls Royce should look like. This, I’m sure, is due to the Grey Poupon commercials and Gene Barry’s ride in his famous TV show, “Burke’s Law” . That, however, was a Cloud III with dual headlamps. Between 1955 and 1959, only 2,238 Silver Cloud I’s were produced by both Rolls Royce and the “sister” “S” series Bentley. They were all 6 cylinder engines- 4,887cc’s with 123”, though some were long wheel base versions 4” longer. The standard steel salons weighed in at approximately 4,370 lbs. Rolls folks seem to like the Cloud III with its big V-8 engine and dual headlamps. But, the ‘59 Cloud I is the original design and the single light, I believe, is more stylish. The lovely front radiator shell is the original tall design- not the cut down version on the Cloud III. Jim has driven this car at over 85MPH and it climbs hills with ease. You don’t need the big heavy V-8 to travel at highway speeds. This car will take you anywhere in style and grace and at a desired speed. The brakes will stop you like any modern car as they are set up perfectly. The steering is straight and true and does not wander the road. With the re done suspension, this car rides like most new autos. Jim tried the steel belted tires and did not like them so he went back to the originals. He keeps less air in them for a softer ride. Don’t be fooled by all those seemingly great bargains here on ebay and elsewhere and then have to spend up to 40K for a new suspension. This car is done and ready to go. LSMH99, a 1959 Silver Cloud I, arrived on the SS Parthia on 4/18/59 and was delivered to Russ Sceli, Inc., a Rolls dealer, on 4/28/59. It was delivered to its 1st owner, Henry Sage of Berlin CT on June 3, 1959. The 2nd owner, Architect James E. Gibson took possession in Vero Beach FL on 1/28/71. The 3rd owner, Fritz E. Gierhart of Vero Beach FL purchased it on 7/12/85. The current and 4th owner, James S. Facinelli brought it home on 11/17/97 with 124,000 mi on the odometer. The current odometer reading is 149,000, approximately 60K since the engine rebuild. The LSMH99 was ordered with automatic transmission, power steering, electric windows, pressurized radiator, interior coat hooks and winter lock covers. It came in Tudor Grey with a twin pin stripe in brick red. Under Mr. Gierhart’s ownership, the car was cosmetically restored. The body was stripped and painted the original color; the leather and headliner were replaced and bumpers were re-chromed; the engine was rebuilt just before he bought the Cloud by Palm Beach Rolls Royce. After Jim took possession, he removed the interior seats and installed new floor felt, new custom leather bound wool carpets (Hilborn) and new door bottoms and carpet and all new weather strip. All wood was repaired and re-shot with a furniture satin finish in order to keep the original patina. The entire suspension- front and rear, was completely gone over and any worn parts replaced. New front and rear springs were removed and rusted ones replaced and then re-arched. New kingpins, new fulcrum pins and pin blocks were also installed as needed at great cost- over 10K. The front steering box was replaced with a completely rebuilt one, as was the transmission. Two years ago, a new front seal was installed in the transmission and it was cleaned and re-adjusted. The servo was also redone. The tires are all new and are Coker Nylon BF Goodrich 820x15”. Classic air was installed where the factory radio was and can be reversed to original, if desired, as no wood was cut to fit the front air vents. The air is ice cold and is R134. This is a partial listing of all the work that was done. There was a comprehensive 1” thick folder of what was done by Jim, Seiberts Automotive in New York and Palma’s Garage in New Jersey but the dealer I bought it from got rid of it.