Beschreibung:

Prince Chula is inextricably associated with historic automobiles, most specifically racing at Brooklands. He and his cousin Prince Bira represented every schoolboy's dream of how they would enjoy their wealth if they had it and collectors and enthusiasts today longingly think back to the days when Motorsport could be enjoyed by privateers and was ever so much less commercial. Arguably, those across the country and world at Historic race meetings are recreating the ideal established by such individuals. As one would expect from such an aficionado of the automobile there were a number of specific requests made to the order of the car. Chula always favored blue, and this car was no exception, it was to be finished in his own 'Special Blue' livery (and all surplus paint was to go with the car). The flowing Silver Cloud fenders were to be heightened with fine white lines, and a note is made that the roof aerial should be welded up and in preference and electric aerial should be fitted. 'Combined Parking and Blinking lights' were required above each door pillar. The cabin was to match the exterior with blue hide, piping and carpets and its trunk was to be equipped with 6 dark tan suitcases. Perhaps reflecting years in the close proximity to the dangerous racing scene, safety belts were required for all of the seats. Naturally the completed order was supplied through Jack Barclay of London, the car being ready for the Prince's use from late June 1960. At the time of cataloguing it is not known how long Chula retained the Rolls, but since he died prematurely in 1963, it could well have been up to that time. Viewed today, the car's interior appears to be substantially original and in remarkably good order, it is still in a blue/gray hide which may well be the original, the period seat belts are also still in place. Although not noted on these build sheets both a period Webasto Sunroof, simple division panel that rests above the front seats and air-conditioning are on the car today and may have been factory additions. A Frank Dale and Stepsons supply plate confirms that at some time it has passed through this esteemed London garage's hands, but quite when it arrived in the U.S. is not known. With a esteemed pedigree and interesting specification this attractive Silver Cloud deserves to be prized above others as it was almost certainly by its first owner Chula.