The construction of the Rolls Royce was body-on-frame, which permitted special bodied versions, though the overwhelming majority were built with the standard Pressed-Steel body shell. The engine of the first series was a 155 hp / 4000 rpm 4.9 L (300 cu in) straight-six unit. Power steering and air conditioning became available as options in 1956.
The Silver Cloud II was introduced in 1959. It was little changed externally, but was given a new Rolls-Royce developed 6.2 L V8 engine, which pushed the weight to 2.11 tonnes. Performance was greatly improved, but the main improvements were in acceleration and torque. Power steering became standard. Electrically operated windows were now available as an option.
The basic architecture of the Silver Cloud II did not change between 1959 and 1963, but there were numerous minor changes implemented, notable among them a succession of improvements to the ventilation system. Interior changes in 1961 included the adoption of blue instrument lighting, the introduction of a combined indicator / headlamp flasher switch and of a handbrake warning light. A remodelled rear light assembly was introduced in May 1962 and a change to single sealed-beam headlamps was made in August 1962.