What Makes a Radford 'Countryman' So Special ?

This is an incredibly rare 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Radford “Countryman” Adaptation that has spent most of its life in Southern California and a wonderful car for touring or shows. This Silver Cloud was special ordered when new to be sent to Harold Radford Coachbuilders in London and was ordered with most of the Radford “Countryman” features. It has accumulated just over 50,000 miles and one its most recent Southern California owners enjoyed her for 36 years!

This Cloud was sent from the factory to Harold Radford Coachbuilders on September 22, 1961. Harold Radford was a custom coachbuilder that specialized in Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mini’s. His coachbuilders would customize these cars bespoke for his well to do clientele. The “Countryman” Adaptations were designed to make longer tours more enjoyable and to make the cars more useful in the countryside. This Clouds adaptations were completed by Radford by January 11, 1961. Her original owner was a principal of C.D. Productions Ltd in London. The Radford adaptations on her include the rare and desirable full picnic table and cushions for the boot, fold-down rear seats with a full vanity for the rear armrest (including combs, notebook and a cigarette case), three reading lights, a locking cabinet with a tea kettle, cups and other items, a bud vase, and a mirror and two sunglass cases built into the sun visors, seat belts, and a rare Rotaflare swiveling driving lamp. This Radford was built for touring and enjoying life to the fullest.

By 1976, she was acquired by Ken Ferrel of Los Alamitos, CA. He would enjoy her for over 36 years participating in numerous RROC events year after year. This Radford has been very well known throughout Southern California, as there are very few in existence within the United States.

The livery was a special order “Special Blue” (Code 9500564) which is a steel blue metallic. The paint is in overall very good original condition and has beautiful shine and luster. There are some areas of fine lacquer crazing, but overall, it presents beautifully. The Special Blue is complimented by tan coachstripes. The chrome and stainless-steel trim are in overall nice condition. Mounted on the front valance are the normal dual fog lights along with a rare Rotaflare swiveling driving lamp. The Coker Classic wide white wall radials make this a joy to drive and look terrific.

The Gray Leather (VM3393) has been replaced with gorgeous gray leather hides that are soft and supple, are very comfortable and are in excellent condition. The gray carpeting is also newer and in excellent condition. The gray headliner shows some soiling but is in overall nice condition. The Radford modifications are what makes this example so incredibly collectable and rare. As mentioned earlier, the rear seats fold, the rear center armrest vanities, the bud vase, seat belts, a locking cabinet with a tea kettle, etc, sunglass cases, reading lights, seat belts, etc. It also features power windows and a more modern stereo that can be used with your phone or iPad.

The engine compartment is reflective of a low mileage original that has been well maintained its entire life. Its venerable 6.25-liter V8 produces 185 hp which is delivered through its GM Hydramatic based four speed automatic transmission. This Silver Cloud has power steering and power brakes which make it easy and a joy to drive. The chassis and undercarriage are rust free and in very nice condition, a result of her living a charmed life largely in Southern California.

This Radford comes complete with most all of its large and small tools as well as some extra parts. There is an amazing file history with signed letters from Harold Radford, Rolls-Royce and others that are wonderful historical treasures. Further, Mr. Ferrel has a service log with decades worth of service notes for the Cloud. Also included is its original owner’s manual and a Radford sales brochure.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the Rolls-Royce collector or enthusiast to be the next caretaker of this Radford “Countryman” Adaptation. These Radfords rarely come to market, and this is an exceptional example with excellent provenance. One of these conversions with the shooting break build, chassis no. LSMH65, sold in March 2017 for $583,000 (inclusive of applicable buyer’s fee) at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction.

[michaelmontagu]

The Radford Countryman Cloud was the last Cloud my father bought before his first Silver Shadow. His had dark red lacquer writing tables that folded out from the rear centre armrest.

[tombrown]

Beautiful color! Was it a regular RR color, or custom, or a re-paint? When we moved from VA to OH in 1963, our neighbor had a 1961 Cloud 2. Six years later when I got my license, he let me drive it--provided I didn't tell his brother's grandchildren!