A very dynamic Rolls-Royce
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was the most important model for the manufacturer from 1955 to 1966. Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds were not prepared for rally rides. This Rolls-Royce Chinese Eye is. There is a trip master and a fire extinguisher in the stylish interior and the engine has been rebuilt, with forged pistons plus a larger carburetor mounted. Via the standard air filter, the V8 receives cool air from the impressive front of the car through a thick suction hose. The valves have become a size bigger, the timing has been adjusted and the exhaust system has been devised by Speed Center Geldermalsen. So that the exhalation got better and the car got more ground clearance. The exhaust noise is now more impressive than ever before with a Rolls. Consider the Merlin engines in Spitfires. And an adult alternator ensures sufficient power.
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It's a matter of taste. And with pleasure
Toni Bienemann's Rolls-Royce Chinese Eye with its almost civilized sidepipes is of course a horror in the eyes of the civilized (although: pop stars and dictators also used Rolls) Rolls-Royce enthusiasts. Real rally drivers, on the other hand, will understand the removal of the wheel covers. Because hubcaps add weight. In order to keep the case in mind, the wheels have black hearts and, like the Lamborghini Miura, gold-colored rim beds. But in essence, he does what every Rolls-Royce, every car must actually do: serve his master.
Chinese eyes
In full this model is called the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Fixed Head Coupé and they call this version 'Chinese Eye', because of the headlights. The doors and covers are made of an aluminum alloy.
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The basis is conventional. The chassis consists of a welded steel construction with stiffness that was 50% higher than that of the previous model. The brakes are power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. The top speed of a Silver Cloud, of which series II got a 1959 cc V6230 from 8, was above 190 km / h. And the grumbles shouted that the V8 ran much less civilized than the previously only available six-in-line. This V8 was - with updates - used by Rolls-Royce until the nineties. The rumorous story that Rolls-Royce bought its engines from General Motors is an infamous lie. The machine did come from GM, it was the Hydramatic, which was obtained under license and proved not to be afraid of torque and power. But which is taxed to its limits with Toni Bienemann's car. In the spirit of the brand, this Rolls-Royce was also known for its reliability. Three + tons on the counter without major maintenance was a piece of cake. If the block was not used for rally purposes.
Plus 100 pk
Taken together, the work from the air filter to the outflow openings of the side pipes produced about 100 hp extra. Rolls-Royce stated 'sufficient' as the power rating. An ordinary Silver Cloud III delivers around 180 hp to the rear wheels. So these Rolls must More then have sufficient power. To keep things in balance, a pair of double-muscled torsion bars have been mounted. The standard brake pads under the Rolls-Royce Chinese Eye had a life of a curse and a sigh under combat conditions. The solution was found by using lining material from the earthmoving and crane world.
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Just recover and go
All that violence forms a formidable burden for automatic transmission during rally work. But if something breaks, it will be repaired. As a result, the Rolls-Royce Chinese Eye in the photos no longer have 'matching numbers'. That endeavor was killed in the struggle in which it happened once because a revision specialist had not adhered to the assembly order of the head bolts. As a result, the top floor of four of the cylinders effectively received no lubrication.
The enthusiast
Toni Bienemann is an entrepreneur. Just like his father was. He was the head of one of the two Dutch companies that were allowed to do business with 'De Russen'. Russians had no money. So Bienemann Sr. did barter. And what he had exchanged with the Russians - think mainly grain - he sold here. It turned out to be a solid revenue model. Son Toni proved that entrepreneurial drive can be passed on genetically. He became a pioneer in doing business with China. And now he also has the Arnhem Rolls-Royce museum. In addition, he is the legal owner of Hooper Coachbuilding, one of Rolls Royce's leading coachbuilders. So Rolls-Royces (and other masterpieces) are being repaired and restored in Arnhem. By and at Hooper. As it should.
With an impressive resume
