Ringbrothers reveals classic Rolls-Royce with a 640bhp supercharged GM V8

At first glance, this looks like any other Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II, albeit one treated to a lifetime of cucumber masks and soft silk pillowcases, such is its condition. The noise it’ll make, however, beats a very different drum indeed.

An American drum. A big, whiny, supercharged American drum. Welcome one and all, to yet another chapter in the car world’s very own Special Relationship: the ‘Paramount’. It’s a Rolls-Royce SCII modified by Ringbrothers, and it’s a very Special bit of kit.

But then, most of what Ringbrothers does is special. This particular project began with stripping a paragon of British luxury – the ’61 Silver Cloud II which would eventually morph into today’s showstopping Phantom – right down to its bare metal. Any imperfections found on the body were then fixed by hand, after which it was treated to a ‘white as fluff’ paint finish.

“With the exception of custom-machined badging and other subtle touches,” said Ringbrothers, “the mostly stock exterior largely hides the complete transformation of the luxury icon.”

Indeed, the most striking part of the transformation is deep inside. The Silver Cloud’s original 6.2-litre V8 found its way into the waste bin, in its place, a 6.2-litre supercharged LT4 V8 from GM. As such, there’s now 640bhp and 635lb ft of torque, harnessed by a new ten-speed gearbox and delivered through a custom carbon fibre driveshaft.

Unsurprisingly, the entire chassis is new. A Roadster Shop base with custom control arms and frame rails crafted by Ringbrothers; Fox coilovers all round; new brakes with 15in discs; new sway bars and Corvette end links; custom 18in wheels with special wheel centres to keep the logo upright, honouring Rolls’ own wheel style.

Further nods to RR come in the staggering attention to detail inside. There’s a full starlight headliner featuring 1,000 hand-sewn LED lights, custom-built floorpans (said to “enhance interior volume and comfort”), a classic instrument panel and even picnic tables. Because everyone loves a 640bhp picnic.

“We invested over 3,400 hours in fabricating, painting and engineering this project,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring. “This project combines Rolls-Royce’s past and present with a 640-horsepower American accent.”