1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Saloon Chassis no. Svb 297 Engine no. 398 Bs Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with development of its ageing six-cylinder engine nearing its end, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. The V8 was, of course, the predominant power unit in Rolls-Royce's most important export market - the Usa - so it was only natural that the Crewe firm would study the best American designs - principally those of Chrysler and Cadillac - for inspiration