1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon

1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon
Chassis no. LSFU151
6,230cc OHV Alloy V8 Engine
2 SU Carburetors
220bhp (estimated)
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Elegant and timeless Rolls-Royce
*Original Left Hand Drive example
*Formerly in European Ownership
*Exquisite Rolls-Royce craftsmanship

THE ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD

'The Silver Cloud III is a car which sets out to do a job, and does it to near perfection. Conservative in approach to a degree, which some critics call old-fashioned, it is nevertheless a vehicle, which impresses uniquely by its refinement and quality of construction. Furthermore - and this is what most interested us - it is a machine that responds as much to the sporting driver as to the kid-gloved chauffeur.' - Sporting Motorist, 1964.

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.

Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their 'Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though the duo's performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminum-alloy V8 engine. Although wider and shorter than the 'six' it replaced, the new power unit fitted relatively easily within the engine bay, relocation of the steering box from inside to outside of the chassis frame being the most obvious alteration to the previous arrangements. Externally the new models appeared virtually unchanged, while beneath the skin Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission was now the only one on offer and power steering was standardized.

Launched in 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent employed the 6.2-liter V8 engine introduced on the 'Cloud II/S2 - though with larger carburetors, new distributor and raised compression ratio - and came with a four-speed GM-derived automatic transmission as standard equipment. Most obvious among many changes from the preceding models was the adoption of four-headlamp lighting, the absence of sidelights from the wing tops, and a slightly lower radiator shell. Inside there was improved accommodation with separate front seats and increased room for rear passengers. Notable as the last mainstream Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the Silver Cloud III proved immensely successful both at home and abroad, remaining in production until the autumn of 1965.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Silver Cloud III is finished in a two-tone scheme of darker shell grey over lighter silver and carries a color-coded interior of light grey leather and carpeting. Its paintwork shows well but is unusually presented in a matt finish for the most part particularly the upper half of the car being something more akin to deliveries of new Cullinans than cars of this period.

Beneath the hood is a label for one of the world's most respected restorers and retailers of this brand, P&A Wood, of Great Easton in the U.K. suggesting that it had been under their care and control at some point in its career. On January 11, 2011 according to its purchase document it was sold through respected European dealer Michel Kruch of Brussels, Belgium a noted connoisseur of the marque. In the dozen years that have followed, the car has been stationary for the most part with a negligent mileage accrual of just 2 miles! As a result of this period of inactivity, the car is not presently offered in running condition and will require recommissioning and a thorough service in order to return it to the road.