1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Fixed Head Coupe

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent, launched in 1962, were equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine introduced on the Cloud II/S2. Modifications to the engine included larger carburetors, raised compression ratio, and a new distributor. It was paired with a four-speed GM-derived automatic transmission as standard equipment, and the most visual difference that separated it from its predecessor were the adoption of four-headlamp lighting, the absence of sidelights from the wing tops, and a slightly lower radiator shell. The interior gained increased room for the rear passengers and separate front seats.

This particular Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III wears a fixed-head coupe body created by Mulliner, Park Ward. Finished in Sand with a Beige leather interior, it was built new for the American market and specified to U.S. specifications with a radio, electric antenna, plain Sundym glass all around, and whitewall Firestone tires. The car was delivered to Mulliner, Park Ward, on January 21, 1965, and completed for delivery on April 26, 1965.

This car's first owner was Mr. L Benbough of La Jolla, California, who bought the car through Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles. It is believed that at some point during its life, the car was refinished in gold and the interior retrimmed in black leather. The engine has benefitted from a modern alternator and A/C compressor.

The car entered the care of its current owner around 2014 and has been on static display ever since.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2023