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1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was built from 1955 to 1966, with 7,372 examples constructed.

- The Silver Cloud I: 1955 to 1958 with 2,238 produced.

- The Silver Cloud II: 1959 to 1962 with 2,417 produced.

- the Silver Cloud III: 1963 to 1966 with 2,044 produced.

The Silver Cloud I was powered by a 4.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine; the Cloud II and III used a 6.2-liter V8. The Cloud III had a remodeled interior and updates to the engine.

The Silver Cloud was a replacement for the Silver Dawn and was immensely successful both at home and abroad, remaining in production until the autumn of 1965, replaced by the Silver Shadow. It is notable as the last mainstream Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis.

The Silver Cloud

Introduced early in 1955, the all-new Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S-Type were conceived as replacements for the aging Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn and Bentley R-Type. The duo wore more modern and sleeker bodywork built atop a new box-section separate chassis, eschewing unitary construction for the time being. The brakes were updated (11-inch dum with hydraulic and assisted by mechanical servo), an automatic transmission was now standard, power-assisted steering was optional, and the suspension gained an electrically controlled damping system. The engine displacement for the dependable inlet-over-exhaust six-cylinder engine grew to 4,887cc and adopted a six-port cylinder head. Horsepower output remained as 'adequate.' Air conditioning became optional in 1956.

The majority of bodies were built with the standard Pressed Steel Company manufactured steel body shell in a four-door saloon configuration. The 123-inch wheelbase platform was joined by a longer, 127-inch platform in September 1957, offering improved leg space for rear-seat passengers. Coachbuilt bodies in two- and four-door configurations were offered by James Young, Park Ward, and H.J. Mulliner. Harold Radford offered an estate car conversion of the four-door saloon.

The Silver Cloud II

The Silver Cloud was updated for 1959 with the adoption of a Rolls-Royce-developed 6.2-liter, wet-linered V8 engine with hydraulic tappet operation. Power steering was now standard and electrically operated windows were now part of the options list.

The Silver Cloud III

At the Paris Salon of October 1962, Rolls-Royce introduced the updated Silver Cloud III. The 127-wheelbase was now the sole platform, having an overall length of 211.7 inches, a width of 74 inches, and a height of 64 inches. The engine was modified with nitride hardened crankshaft, an increased compression ratio (to 9:1), and 2-inch SU carburetors replacing the previous 1.75-inch units. Horsepower output increased by approximately seven percent, complemented by a weight reduction of around 220 lbs.

Exterior updates included a four-headlamp arrangement, the absence of sidelights from the wing tops, a 1.5-inch reduction in the radiator grille height, and a slightly increased bonnet (hood) slope. Cars built for most U.K. and European customers had a chrome badge displaying 'Silver Cloud III' in italic on the right bottom side of the boot (trunk). In April 1963, stainless steel wheel trims replaced the previous chrome-plated ones. In January 1964, the front seats became wider.

Along with the factory-bodied cars, bespoke creations from James Young and the recently merged firm of H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd (by this time Rolls-Royce-owned) continued to be available on the Silver Cloud III chassis. Approximately 328 of the 2,044 Silver Cloud III models wore coachbuilt bodies.

1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III

In the United States, the Silver Cloud III with standard four-door saloon coachwork was priced at nearly $17,000. Mulliner offered a two-door saloon, drophead coupe, and a 'Flying Spur' Sports Saloon. Park Ward's catalog included a two-door drophead coupe and a long-wheelbase limousine, and James Young had a two-door coupe, a four-door sports saloon, and both a short- and long-wheelbase Touring Limousine.

The 90-degree, overhead-valve eight-cylinder engine had a cast-aluminum block and head, a 380 cubic-inch displacement size, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, two SU diaphragm-type carburetors, 9.0:1 compression, and produced approximately 200 horsepower. It was paired with a GM Hydramatic transmission (used under license), hydraulic front and hydromechanical rear with servo-assist, and a cam and roller power-assisted steering system. The front suspension used unequal-length wishbones and coil springs, while the rigid rear axle was supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs, radius rod, and electrically-controlled shock absorbers.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon

Rolls Royce introduced the Silver Cloud model in April 1955. It followed the production run of the Silver Dawn and the relocation of manufacturing to Crewe. The new model was to be somewhat larger, substantially roomier, just as nimble, and no less speedy. In addition, provisions were added for conveniences such as power-assisted steering, automatic transmission, and improved ventilation. Initially, 'sufficient' power came from a staid six-cylinder engine.

The Silver Cloud Series II, introduced in August 1959, saw the introduction of eight-cylinder power. This offset the tendency for both production and coach-built bodies, which had become progressively heavier.

The final iteration, the Silver Cloud III, began production in September 1962. The example shown is an unrestored, two-owner vehicle from the final year's production. It has been refinished in the original 'sand' color, but retains the original interior and trim. Initially, Anthony Celeste purchased it as a special order overseas delivery. The current owners acquired the vehicle in 2003 with 18,000 miles showing. Its only purpose for both sets of owners is to be driven for pleasure.

LWB Convertible Sedan by Mulliner
Chassis number: LCEL87

This is the very last of five such hand-built aluminum-bodied cars built on the long wheelbase Silver Cloud III chassis from 1963 to 1965 and, to date, the only documented left-hand drive supplied. The car was ordered new by Mr. Melvin Gelman of Washington, D.C. He requested one with the looks of the H.J. Mulliner 7410 DHC, but with four doors so he could easily get in the back seat and still be chauffeur driven. It was ordered to be painted in 'Docker's Golden Beige Iridescent' with off-white hides and a dark green convertible top. Gelman's surviving records indicate he paid in excess of $40,000, likely making it one of, if not the most expensive Silver Cloud-based automobile ever built.

This spectacular automobile has been tastefully finished in Velvet Green lacquer, appropriate to the era, complimented by tan tops and hides. It has traveled over 28,000 miles since new and the full ownership history is known. The performance and handling are impressive and in keeping with the indicated mileage.

It was originally equipped with air conditioning and power windows and has retained its full complement of tools. The nine pieces of fitted luggage have been manufactured to the same style as those optionally fitted by the coachbuilder to their Flying Spurs of the era, and an original Continental Touring Spare Kit was acquired to fit inside. The correct handbooks and hang tag instruments for the air conditioner still accompany the automobile.

Continental Sport Saloon by James Young
Chassis number: SJR589C

If you were filthy rich in the sixties, you owned a Rolls Royce. Back then it was considered 'The best car in the World'. A great number of the buyers employed a chauffeur to glide them from place to place. A few people, however, preferred to drive themselves. They also preferred to take the even more extravagant option of having a special coach-built body fitted to their vehicle. The James Young Continental was one such option. Built specifically with the younger owner/driver in mind, coachbuilders James Young bodied 20 such examples known as the Silver Cloud III Continental. As the name suggests, they were based on the standard steel SC III Saloon, but the chassis and running gear were clothed with special lightweight handmade aluminum panels most suited to high-speed continental trips. This particular example was ordered with a very special dashboard in black leather with black bezel instrumentation as opposed to the more usual burr walnut chrome type. Restored in the late eighties, this car has been awarded many rosettes at past Rolls-Royce Concours D'Elegance gatherings.

by Blackhawk Collection

by Rolls-Royce

Long Wheelbase Sedan by James Young

This car is 1 of 253 Silver Cloud III long-wheelbase cars produced. It is a one-owner, unrestored car. The owner picked up this car in London in 1962 and kept it until 2008 when it was purchased by its current owner in an estate sale.

The car has very detailed and extensive records of maintenance that span 43 years of ownership. The originality and unrestored condition of this car is amazing. This car has a rare original cruise control device pictured in the engine compartment.

1965 was the last year that the low-production 'Pressed Steel' Silver Cloud Saloon was produced.

Contiental Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSGT579C
Engine number: ST.289.6

This Silver Cloud 3 Continental Coupe wears alloy coachwork by H.J. Mulliner Park Ward. It was built for the King of Bahrain, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Sheikh Salman Al Khalifa. The royal family was a loyal customer of the Rolls-Royce Company and had owned at least one example of nearly every exclusive model.

This example was ordered with many rare and expensive options, many of which are said to appear only on this particular car. It was ordered with full colonial specifications, full refrigeration, cocktail requisites (crystal decanters, thermos, etc.,), whitewall tires, and a Phillips 45 rpm record player. It was painted Porcelain White over Scarlet Connolly hides and fitted with the crest of the royal family.

Michael Schudroff purchased the car in 1972, at which time it was located in Switzerland. To date, the car has covered approximately 19,000 original miles.

In 2009, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction, where it was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $132,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon

This is a remarkably straight, well-preserved low mileage Silver Cloud III, which is enjoyed on a regular basis rather than strictly for shows. It is finished as originally supplied in the classic Masons Black with Beige Connolly hides, it is a factory air-conditioned example from new with power windows and a full complement of accessories. The original tools and handbooks have survived in fine order.

Saloon
Chassis number: LSHS193

The Silver Cloud III was produced from late 1962 until October 1965, with 2,376 examples produced. They were replaced by the Silver Shadow.

The Silver Cloud was introduced in 1955 with continuous development throughout its production lifespan. The Silver Cloud II was introduced in 1959, followed by the Silver Cloud III in 1962. The Silver Cloud III had many cosmetic changes, with the most notable being a new four-headlamp arrangement. Mechanically, the 6.2-liter alloy V8 was now claimed to produce eight percent more power than before, resulting in an output increase to almost 220 bhp.

This Silver Cloud III is a late-production 1965 model that has just over 64,400 miles. It has had just two owners from new. It was acquired by the current long-term owner in 1980. The car has been extensively restored and has many desirable features such as the air conditioning system and clear driving lamps.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at RM Auctions' Arizona sale where it was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $125,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $99,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Contiental Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSFU255

This alloy-bodied example is a Mulliner Park Ward coupe. There were 2,809 examples of the Silver Cloud III produced, and 2,555 had the 123-inch wheelbase. Just 328 examples were fitted with coach-built bodies. There were just 65 examples of the Mulliner Park Ward Design 2045 Coupe produced.

Mechanical advancements for the Silver Cloud III included a compression increase to 9.0:1 for the aluminum block-and-head 6.2-liter V-8, enlarged carburetors, and a corresponding output boost of some 20 estimated horsepower. The Silver Cloud III also had such standard features as a four-speed automatic gearbox, power-assisted brakes, a radio, and a heater.

This coupe is an original left-hand drive example that was delivered new to Vincent P. Cronin of New York on April 5th, 1965. Optional features included on this car included whitewall Firestone tires, electric window lifts, an emergency hand window winder, plain Sundym glass all around and a Radiomobile electric aerial with a 'T' key.

The car was purchased by Mr. Will in 1974 and retained it for the next 36 years.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at RM Auctions' Arizona sale where it was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $175,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $104,500, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

DropHead Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LCSC 113B

The history of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud dates back to 1955. The first series rode on a 123-inch wheelbase and were given a traditional Rolls-Royce six-cylinder engine. In 1959, a V-8 powerplant arrived with the introduction of the Silver Cloud II, which in turn was superseded by the mildly updated Silver Cloud IIIN in 1962. The 6.2-liter V-8 found in the Silver Cloud II was carried over to the Silver Cloud III. However, the Series III models had twin SU carburetors which helped boost output to approximately 220 horsepower. Total production between 1962 and 1966 was 2,376 units.

The Silver Cloud III was the last Rolls-Royce model to be built in the traditional body-on-chassis manner. In 1967, it was succeeded by the uni-bodied Silver Shadow.

This 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III is one of 49 produced with left-hand drive and was first owned by the proprietor of a prominent menswear store chain. It was originally delivered in Europe and then sent to Northern California after its first year of ownership.

The in-house Rolls-Royce coachbuilding operation, Mulliner Park Ward, was tasked with creating the coachwork for this drop head. It is cataloged as style number 2045. This well-proportioned slab-sided 'drop head coupe' has triple taillights, canted quad headlamps, and modern styling.

This example is also one of the last Silver Cloud III Convertibles. There is power steering which offered greater assistance than that of prior models. The vehicle has never been restored and has covered less than 1,000 miles since a major servicing completed in February of 2011.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale presented by Bonhams. It was estimated to sell for $185,000 - $225,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and it would leave the auction unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon

One of 18 left drives built, this was part of a group of low mileage coachbuilt Rolls-Royces and Bentleys in the hands of its second owner who passed away in 1976. Vantage Motorworks supplied it to an enthusiastic client who wanted one when they were new, but fiscally beyond his reach in August 1997 with 29,183 miles. Recently re-acquired 649 miles later, it has been freshly re-lacquered in velvet green to complement its largely original beige Connolly hides. Roof ducted air conditioning, complete tools and history accompany this aluminum-bodied vehicle.

Contiental Coupe by Mulliner

The Silver Cloud III, produced from late 1962 to 1965, was the last Rolls-Royce model with separate body-and-chassis construction suitable for the finest custom coach-built bodywork.

This rare alloy-bodied Mulliner Park Ward Design 2045 Coupe remains among the most desirable of all post-WW II Rolls-Royce cars. Only 200 of these examples were crafted, approximately half were fixed-head coupes and half drop-heads.

Mechanical advancements to the Silver Cloud III's 6.2-liter V8 with aluminum block and heads, included an increased 9.0:1 compression ratio and larger carburetors. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard.

This particular automobile was delivered by J.S. Inskip Motors of Manhattan to its first owner, Dr. Vincent Cronin of New York, in April of 1965. It was later sold to Los Angeles-based Rolls-Royce collector Mr. Wendell Will in 1974, who meticulously maintained the car for 36 years through 2010, cosmetically changing only the black interior to grey with red piping. The current owners are just the third owner of this car.

Flying Spur by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSFU 787

The Silver Cloud III debuted in 1962 as the final iteration of the Silver Cloud Series.

Mechanically, it was essentially identical to the Bentley S3 Continental. The Flying Spur design by H. J. Mulliner was introduced in 1957 and was offered on all three S series Bentleys and in 1962 as a Rolls Royce. There were only 35 right-hand drive models and 18 left-hand drive models constructed between 1962 and 1965.

Saloon
Chassis number: LSKP 109
Engine number: SP54K

This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon was originally owned by an Atlanta businessman and art collector who specified electric windows, electric antenna, Dunlop whitewall tires, and 'Sundym' glass. The original owner also requested that the model insignia be removed from the trunk lid. It left the factory finished in the color scheme of Shell Grey with black Connolly leather upholstery.

The original owner retained the car for about a decade before passing it to a collector in Indiana who kept it for over three decades. Recently, it has received mechanical and cosmetic freshening.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon
Chassis number: LSJR83

This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon left the factory finished in Astral Blue with a silver pinstripe, blue leather upholstery piped in blue, a grey headliner, and Ambassador Blue carpeting. It was built to U.S. specifications with electric windows, plain Sundym glass, no insignia on the rear trunk lid, and electric radio aerial. It was shipped to New York dealer J.S. Inskip via the SS Gasconia on January 1st, 1965. Its first owner was John Jacob Strader IV of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The car has been well maintained throughout its life in its original colors. The paint was redone in the original color. The carpeting and optional mouton rugs are original. It has a set of road and hand tools. Currently, the car shows 54,244 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon
Chassis number: LSKP21
Engine number: SP10K

Rolls-Royce introduced the final edition of the Silver Cloud series, the Series III, in 1962. They were equipped with dual headlamps, lower front fenders, lower radiator shell, a gently sloping hood, and a re-tuned V8 engine delivering more power than in the past.

This particular example was delivered on May 5th, 1965, and delivered to its first owner in New York City. It was special-ordered with a rare factory-installed air-conditioning system, power windows and antenna, and special 'Sundym' glass. The interior is the original Scarlet Connolly leather with rich walnut cabinetry.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon
Chassis number: LSHS107
Engine number: SS53H

Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Cloud in 1955 and was offered as a standard steel saloon, along with a few body panels in aluminum. Power was from a six-cylinder engine, and four years later, it received a V8 and a new name, the Silver Cloud II. The final modification came in 1962, now called the Silver Cloud III, with the introduction of four headlights, a lowered front cowl and bonnet, additional engine power, and myriad detail refinements.

Rolls-Royce produced a total of 2,556 standard chassis Silver Cloud IIIs, with 1,072 of those being left-hand drive. An additional 254 long-wheelbase models were built when the final units left Crewe in 1966.

This particular example was sold by Stone Automotive Imports, Ltd. of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and delivered to Allen Saunders. It was finished in Shell Grey over Black Masons with grey interior hides. It was built to United States specifications and fitted with a radio, in-dash air conditioning, antenna, and electric windows.

Currently, this sympathetically preserved vehicle has 32,000 miles on the odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon
Chassis number: LCEL53
Engine number: CL26E

This 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Long Wheelbase Touring Limousine (with Division) was acquired new through J.S. Inskip by Romeo Salta. It wore a Shell Grey exterior and was specified with a contrasting Scarlett leather interior. It had power windows, a radio, an electric aerial, Sundym glass, and whitewall Dunlop tires.

This Rolls-Royce was delivered on February 8th, 1965, passing from Mr. Salta to Charles Montano of Gloversville, New York in December of 1982. By the mid-1990s, the car was in the care of Michael Sambrailo of Watsonville, California. The current caretaker purchased the car in 2013. Since then, the car has been on static display with limited use.

This Rolls-Royce wears an older repaint in black, and the interior remains largely well-preserved and original.

by Dan Vaughan

Fixed Head Coupe by Park Ward & Co.
Chassis number: LSJR623C
Engine number: SR311J

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 Dan Vaughan