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1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was produced from April 1955 to March 1966. It served as a replacement for the Silver Dawn which had replaced the Silver Shadow. It wore a design by J.P. Blatchley that is considerably different from the prior pre-war models and its Silver Dawn sibling. Built alongside the Bentley S1, both were similar in design, apart from the radiator grills.

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I used a 4.9-liter six-cylinder engine. Competition from its rivals prompted the development of a V8 powerplant to replace the aging six-cylinder unit. The Crewe firm turned to Chrysler and Cadillac-built engines for inspiration. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 were visually indistinguishable from their Cloud and S-Type predecessors, however, the performance was considerably enhanced due to the new 6,230cc aluminum-alloy V8 engine. The engine was mated to Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission which was now the only unit offered, and power steering was standardized.

In October of 1962, the third versions, the Silver Cloud III and the Bentley S3 were introduced to the public. Changes over the prior Silver Cloud II included a weight reduction by over 100 kg, changes to the interior and external dimensions, and improvements to the engine which included larger 2-inch SU carburetors. Due to the higher octane levels of premium fuel in many markets, the compression ratio was increased to 9:1, with a lower 8:1 compression ratio still optionally available where high-octane fuels might not be available. To cope with the increase in horsepower, the engine was given a nitride-hardened crankshaft and the transmission was a GM Hydramatic which Rolls-Royce used under license.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III had a four-headlamp layout, devoid of sidelights from the wing tops, a slightly lower radiator grille height, and a hood with a slightly increased slope. In April of 1963, the chrome-plated wheels were replaced by stainless steel units. In January of 1964, wider front seats were installed, followed a few months later by a revised headlamp surround with a small RR monogram. Many of the European and UK-delivered examples received a chrome badge that displayed 'Silver Cloud III' in italic font on the bottom right side of the rear trunk. The U.S.-delivered versions often do not have this badge.

Body styles included a 2-door convertible and a 2-door coupe. Various coachbuilders continued to provide custom coachwork to discerning customers. The list included James Young, H.J. Mulliner, and Park Ward & Company (now Rolls-Royce owned).

The Silver Cloud II was the last mainstream Rolls-Royce to use a separate chassis; they were superseded by the Silver Shadow in late 1965 which had unitary construction.

by Dan Vaughan

Fixed Head Coupe by Mulliner

In 1904, Frederick Henry Royce built his first car, the Royce. That same year he teamed with Charles Stewart Rolls and Rolls-Royce was born.

The Silver Cloud series was introduced in 1955; in 1962, the Silver Cloud III came to market. It was produced through 1965 and was the last Rolls-Royce with separate body-and-chassis construction suitable for custom coach-built bodywork. It featured a 6.2L VB with aluminum block and heads, a 9:1 compression ratio, and a four-speed automatic transmission.

This car was styled by coachbuilder Mulliner Park Ward on a modified Silver Cloud III chassis. The designer, Vilhelm Koren, was a Rolls-Royce employee hired to design the Bentley Continental II. Unique for the Silver Cloud III were the distinctive angled quad headlights.

This car was delivered in California to the family of a petroleum tycoon. At the time, air conditioning was not yet available but was in high demand by California customers. So, Rolls engineers designed a dealer-installed system called a Texas boot unit. The interior is simulated pigskin, one of only two such interiors fashioned by Rolls-Royce.

This car is just one of 46 left-hand drive fixed-head coupes. The current owner imported it to Canada in 1998. Although it is in good overall condition, the leather had deteriorated from sunlight and a thorough restoration was undertaken.

Flying Spur by Mulliner
Chassis number: 222 QK 75

In 1962, Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Cloud III series. Major differences from its predecessor Series II Silver Cloud included a lowered bonnet line and quad headlights, along with a 15% increase in power brought about by a higher compression ratio and larger SU carburetors. Most of these cars were bodied with factory-built steel bodies, but there were a few sent out to custom coachbuilders for special bodies. This example has a 'Flying Spur' body by Mulliner Park Ward. One of the only 31 left-drives built, this example was purchased from the family of the original French owner last year, in 2006, and it had been very well-preserved, undamaged, and very original. It had been upgraded by Vantage Motorsports to its present condition. It may be the lowest mileage example in existence, and will be used on a regular basis rather than being stored and displayed.

Long Wheelbase Touring Limousine by James Young
Chassis number: LSFU103

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III was the final generation of the Silver Cloud. In comparison to its predecessor, the Silver Cloud III had quad headlights and a lowered hood and front fender lines. Production continued until 1966, with a total of 2860 being constructed. Production of the standard sedan version had ended a year prior with the last of the Silver Clouds being custom-built by coachbuilders.

This 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Sedan was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $50,000-$60,000. It is powered by a 6230cc overhead Valve V8 engine and matted to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

This car was constructed for the North American market; as such it has a left-hand drive configuration and factory air-conditioning, power windows, and power steering. The car has had three owners since new. It has been treated to a complete restoration which included a recondition of the transmission and engine. The interior and trim were removed and brought back to the factory original condition. The body was stripped to bare metal and built to factory quality standards. The car was finished in Mason's Black over Rolls-Royce Burgundy.

A few modifications have been made to the car since new. The air conditioner was converted to a R-134a refrigerant and given a more efficient compressor with new drier, hoses and belts. Other modifications include a digital cruise control and wide-whitewall radial tires. In the trunk is a CD changer which works nicely with the amplifier and upgraded sound system.

At auction this car did find a new owner for $68,200. It is a wonderfully restored car with about 500 miles since the overhaul. It has many modern conveniences while still staying true to its era and original design.

by Dan Vaughan

DropHead Coupe by Mulliner

The Silver Cloud III H.J. Mulliner Convertible, with only 96,756 miles was originally delivered to Mrs. Esther Johnson (the current owner's mother) in late 1963. It has never been outside the family's ownership. It had deteriorated over the years and had been improperly repaired, but has now been restored by Vantage Motorworks to its present extraordinary condition. It is an excellent example of only 25 left-hand drives ever produced.

Saloon by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSFU 633

This Silver Cloud III was the final generation of the Silver Cloud, which ended in 1966. This car has a top speed of 117 mph.

This vehicle carries serial number LSFU 633, and has Radford Coachworks modifications. The car is fitted with a Bustle trunk, which is an opening tailgate that reveals a cocktail cabinet.

It was acquired in a semi-assembled condition but was never rusted or damaged. It was restored by Vantage Auto Works in 1996.

Drop Head Coupe by Park Ward & Co.

This is one of the 27 left drives ever built. This 38,000-mile factory air-conditioned specimen was first acquired by the current owner in 1997 in entirely original near-mint condition. It was originally delivered on October 31, 1963, by the Beverly Hills, CA franchisee, finished in acrylic white with a black top and sides. There is no evidence of any collision damage or previous corrosion. The books and tools were and are complete.

The automobile was resold to its third owner and a decision was made to return the exterior to its original shade, and to complement it was white Connolly hides piped black to match the carpets and mohair roof.

Saloon
Chassis number: LSDW35

This 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon, chassis number LSDW35, is a late-production example that has had just two owners since new. It is an original left-hand drive example. The first owner was Richard Bernard 'Red' Skelton, the actor, artist, comedian, and Radio/TV personality. It is finished in Black with burgundy hides. It has Mouton floor mats, rear picnic tables, a rear lighter, and rear-seat air conditioning.

by Dan Vaughan

DropHead Coupe by Mulliner

One of 25 genuine left-drives built, this example was shipped from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the Rolls-Royce Motors, Ltd. Service Department at Hythe Road, London for the original owner in August 1977, at 58,000+ miles, 'to be returned to mind condition.' His extensive original files accompanying the vehicle show that it was completed to the owner's exacting specifications approximately three years later. The present odometer reading is 70,084 and the performance and handling are characteristic of a 12,000-mile specimen. The car is finished in Mason's Black with Parchment Connolly hides that work along with a black convertible top.

DropHead Coupe by Mulliner

This is a never corroded or collision-damaged example of 25 left-hand drives built. It was originally delivered to Beverly Hills, California on October 16, 1963, and resold shortly thereafter to the famed New York Metropolitan Opera tenor, Sergio Franchi. In 1989 there was a concours quality re-trim of the interior in Connolly VM846 Tan hide with matching 5202 Tan Everflex roof. A thorough refurbishment of the chassis, suspension and undercarriage was carried out at the same time. In 2007, in very well-preserved and cared for order, it became part of the collection of Academy Award-winning actor and highly regarded automobile enthusiast, Nicolas Cage. Correct handbooks, complete small and large tools and copies of the factory history accompany this car.

Saloon

Prior to World War II, Rolls-Royce made only chassis with the bodies being supplied by custom coachbuilders. In 1946, they introduced all-new Rolls-Royce and Bentley models, completely different from the pre-war cars. These remained essentially the same until an all-new car, the Silver Cloud, was introduced in 1955. This model features a 4.9-liter six-cylinder overhead valve engine coupled to a GM Hydramatic transmission. Most were factory produced with steel saloon bodies, although some chassis were produced for custom coachwork.

In 1959 the Silver Cloud II was produced, which was essentially the same car with the addition of the 6.2-liter overhead valve V8 engine. The final version introduced in 1962 was the Silver Cloud III. The only obvious change was a slightly different front end incorporating four headlights. It remained in production through 1965.

This Silver Cloud III was found languishing in a storage unit where it had resided for months. A severe oil leak was evident by the puddles on the floor. The current owner acquired the car in 2002, not running with bad brakes, and certainly not ready for prime time. It has since been completely restored to its original glory. It is enjoyed regularly and in 2011 was driven to the Rocky Mountains touring Colorado, including driving it to the top of Pikes Peak. It is finished in Masons Black over Platinum with grey leather seating. The interior wood trim is English Walnut with American Walnut burl veneers.

Saloon
Chassis number: LSEV 175
Engine number: SV87E

This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon was built to United States specification and left the factory with optional power windows, air-conditioning, and a radio with electric aerial. The first owner was a Tampa, Florida resident who took possession in October of 1963. It is finished in its original factory color of Mason's Black and currently has black leather interior and refinished burled wood veneer trim. It has burled walnut twin picnic trays for rear passengers, a sliding veneered map tray for driver and front passenger, a lockable glove box, and an open cubby box.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Saloon by James Young

This Silver Cloud is one of only two left drive specimens of this aluminum-bodied Sports Saloon built and the only one known to exist. It was recently acquired from the estate of its second owner, televangelist Reverend Ike.

It was originally supplied to Mr. Julian S. Friedman of San Francisco, CA, by Jack Barclay and an extensive correspondence file shows the demanding nature of the commission to provide this vehicle.

It is finished as originally supplied in James Young T.6747 blue as selected from three color samples provided and complemented by specially ordered Baroda Blue VM 9040 Connolly hides. This example spent its entire life in California and the odometer presently reads under 23,000 miles and is likely correct although not documented.

DropHead Coupe by Mulliner

The Silver Cloud was the zenith of prestige and luxury, carrying on the Rolls-Royce name from 1955-1965, when the Silver Shadow arrived. A total of 7,248 cars were produced during the production run, outselling its sister Bentley S-Series nearly ten-to-one. The model was upgraded to Silver Cloud II status with the introduction of Rolls-Royce's new V-8 engine in 1959, literally transforming the car. The final iteration, the Silver Cloud III came about in 1962 and is primarily noted for the use of four headlamps vs. two.

The current owner of this car is its original owner. It was ordered new from Rolls-Royce in October of 1963, taking delivery in London, England in May of 1964. It has remained in his possession ever since. Today, with little more than 50,000 miles, it has never been restored. It was ordered with special features including a tachometer, air conditioning, full lambs wool rugs, special paint and leather interior. A total of 98 were produced - 49 with left-hand drive and 49 with right-hand drive.

Saloon
Chassis number: LSFU155
Engine number: SU77F

Rolls-Royce built 2,044 examples of the standard Silver Cloud III. This particular example was delivered to Liverpool for shipment on January 29th of 1964 and arrived in New York on February 17th of 1964 and into the care of its first owner Luella D. Jeffery of Short Hills, New Jersey. It was finished in Shell Gray (ICI M 151-2582) over Blue Connolly leather (VM 3244). Inside there is a grey headliner, Ambassador Blue Wilton 100-percent wool carpeting, and burled walnut woodwork. Special order items included a radio antenna and power windows.

The 3,000 miles added to the vehicle while in Mrs. Jeffery's care were all chauffeur-driven. It was sold in 1969 to Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Mareton of Rockville Center, New York and retained it until 2014. During those 45 years, only 1,500 miles were added to the odometer. The car then came into the care of Richard Gorman of Miami, Florida, who had the car thoroughly serviced.

In 2017 it was sent to the 2017 Rolls-Royce National Meet in Asheville, North Carolina, where it won the Post-War Preservation award.

This car has the original wheels and tires which have just 4,600 miles of wear. The odometer has 4,732 actual miles making this the lowest-mileage Silver Cloud III known to exist.

by Dan Vaughan

Fixed Head Coupe by Mulliner
Chassis number: LSGT629C
Engine number: ST314G

This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Continental Coupe wears prominent slanting headlamp nacelles penned by Norwegian Vilhelm Koren and a continuous front-to-rear wing line similar to the one that first appeared on the Bentley S2 Continental. The latter feature did not become available on non-Continental models, including Bentley and Rolls-Royce, until after the introduction of the S2 and Silver Cloud III in 1962.

This particular Silver Cloud III is finished in silver with a black leather interior. It was built new for the French market and delivered new with a metric speedometer, footswitch for the high-frequency horn, and a Continental chassis plate. After being displayed at the Paris Motor Show, the car was delivered to its first owner, Mr. G. Renorino, in June of 1964.

Much of its history is unknown, but by the end of March 1973, it was in Great Neck, New York. At some point, it received a restoration, and at that time it was given an air conditioning system. The current owner acquired it in the 2000s, and it has been on static display ever since.

This Silver Cloud III is powered by a 6,230cc overhead valve eight-cylinder engine with 2 SU carburetors and delivers an estimated 220 horsepower. There is a four-speed automatic transmission, drum brakes, and an independent front suspension.

Drop Head Coupe

Introduced in 1963, the Silver Cloud III featured new dual front headlights, a more sloping hood and shorter radiator grille. Inside, there was improved accommodation with separate front seats and increased room for rear passengers.

This 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III is a left-hand-drive example that was first sold as a right-hand-drive four-door saloon and was later modified in the 1990s by Andy Palmer Coachworks of Los Angeles, California, in the style of a Drophead coupe. As the factory did not offer a convertible or drophead coupe, a coachbuilt car was the only option if one's preference was Rolls-Royce-style fresh air motoring. The car is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine featuring dual SU carburetors, mated to a GM Hydramatic four-speed transmission. Braking is handled by hydraulic drum on all four corners. 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.

Saloon
Chassis number: LSFU107

This 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon is one of 2,376 examples produced from late 1962 to October 1965. It has been given an extensive restoration and has Burlwood interior trim and leather upholstery. There are power windows, power steering, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and an independent front suspension with upper and lower A-arms coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. The 6,230cc aluminum V8 engine has twin SU carburetors and produces 220 horsepower. There is a four-speed automatic transmission, and a Flying Lady mascot.

by Dan Vaughan