1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon

6,230cc OHV V8 Engine
2 SU Carburetors
Est. 220bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Elegant and timeless Rolls-Royce motorcar
*Beautifully restored example
*Attractive color combination
*Exquisite Rolls-Royce craftsmanship


Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.


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

This original left-hand drive configured Rolls-Royce 'Cloud III, was ordered new to this country through J.S. Inskip of New York, and was originally destined for a Chicago, Illinois buyer. It seems that at some point that instruction changed, and the car ultimately crossed the country to Liverpool Shops of West La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles. When it arrived there, it was finished in Steel Blue paint and matched with a blue interior. It was guaranteed on September 15, 1962.

This Cloud has long been the part of a fine collection of motor cars and resides in a garage with several fine examples of the marque. At some point in its career, its colorway was refurbished to its current scheme of dark red over black, with a contrasting pinstripe which accents the body molding, that exterior is blended with a red leather interior.

A marvel of engineering and refinement in its day the Silver Cloud III remains a highly usable car in today's driving conditions. This well-loved example is in very clean restored condition and is reported to be ready to be enjoyed on a Sunday cruise or flaunting its beauty on the show field. Few cars on the road today offer this level of refinement and sophistication, the Silver Cloud is offered with a host of document including its original build records.