LOT 272

The property of a gentleman 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Long-Wheelbase Saloon Coachwork by James Young of Bromley Registration no. AHJ 287C Chassis no. CEL 41

Sold for £149,500 inc. premium

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Lot 272

1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Long-Wheelbase Saloon
Coachwork by James Young of Bromley Registration no. AHJ 287C Chassis no. CEL 41

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|18 September 2021, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

The property of a gentleman
1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Long-Wheelbase Saloon
Coachwork by James Young of Bromley
Registration no. AHJ 287C
Chassis no. CEL 41

• One of only 32 long-wheelbase Silver Cloud III saloons
• Restored circa 15 years ago by Frank Dale & Stepsons
• Offered from an important private collection
• Closest inspection advised

Footnotes

"In the twilight of their coachbuilding years, James Young had with these cars reached the pinnacle of excellence." - Martin Bennett, Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Despite the popularity of the 'standard steel' bodywork, introduced when production of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars resumed after WW2, a steadily declining number of independent coachbuilders continued to offer alternatives. One of the most prominent of these surviving firms was James Young, a company that had established itself among the foremost coachbuilders for upmarket chassis by the end of the 1930s. The Bromley-based carriage-maker had bodied its first automobile in 1908, affiliating itself with a succession of quality marques throughout the 1920s and 1930s before being acquired by the Jack Barclay Group in 1937. Its factory devastated by wartime bombing, the company did not resume exhibiting at the London Motor Shows until 1948, continuing to offer coachbuilt designs of distinction on (mainly) Rolls-Royce and Bentley chassis until the arrival of the unitary construction Silver Shadow/T-Series range in the 1960s. A lack of suitable chassis would force the firm's closure before the 'Sixties decade ended, but in its declining years James Young produced what are widely recognised as its finest creations, this beautiful Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III among them.

Launched in 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent employed their predecessors' 6.2-litre V8 engine - though with larger carburettors, 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. The long-wheelbase versions of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S Series continued after the introduction of the new V8 engine, offering a less expensive alternative to the newly introduced Phantom V limousine. Four inches longer in the wheelbase than the standard saloon, these even more exclusive models usually were fitted out with an internal division.

Accompanying chassis card copies indicate that this luxurious Silver Cloud III long-wheelbase saloon was ordered new in 1964 to be sent as a chassis to coachbuilders James Young for delivery in 1965. The Rolls-Royce was sold via H R Owen to their client S Osband & Company of Piccadilly, London W1. The fastidious client specified electrically operated Reuter front seats; no internal division; picnic tables and footrests to the rear; and a central armrest with lid. The car was to be finished in Oxford Blue livery. Originally registered 'CYP 352C', the car was maintained by Hooper Motor Services in London until circa 1973, as evidenced by the substantial quantity of copy receipts on file.

Of the 32 Silver Cloud III saloons known to have been built on the long-wheelbase chassis, 'CEL41' must be one of, if not the best, example left in existence. Around 15 years ago it was restored regardless of cost and to concours condition by renowned marque specialists Frank Dale & Stepsons for one of Europe's most prestigious collections of desirable motor cars. The work included, but was not limited to, a complete mechanical rebuild; a bare-metal repaint in Tudor Grey; an interior re-trim in leather-piped West of England cloth; and restoration of the chrome and woodwork. The car was also upgraded with central locking; colour-matched seatbelts; power adjustable seats to the front; and modern stereo equipment, the latter tastefully incorporated into the dashboard. 'CEL41' also comes fitted with power windows and discreet air conditioning, and is offered with a file documenting the restoration process, with all of the bills arranged in chronological order. Since the restoration's completion, the Silver Cloud has been properly maintained within the vendor's collection of other fine cars and used sparingly in recent years, with trips to London mostly chauffeur driven. It is unlikely that any better examples of this rare and elegant Rolls-Royce will ever be offered for sale. 'CEL41' is worthy of the closest inspection.

Additional information

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