1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Long Wheelbase Touring Limousine

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

*Beautiful original color scheme which it still carries today
*Mechanically rebuilt and interior retrimmed by marque specialists in 2008
*Accompanied by copies of its Rolls-Royce Build Sheets
*Exquisite hand-built Rolls-Royce

THE SILVER CLOUD III

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.

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

According to copies of build records furnished by the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club, this Silver Cloud III was ordered new to France for use by the aeronautics company Dassault. Ordered in Pine Green with tan hides, options included full refrigeration, power windows, intercommunication system, and a note that Sundym glass was not required.

Little is recorded about the car's early history, but by 1982 it was recorded by the Rolls-Royce Owners Club to be in the Iowa garage of Roy Carver. By 1989 the car had moved out west to Santa Monica with Allan Tweddle and just less than a score of years later be noted to have crossed the country to the Maryland collection of Douglas Nyce. In 2008 it was purchased by the current owner. Upon acquiring the car, the new owner specified that marque specialists Vantage Motorworks restore the Rolls including a refinish in the original Pine Green, a retrim the interior in tan leather, refinish the interior wood to show quality, a mechanical review, engine bay detailing, repaint the chassis, adjust the suspension and replace all four tires. The total cost of the work completed is noted to have been $70,000. Following the refinish, the car was shipped to its new owner where it has been on static display for the last baker's dozen years.

It is complete with its aforementioned copies of Rolls-Royce build sheets. Given its long-term storage, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to wafting about.