Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 158
1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Fixed Head Coupe Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd. Chassis no. LSJR623C Engine no. SR311J
Sold for US$89,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 158
1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Fixed Head Coupe
1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Fixed Head Coupe
Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd.
Chassis no. LSJR623C
Engine no. SR311J
Coachwork by Park Ward, Ltd.
Chassis no. LSJR623C
Engine no. SR311J
6,230cc OHV Alloy V8 Engine
2 SU Carburetors
220bhp (estimated)
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*The most refined and exclusive Silver Cloud variant
*An Icon of 1960s British design
*Delivered new to La Jolla, California
*Documented by copies of its factory build records
THE ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD
"The size and grandeur of the car... deceive one about the performance which would do justice to many a car of more sporting pretensions. The finish, both in detail and the broader sense of equipment and trim, is superb." - Motor magazine on the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III.
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.
As well as 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 'Cloud III chassis for those discerning enthusiasts wealthy enough to afford them. Indeed, as the factory did not offer a convertible or drophead coupé, a coachbuilt car was the only option if one's preference was Rolls-Royce-style fresh air motoring. First introduced in 1958, H J Mulliner's was the most successful of its type, lasting into 1963; more modern 'straight-through wing' designs became the preferred style thereafter. Of the latter, by far the most striking were those bodied in a style originated by Park Ward. This design by Norwegian Vilhelm Koren, with its influential continuous front-to-rear wing line, first appeared, on the Bentley S2 Continental, in 1959 but did not become available on non-Continental models (both Bentley and Rolls-Royce) until after the arrival of the Silver Cloud III and S3 in 1962. These 'Chinese Eye' models - so called because of their slanting headlamp nacelles - constituted the majority of coachbuilt variants completed between 1962 and 1966.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Finished in Sand with Beige leather interior, this previously restored 'Chinese Eye' Silver Cloud III 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. According to copies of the factory build records, LSJR623C was delivered to Mulliner, Park Ward on January 21, 1965 and completed for delivery on April 26, 1965. The original owner was Mr. L Benbough of La Jolla, California, who bought the car through Charles Hornburg in Los Angeles.
The first owner, likely George Legler Benbough, run a successful family mortuary business and lived in a tony, ocean side estate. The early history of the car is not documented, but it appears to have been a thoroughly enjoyed machine that has been cosmetically refinished at some point in the several decades with a repaint in gold and interior retrim in black leather. Under the hood, a modern alternator and A/C compressor indicate the car was set up to be driven. The Rolls was acquired by the current owner just under a decade ago and has been on static display ever since. Given its long-term off road use, mechanical recommissioning is recommended.
A rare and stylish machine, this regal coupe will no doubt provide ample enjoyment to its next, fortunate owner.
Additional information
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