1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon
Registration no. MCY 566B
Chassis no. SHS43

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. 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 aluminium-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 standardised.
Launched in 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent employed the 6.2-litre V8 engine introduced on the 'Cloud II/S2 - 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. 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.
A beautiful low-mileage example, this Silver Cloud III has just had close to £20,000 spent on re-commissioning and is presented in tip-top order, the mechanicals having been thoroughly gone through. The two-tone beige over cream paintwork has been done recently to a high standard and presents beautifully in unmarked splendour. The immaculate interior is trimmed in St James' Red Leather with Burgundy carpets, while the woodwork is also in fine order, featuring occasional picnic tables in the rear.
The Rolls comes from long-term ownership in Norway where it has resided in a small private collection. Being a late model it benefits from power windows and is also fitted with air conditioning. Offered with sundry bills, current MoT and a V5C document, this is a very lovely car in way above average condition.