1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III

Highlights

Just three registered keepers from new
Highly original, well-preserved and nicely presented
The last of the separate chassis Rolls-Royces
Only 68,552 miles on the odometer - which is likely accurate

The Appeal

Rolls-Royce’s first major post-war release came in the form of the Silver Cloud in 1955. The brainchild of Chief Styling Engineer J.P. Blatchely, the Silver Cloud aligned Rolls-Royce and Bentley models and would form the basis of Crewe’s range for the next eleven years. While some were still offered to coachbuilders in bare chassis form, Rolls-Royce would for the first time build the majority of their own bodies, as they did for this Silver Cloud III in 1965.

These later examples are highly prized among collectors, being the last of the separate chassis Rolls-Royce before the advent of the mass-produced Silver Shadow. This car is in lovely condition for its age, remaining commendably original throughout and is very well presented in readiness for its next owner. Unusually for a vehicle of this vintage, it’s had just three registered keepers from new and the vendor remarks that the 68,552 miles on the odometer is likely an accurate figure commensurate with its age and history.

The History and Paperwork

One of just 2,044 produced
Chassis number: SJR139
Engine number: SR69J
The paperwork file includes notes from previous owners and copies of factory build records
V5C present
Road tax and MOT exempt
68,552 miles indicated
UK-supplied right-hand drive example

The Condition

Midnight Blue paintwork
Beige leather upholstery
Gently patinated leather
No notable wear to report
Highly original and unmodified
Fantastic chromework
The woodwork looks to be in excellent order
All looks solid and clean underneath
The badges are no longer on the vehicle and will not be included
The front bumper would benefit from rechroming

Seldom does one find a Silver Cloud in such good order that isn’t fresh from a large-scale restoration.

This example presents beautifully throughout, with no signs of excessive wear to the paintwork and chrome. It’s very straight and there’s no corrosion evident to the chassis or bodywork - a testament to how well it has been kept.

On the inside, the leather has accrued a very light patina which looks lovely, as does the glossy woodwork which makes up the dashboard and door cappings. All the original controls have been retained and are free from heavy wear. Even the stereo is a period-correct item and has been fitted very neatly.

The Mechanics

6.2-litre V8
Four-speed automatic gearbox
Impeccable engine compartment

Such a large car (by the standards of its day) required a large engine. So, the Silver Cloud III came equipped with a 6.2-litre V8 sending approximately 220 horsepower, (RR would never provide figures), to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. This set-up allowed it to make quite brisk progress without using the higher rev range, achieving the element of smoothness and effortless progress Rolls-Royce has always aspired to.

We understand this example to be in very good order mechanically, having received a great deal of attention over the years. We’re informed that it drives well and the vendor does not report any apparent issues.

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