Description
This car is Lot 110 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 110
Delivered new to the Shah of Iran
1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III LWB Saloon
Registration no.
Chassis no. LCEL61
6, 230cc OHV V8 Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
Est. 220bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Delivered new to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran
* Desirable left-drive, long-wheelbase model with division
* Offered from a private collection
* Accompanied by copies of its Rolls-Royce Build Sheets
* Exquisite Rolls-Royce, hand built for royalty
THE SILVER CLOUD III
Facing increasing competition from rivals and with development of the venerable six-cylinder engine nearing its end, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power for the 1960s. 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 Crewe 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 employed the same 6. 2-liter V8 engine though with larger carburetors, new distributor and raised compression ratio. Most obvious among many refinements 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 CAR OFFERED
Of the Silver Cloud III series, the long-wheelbase saloon is considered by many to be among the most desirable factory models. Chassis LCEL61 is such an example: A left-drive, long wheelbase saloon, built to order in late 1964 for Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. Factory production records show it was ordered by "H. M. Ambassador in Persia," and beyond its standard fitments, it also came equipped with a division window, flagstaff mounted behind the radiator mascot, 'tropicalized' cooling system, manual windows, and was finished in Masons Black with a single gold coach line, over Beige Connolly Vaumol leather.
A photo on file shows His Highness in full uniform, smiling from the back of the Rolls-Royce and accompanied by his wife, Empress Farah Palavi. Eventually, the Rolls-Royce was retired and sold, and it found its way to a collector in New Jersey. In 2009, via an East Coast dealer, it joined the consignor's collection where it has been kept in good company with other Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars. Presented in its original livery, the Silver Cloud III is accompanied by a file containing factory build records, select receipts, and information related to its time on official duty in Iran. Following extended storage, light recommissioning has been undertaken, and additional attention may be required prior to longer drives.
A motorcar indeed fit for royalty, this handsome long-wheelbase Cloud III ticks all the boxes with its desirable fittings and fascinating history.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
