Highlights
- Fabulous candidate for restoration
- Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner Park Ward
- Lovely original interior
- Click here for a Walk-around video
The Appeal
There’s no getting around the fact that restoring cars is hard work. So before you start, it’s best to look for a vehicle that really deserves your time and effort.
We think this 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III is the perfect candidate.
Having been stored for a number of years, this running, driving yet hitherto unrestored Silver Cloud has stood up to the test of time well. As the late fixed-head coupé with twin headlamps, this Cloud is a desirable specification, unquestionably deserving restoration.
The History and Paperwork
- Has been in storage for some years
- Six owners from new
- Has had colour change at some point
- Acquired from a collector
- 105,000 miles recorded from new
The Interior
- Beautifully preserved
- Smart woodwork
- Excellent original leather
Unquestionably, the condition of the interior is this Rolls-Royce’s best feature.
Considering the age of the car, the original leather has survived exceptionally well. The seats and door cards wear a remarkably light amount of patination and would clean up very well. Likewise, the carpeting and headlining are quite clean and eminently serviceable.
Perhaps most importantly, the original woodwork is in fine order with no signs of UV damage we could detect. The dashboard has fared really well, including all the car’s original switchgear. It would appear that the handles from the back of the front seats are no longer in place, but otherwise the interior is exceedingly original and complete. We are informed that two of the electric windows are currently not functioning.
The same goes for the car’s interior brightwork. The chrome door handles, windows switches and numerous ash trays, still display the lustrous shine they had nearly sixty years ago.
We are in no doubt that the interior of this car could be brought up to a high standard with minimal work.
The Exterior
- Brightwork has survived well
- Requires restoration
- Original and largely untouched underneath
First launched in April 1955, the Silver Cloud was the last Rolls-Royce to be offered with a separate body and chassis. This example is in need of new body mounts, along with some other welding and fabrication work underneath.
Unsurprisingly, this car has been painted in the past and the vendor believes white was not its original colour. Now the time has come for the bodywork to be restored, as the paint is cracking in several areas. It is, however, very straight down each side and there are no clear signs of serious corrosion to the coachbuilt bodywork we could see.
The wheels are smart and so too are the hubcaps, which are free from dents and pitting. The vendor informs us that the tyres display plenty of tread, although they are old and beginning to crack in places.
We are pleased to report that the exterior brightwork presents very well, with all trim pieces appearing straight and the bumpers continuing to gleam. The iconic Rolls-Royce radiator grille is complete and shines as brightly today as it did in 1965.
The Mechanics
- 6.2-Litre V8
- Running and driving
- Brakes require attention
The vendor informs us that the Silver-Cloud runs and drives, with no smoke or leaks. The brakes, however, are in need of a rebuild, which is to be expected of an unrestored, fifty-seven year-old car. Therefore, the vendor advises that the next owner should collect the Rolls-Royce on a trailer.
Under the bonnet, everything seems present and correct and, overall, quite clean and tidy. Naturally, the car is in need of a mechanical overhaul. But the fact that it runs, and has survived so well in other areas, means that it is certainly worth the time and effort.
Summary
As a potential restoration project, this Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III has a lot going for it. First and foremost, the interior is amongst the best original survivors we have seen. The bodywork has never had significant restoration work and has fared very well overall. It even runs and drives – an encouraging start to any project.
We cannot wait for someone to take this car on, as it will assuredly be an incredible sight to behold when it is finished.
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