Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud SIII III MPW Drophead 1965
General description :
By the time the Silver Cloud series debuted in the late 1950s, Rolls-Royce had fully embraced the idea of mass production – at least in a Rolls-Royce sense of “mass” production – in an effort to remain competitive in an increasingly tight marketplace. The Silver Cloud Standard Steel Saloon was penned in-house by J.P. Blatchley; a modernized yet timeless interpretation of the classic, swooping Silver Dawn that preceded it. The factory body proved to be very popular with buyers, and remained in production with only minor changes for over a decade.
But despite declining demand, Rolls-Royce still enlisted the services of outside and in-house coachbuilders. The Silver Cloud’s robust full ladder frame gave coachbuilders an outstanding platform on which to practice their craft. The legendary British coachbuilding firms of Hooper, James Young and Freestone & Webb all worked with the Silver Cloud chassis. In addition, H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward – who were now under the auspices of Rolls-Royce - each produced their own series of special-bodied Clouds offered via official dealers, much in the spirit of the “custom catalog” days of the pre-war era. After the introduction of the V8-powered Silver Cloud II, Rolls-Royce had consolidated operations, combining H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward into H.J. Mullner, Park Ward, Ltd. The beautiful creations would continue, including the popular Drophead Coupe based on a modified Standard Steel Saloon. For clients wishing for a bit more exclusivity and modern style, Mulliner Park Ward offer Design 2045; a stunning, slab-sided fixed head and drophead coupe first built on a Bentley Continental chassis and later adapted for Rolls-Royce.
Design 2045 was drawn by a young Norwegian named Vilhelm Koren, who managed to deftly retain the signature elegance of Rolls-Royce while giving the car a fresh, modern and exciting look. The slab sides and laser-straight beltline were a drastic departure from Rolls-Royce’s traditionally baroque curves and swages, though it would go on to inspire the works stylists in the design of the Silver Shadow in the late 1960s. Of the 7,372 Silver Clouds produced, just 101 would wear Design 2045, with 52 of those originally delivered in left hand drive.
This 1965 Silver Cloud III H.J. Mulliner Park Ward Drophead is a truly exquisite example of the breed in every respect, and is one of the finest of its kind we have ever encountered. According to the factory chassis card, this original US specification left-drive car, chassis number LCSC 35C, left the works at Crewe in August of 1965 making the short trip to H.J. Mulliner Park Ward to receive its coachwork. Three months later, it was despatched to the legendary import car dealer Charles H. Hornburg Jr. Motor Cars of California and delivered to Kurt R. Strand of Beverly Hills. Mr. Strand specified the handsome color combination of Dawn Blue over Buff leather with a blue power operated hood. Other options include Dunlop whitewall tires, luggage straps, electric door windows, a power-operated Hirschmann antenna and Sundym glass. We can only imagine just how crisp and elegant Mr. Strand’s Rolls-Royce would have looked cruising Wilshire Boulevard in 1965.
Following a sympathetic restoration to its original specification, this magnificent Rolls-Royce presents in truly impeccable condition inside and out. Finished as original in the handsome shade of Dawn Blue, the body and paintwork are exceptionally straight with precise and consistent panel fitment. The brightwork has been restored to a similarly high standard, presenting in very fine condition both inside and out. The body also features the optional chrome side trim which adds a subtle highlight to the clean and uncluttered design.
The big doors of this Silver Cloud open and shut effortlessly, and occupants are treated to an expertly restored interior trimmed in acres of tan Connolly hides. Beautifully finished to a very high standard, the interior is in exquisite order throughout. Dark blue Wilton wool carpets provide a lovely complement to the tan leather, and blonde-colored woodwork has been fully restored along with the soft trim; retaining its original book-matched veneers on the dash, door caps and front tray. The dark blue Stayfast canvas hood is fully lined in broadcloth as original, which provides some additional insulation and comfort when motoring with the roof in place. The hood is power operated as originally equipped and the fit is taut and crease-free.
Close inspection of the engine bay and undercarriage reveal the level of care and attention that went into the restoration, and the performance is as good as the cosmetics. The 6.25 liter V8 engine has been fully detailed with correct finishes and fittings, and since the restoration was completed, it has seen only light use. Performance is excellent, with the vast reserves of torque making for effortless progress. The engine is complemented by a smooth-shifting automatic transmission and the car rides and handles with confidence on correct-type crossply tires.
With just 52 left hand drive examples built, this gorgeous machine represents a very rare opportunity to acquire one of the last fully coachbuilt Rolls-Royce motorcars; an important piece of mid-century design that inspired the company’s styling well into the next decade. Rarely do we see these cars restored to this high standard and with such meticulous attention to detail. It has been used sparingly since and fastidiously maintained in beautiful condition. Gorgeous and ready for enjoyment, this truly outstanding Silver Cloud III MPW is a fine choice for concours or road events, and is still one of the best cars we can imagine for cruising the boulevards of Hollywood.
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6113
1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud SIII III MPW Drophead is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $425000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Rolls-Royce Model : Silver Cloud SIII Model Version : III MPW Drophead Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1965 Location : Missouri
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About Rolls-Royce
Well, ladies and gentlemen, today we're diving into the illustrious history of a brand that has always embodied the very essence of British luxury and craftsmanship - Rolls-Royce.Our story begins at the turn of the 20th century when two visionaries, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, decided to join forces. In 1904, the very first Rolls-Royce was born, the Rolls-Royce 10 hp. It was a modest start for a company that would go on to redefine automotive excellence.
But it wasn't until 1907 that Rolls-Royce truly made its mark with the introduction of the Silver Ghost. It was hailed as the "Best Car in the World" and set the gold standard for luxury motoring. With its whisper-quiet engine and exquisite craftsmanship, it was a statement of opulence and refinement.
The 1920s brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom I, an icon of its time. It was the first Rolls-Royce to feature a 6-cylinder engine and set the stage for the legendary Phantom line. This was the era when the Maharajas of India commissioned custom-bodied Rolls-Royces that were nothing short of automotive palaces.
Fast forward to the post-war years, and we have the Silver Cloud, a symbol of post-war British optimism. The Silver Cloud was elegance personified, with its flowing lines and handcrafted interiors. It was the choice of royalty, celebrities, and captains of industry.
But if we're talking about the epitome of Rolls-Royce luxury, it's the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, which graced us with its presence from 1968 to 1991. This was a car that made the statement that "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it." Customization was the name of the game, and the Phantom VI was a canvas for the world's wealthiest to express their unique tastes.
Now, it's impossible to discuss Rolls-Royce without mentioning the Rolls-Royce Corniche. Produced from 1971 to 1995, it was a convertible and coupe version of the Silver Shadow. The Corniche was the quintessential grand tourer, a car for those who wished to traverse continents in absolute luxury.
But, alas, even the mightiest must face their decline, and Rolls-Royce was no exception. The company went through financial turmoil in the 1970s and 80s, leading to the takeover by Vickers plc. Then came the controversial BMW and Volkswagen ownership period, which divided enthusiasts.
Rolls-Royce regained its footing under BMW ownership, and the new millennium brought us the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, a return to the company's roots of uncompromising luxury. The Phantom VII was a testament to British engineering and craftsmanship.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings us to today. Rolls-Royce continues to produce some of the most opulent, bespoke vehicles on the planet, a symbol of British imperiousness that has not waned with time. The spirit of Sir Henry Royce and Charles Rolls lives on in every car that bears the Spirit of Ecstasy, a testament to the enduring legacy of British automotive excellence.