Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud SIII III LWB Saloon 1964
General description :
As World War II came to an end in 1945, Rolls-Royce seriously considered the worth of resuming motorcar production. The Aero division sustained the company through the war, and with no new automobile chassis built since 1940, the resurrection of the motoring division was seriously in doubt. Thankfully, a strong contingent within Rolls-Royce persuaded top management that motorcar manufacturing was essential to the marque’s survival. The firm decided to shift car production to the aero-engine factory in Crewe, which had a workforce in place and an extensive machine shop capable of producing all the necessary components for a new model. In order to be viable in the long term, the Rolls-Royce and Bentley lines were rationalized, sharing standard chassis, engines, and major components. Also, for the first time in history, buyers had the option to purchase a car complete with factory-built coachwork directly from a dealer. The success of the post-war Bentley Mk VI and later R-Type/Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn proved this was the right move, and soon the company was enjoying renaissance period.
In 1955, the long-awaited replacement for the aging R-Type arrived with the ground-breaking new Silver Cloud/S-Series. As with the preceding models, Rolls-Royce offered the new Silver Cloud as a running chassis for coachbuilders or as a complete Standard Steel Saloon. J.P. Blatchley from Rolls-Royce’s styling department penned the beautiful factory coachwork. The shape was fresh and modern, with an understated presence befitting a Rolls-Royce. From the onset, engineers designed the Silver Cloud for a new V8 engine; however, development delays led to the fitment of a 4.9-liter version of the R-Type Continental’s inline-six. The six was well suited to the car, but in the all-important American market, a V8 engine was critical. In 1959, the Silver Cloud II arrived, looking outwardly identical to the earlier car, but now with the all-new aluminum alloy, 6.2-liter V8 engine under the bonnet.
The final evolution of the Silver Cloud arrived in 1963 with the SC III. The front end now housed a quad headlight arrangement, lower grille, and sloping bonnet. Engineers were able to reduce the overall weight by more than 220 pounds. The weight savings, combined with increased power thanks to new carburetors and higher compression, gave the Cloud III the snappiest performance of the range, and sales were up slightly over the Cloud II. Exclusive models still played an important role, and chassis were made available for independent coachbuilders. Also, Rolls-Royce continued to offer the flagship long-wheelbase version, which added four inches to the length of the chassis. While outwardly similar, the LWB offered superior comfort for rear-seat passengers and an optional division window for chauffeur driven cars.
This 1964 Silver Cloud III is one of just 254 long-wheelbase examples produced between 1963 and 1965. The Cloud III LWB is one of the most desirable standard production models of the Silver Cloud range, combining the mechanical refinements of the third series, with the exclusive and luxurious long-wheelbase chassis. According to factory records, this original US-specification car first sold through J.S. Inskip Rolls-Royce of New York. Records show the original owner was Mrs. Vida L. Hudson (née Whitmore), an American stage actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Mrs. Hudson was in her eighties when she bought the Silver Cloud, so it is quite likely the car was chauffeur-driven for much of its early life. The chassis card lists the original color scheme as Shell Gray over a Scarlet Connolly leather interior with equipment including a radio, electric aerial, electric windows, and Dunlop whitewall tires. The most recent owner acquired this car twenty years ago in Savannah, Georgia, from a fellow Rolls enthusiast and active RROC member.
Today, LCDL9 wears an attractive blue and silver livery, with an honest and usable character coming with regular maintenance and care. The body presents in good order, with consistent, even panel gaps and properly aligned doors. The paintwork is in good condition, finished to driver-quality standards. It is glossy and well-presented overall, with some minor imperfections found upon inspection. Brightwork is also quite good, including the stainless steel radiator grille, excellent chrome bumpers, and proper stainless steel wheel covers with body-color accents and striping.
The original Scarlet Connolly leather is a bold contrast to the exterior color scheme. The seats show some moderate cracking, and some seams have opened, yet the interior has an honest and inviting character. Remaining leather on the door panels, dash top, and kick panels are in excellent condition. Carpets are in good order, with some wear noted around the rear footrests. The dash panel, instruments, switchgear, and controls all present well and are consistent with this being a well-kept original car. Similarly, the woodwork is sound and attractive, with a light patina to the lacquer finish.
Mechanically, this car feels quite strong, with excellent on-road performance characteristics. The previous owner recently spent several thousand dollars at a trusted specialist, ensuring the car’s performance is on par. Welcome additions include a high-torque starter motor and a modern rotary-style air conditioning compressor. Few driving experiences compare to that of a piloting a Silver Cloud, and this example, with its honest presentation, is in the ideal condition for regular enjoyment on your favorite country lanes or in casual club meetings.
Offers welcome and trades considered
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6511
1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud SIII III LWB Saloon is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $49900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Rolls-Royce Model : Silver Cloud SIII Model Version : III LWB Saloon Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1964 Sub type : Sedan 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.