1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III

Details

The legend that was to become Rolls-Royce was founded in May 1904 when a deal was struck between Frederick Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls. Shortly after, the first Rolls-Royce motor car – the Rolls-Royce 10 hp – was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in December 1904. It was agreed that Rolls-Royce would initially manufacture four different models being a two cylinder 10hp model, a three cylinder 15hp model, a four cylinder 20hp model and a six cylinder 20hp model. It was immediately apparent that to manufacture their cars Rolls-Royce would require a larger factory and the decision was made to establish their headquarters and manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Derby in the East Midlands of England.

On the 15th March 1906 the company Rolls-Royce Limited was formed and during this year Royce had been developing an improved six cylinder model with more power than the 30hp. Initially designated the 40/50hp, this was the company’s first all-new model that was also to become known as the Silver Ghost.

Like all car manufacturers, Rolls-Royce was impacted by the First World War. Times were tough and post war the company made a strategic decision to manufacture a cheaper smaller car, enter the Rolls-Royce 20hp. This model was a success and produced alongside the Silver Ghost and its successor the Phantom ensuring the Rolls-Royce motor car company would survive and prosper.

In 1931 Rolls-Royce acquired the Bentley motor car company.

Post the Second World War a significant milestone in Rolls-Royce history was the introduction of the Silver Dawn, which was the first model with a factory built body. In April 1955 Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Cloud and for the next eleven years this model was at the cornerstone of Rolls-Royce production. The Cloud evolved through three major model iterations, being the Silver Cloud I, Silver Cloud II and Silver Cloud III until it was superseded by the Silver Shadow. The last of the Silver Clouds rolled off the Crewe production line in 1965 although specialist coachbuilders were still offering the Cloud III in early 1966. During this time some 7,372 cars were built.

One of the major changes to occur during Silver Cloud production was to the engine. The 4.9 litre 6 cylinder engine used in the Cloud I was replaced by a 6.2 litre V8 engine for the Cloud II. This change ensured the Cloud II had far greater performance all round.

With the arrival of the Cloud III in 1963 the car had now evolved both internally and externally, albeit subtly. The major visual difference was the introduction of the quad head light set up that was to be continued on the Silver Shadow and a lowered bonnet. The Cloud III also shed a few kilos further improving performance and handling.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a lovely Australian delivered, factory right hand drive Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III. The original build sheets on file confirm this car was delivered on the 7^th December 1964 to Liverpool for shipment to Brisbane, Australia. The original dealer is noted as UK Motors and the car was ordered for Messers WN Dendle & Company from St George in Queensland. The car was finished in burgundy (ICIM062-4143) with a ‘single gold line’ and beige hide (YM3234). Interestingly the date of guarantee is noted as the 16^th July 1965. The car is confirmed as having matching chassis, engine and body numbers.

This particular car has a known history from new. Mr Dendle owned the car for many years before it passed to its next owners, the Voller family, in 1984. At that time the car was repainted in its original colour of burgundy and it was used sparingly by the Vollers until it passed to its current owner in 1999.  At that time the odometer was 78,455 miles. Interestingly, the car was first advertised for sale in Praeclarum – The Federal Journal of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia in 1989. The advert read:

1965 Silver Cloud III (SHS281) Brisbane delivery. Repainted in original Burgundy with original Beige interior. Genuine 69,000 miles. Very original condition throughout. Always serviced by Rolls-Royce specialists. Owned by two families only. $75,000. Ronald Voller or Jon Voller

A change in circumstances resulted in the car being removed from sale and it was kept by the Vollers until 1999.

Today this Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III presents and drives beautifully. From say a meter, the paint looks excellent and it is well preserved for a 37 year old repaint. It is generally very good, however, on a close inspection there are a number of small blemishes present. The colour is quite unique and a refreshing change from some of the more ubiquitous colours often seen on Silver Clouds! In a soft light or the shade the car looks to be the most gorgeous ‘ruby red’ . . . the colour of a fine red wine! The chrome is excellent and the other external, trim, glass and the wheels are in good condition. The car is running Mastercraft tyres all round.

The interior is extensively original and its overall condition is very, very good. All of the upholstery and the burl walnut timber are in very good condition as are the gauges and switches which are fully functional. The beige leather shows some light patina, however, there are no rips, tears or damage. The seats and door cards have been extremely well cared for and present beautifully. It looks as though some of the leather on the driver’s seat has been replaced at some stage. The carpets are also generally in good condition, with the exception being the carpeted section of the right rear door card which is showing some wear. There is some replacement carpet provided with the car. The boot is clean and tidy, however, the spare wheel cover has been misplaced and it is not with the car. The boot mat is starting to show its age. The engine bay is clean and the purists will note the firewall and under bonnet remain painted in the correct colour.

This car gets used regularly and not surprisingly it starts easily at the first turn of the key. It immediately settles into that ‘smooth Rolls-Royce idle’. On a sunny Brisbane morning the engine warms quickly and you are soon mobile. The car drives effortlessly and it is very smooth on the road. The gear change from the automatic transmission, the steering and the brakes perform as expected. Importantly, everything looks to work on the car.

Today the odometer reads 06204 miles, confirmed as 106,204 miles by the current owner and the documentation on file.

Accompanying this car is a copy of the original build sheets from Rolls-Royce, an original owner’s manual, an original Rolls-Royce Chauffeur guide, a copy of a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud brochure, some Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud books as well as a thick file of receipts from 1965 through until 1979 and from 1999 through until today. There is also a tool kit (almost complete), jack, pump and spare wheel.

The car has recently been serviced during which a few roadworthy items were also addressed. It has had both bump stops replaced, one of the engine mounts was worn and has been replaced, the steam valve in the cooling system has been replaced and the car has been serviced.

This is a very well-known car in the local Rolls-Royce community here in Queensland that is often seen at club events.

The car was first registered in Queensland in 1965 as NWE 539 and it still retains the same registration today!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity.

Highlights:

• Brisbane delivered car with known history from new.
• This three owner car has lived in south east Queensland all its life.
• Fabulous original colour combination of burgundy with a beige interior.
• A well presented car in good condition.

 

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