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through three major model iterations, being the Silver Cloud I, Silver Cloud II and Silver Cloud III until it was superseded by the Silver Shadow.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 an exceptional 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III. The original build sheets on file confirm this car was ordered by Grund & Co in Utrecht, The Netherlands for Sir Percy Spender on 3^rd of November 1964. Sir Percy Spender was an Australian diplomat, politician and jurist who was at the time the President of the International Court of Justice based in the The Hague in The Netherlands. The car was ordered as factory right hand drive and for use in Australia. The chassis assembly was signed off on the 10^th December 1964 and the final inspection was signed off on the 7^th of January 1965. Sir Percy’s Rolls-Royce was shipped to N.V. Automobielhandel Grund & Co, Maliebaan 71, Utrecht, The Netherlands on the 10th of February 1965 per ship ‘Avalon’ from Harwich in the UK to Hoek van Holland in The Netherlands. The date of delivery (and date of guarantee) is noted the 1^st March 1965. The car was finished in sand (ICI-M-151-2559) over Sable (Dockers.5611) with green hide (VM 3124), green piping (VM 3124), green head cloth (10061) and green carpet (12). The car was ordered with the following special features: RR electric windows, electric arial (UD.5293), Dunlop white sided tubeless tyres (UG.436B0, plain sundym glass throughout, headlamps (UD.8524/6), speedo in mph, high frequency horns, nomo type rear number plate, driving mirror (UB.2409), full Colonial and fit to both front seats anchorages only for seat harness (UB.5111).

The car is confirmed as having matching chassis, engine and body numbers.

This particular car has a known history from new.  It arrived in Australia on the 12th of April 1967 at which time the odometer was at 6,380 miles. The car was first registered in NSW as EMB090.

Sir Percy Spender passed away on the 3^rd May 1985, however, his Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III remained in his family until sold in c1997 to its next owner, who also resided in Sydney. The car was subsequently acquired by Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Paul Lukes from Paradise Garage in Sydney in early 2004. Lukes embarked on a restoration of this fabulous motor car. At the time of the restoration the car had travelled only 76,000 miles and it had always been well cared for and maintained, ensuring it was a perfect restoration candidate.

Lukes chose to finish the car in green, accented with gold pin striping. The colour is quite unique and it is a refreshing change from some of the more ubiquitous colours often seen on Silver Clouds. The photos speak for themselves! Much of the interior was simply refreshed rather than replaced as it was in beautiful condition all around.

The car was restored to a very high standard and it was shown by Lukes at the 2005 Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia’s National Rally and Concours held in Canberra in April. The car won the York Motors Trophy for the ‘Best Post War Car’ Rolls-Royce.

The current owner acquired this magnificent motor car by chance. He was in Sydney to inspect a Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible at Paradise Garage in 2008 He saw this Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III parked in the corner and he ‘had to have it’. The Corniche didn’t get a look in! A deal was soon struck to acquire the Silver Cloud and it was soon heading north to its new home on the Gold Coast.

Whilst in the care of the current owner this car has been used sparingly. It was shown at the 2008 and 2009 Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia – Queensland Branch’s Concours d’Elegance where it was awarded a Certificate of Merit on both occasions and it was also a class winner on both occasions.

In 2005 the car was only given a ‘mechanical refresh’ and in November 2011 a decision was made to fully rebuild the engine and gearbox. The work was again completed by Paul Lukes’ Paradise Garage. At that time the odometer was at 81,307 miles. The owner wanted to take an exceptional car to the next level and the leather was refreshed and new carpets were fitted throughout.

Today this Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III presents and drives magnificently. The paintwork is exceptional and hard to fault. All of the external trim, including the chrome, glass, lights/lenses and the wheels are similarly presented. The rubber around the rear window is probably original and shows some cracking. The interior is also exceptional and hard to fault. The leather is soft and supple and the seats are firm and supportive. The carpets are ‘as new’ and the feature inside the car is the timber work which is simply stunning. All of the gauges, instruments and controls are fully functional. The car is fitted with aftermarket modern air conditioning that has been discretely installed. Cold air blows through the dash vents which is most welcome on a hot Brisbane afternoon. The boot is also ‘as new’ and most likely never used. There is a tool kit, jack, pump, torch and spare wheel present and all are in excellent condition.

Not surprisingly, the engine bay is also immaculate and of course the firewall and under bonnet remain painted in the correct colour.

Today the odometer of this Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III reads 84,681 miles. So in the last 17 years the car has travelled just over 8,500 miles. Whilst under the care of the current owners this car has been serviced regularly, even when not being used.

So does the car drive as well as it looks? Put simply . . .  YES! It is an absolute delight to drive. It is hard to believe this car is 55 years young. The 6.2 litre V8 has loads of power on tap but it is just effortless to drive. Most Silver Clouds are incredibly smooth on the road but this car is another level. The engine, the automatic gearbox and the overall feel of the car . . . it is just like riding a magic carpet!

The car has just been serviced and had the brakes overhauled by classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists NBS Services in Brisbane. A new set of Maxxis MA1 tyres have also just been fitted so this car is now ready for its next owner to show, use and enjoy.

Accompanying this car is a copy of the original build sheets from Rolls-Royce, an original owner’s manual, a thick file of receipts from new, restoration invoices from 2005, receipts for the engine, gearbox and other work from 2011/12 and further documentation.

If you are looking for a ‘nice’ Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III then this is not the car for you. If you are looking for ‘one of the very best’ Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III’s money can buy then please enquire.

Highlights:

• A factory right hand drive, matching numbers example with impeccable provenance.
• A documented and known ownership history from new.
• Beautifully restored by marque experts Paradise Garage in Sydney.
• Finished in a unique and stunning colour combination.
• The car has travelled a genuine 84,681 miles from new.
• One of the very best Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III’s in Australia.

 

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