Lot details
Registration No: DRS720A
Chassis No: CAL43
Mot Expiry: April 2007

Final evolution of the Rolls-Royce Cloud Series, the Cloud III was launched in late 1962. Sporting the same imposing silhouette as its predecessors, the newcomer was distinguished by quad headlamps, a lower bonnet line and correspondingly sleeker front wings (complete with indicator units frenched into their leading edges). In keeping with its sharpened appearance, the imposing front and rear chrome bumpers wore more modest over-riders. To the interior, the driver and front seat passenger gained separate chairs, while those in the rear benefited from a more upright back to their bench seat and narrower side bolsters. Mechanically, the model's massive cruciform-braced box-section chassis featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a hypoid bevel rear axle, all round drum brakes, power assisted steering and four speed automatic transmission. Though, to capitalise on the smaller frontal area, its 6230cc V8 engine gained more power via a carburettor modification and higher compression ratio. Thus, the Cloud III claimed both a higher top speed and better acceleration than its predecessors at 116mph and 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds respectively. Available in either standard or long wheelbase guises, the latter variant accounted for some 254 special orders. Of these a mere forty-seven were entrusted to outside coachbuilders, the rest being despatched to Park Ward's West London works where their Standard Steel Saloon bodies were deftly modified to incorporate elongated rear doors and enlarged rear three-quarter windows.
Finished in metallic pink champagne over burgundy with beige leather upholstery, this particular long wheelbase example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (6230cc engine, four-speed automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim) or "A1" (chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Thought to retain its original upholstery, 'DRS 720A' further benefits from an electric division, electric windows and rear picnic tables. A rare and striking motor car, it is offered for sale with MOT certificate and historic class (free) road tax until April 2007.