Lot details
Registration No: BGU 69B
Chassis No: SFU365
Mot Expiry: May 2013

Always keen to present customers with as much choice as possible, Rolls-Royce overlapped production of the Silver Cloud III and its Silver Shadow successor by more than a year. While the latter was undeniably more technologically advanced, it was (a) initially only available as a four-door Standard Steel Saloon and (b) lacked the sheer road presence/grandeur of its forebear. Based around a version of the Crewe manufacturer's 'Bentley 9' modular platform (which underpinned everything from the Cloud/S-series to the Phantom V/VI), the Cloud III may not have been 'cutting edge' by mid-1960s standards but it was still a wonderfully refined and luxurious motorcar. Featuring independent coil-and-wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung semi-floating back axle, hydraulic shock absorbers (adjustable at the rear), power steering and servo-assisted drum brakes, its enormously strong box-section chassis provided the perfect foundation for coachbuilders to practice their art.

Powered by a 6230cc OHV V8 mated to four-speed automatic transmission, it also had the benefit of near 120mph performance. In a break with tradition, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III could be ordered with the same range of rakish fixed-head and drophead coupe coachwork as its Bentley S3 Continental sibling. Of the 2,255 standard wheelbase Silver Cloud III cars made, just 328 wore coachbuilt bodies. Designated 'SCV 100', James Young's Four-Door Sports Saloon design for the Silver Cloud III chassis was among the most elegant Continental-esque silhouettes available. Notably airy thanks to a generous glasshouse and slim pillars, it also boasted such detail niceties as a chrome rear window surround, continuous swage line linking the front and rear wings and square push button door handles. In total just 20 Silver Cloud IIIs are thought to have sported 'SCV 100' coachwork.

This particular example - chassis number SFU365 - was supplied new to a Mr and Mrs Charles Amer of Middlesbrough and remained in their care until 1989. Thereafter, the Rolls-Royce became the property of Neville Cormack OBE who only parted with it a decade ago. Boasting "a known history since then" not to mention "various bills/receipts and odd MOTs dating back as far as the 1960s", the coachbuilt Silver Cloud III is deemed by the vendor to possess "straight with tight door gaps" bodywork, "very good but not perfect" paintwork, "excellent (original leather, new carpets)" interior trim, "very good" V8 engine, "all OK" automatic transmission, "comprehensively rejuvenated" chromework (including the window frames) and "newly refinished to a high standard" interior woodwork (the finely figured walnut dashboard and door cappings being notable James Young features). Driven to Germany and back earlier this year, the Sports Saloon shows an unwarranted (1)50,270 miles to its odometer. Worthy of close inspection, this very rare and stylish motorcar is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until April 2013.