Lot details
Registration No: 462 GYL
Chassis No: CCL 63
Mot Expiry: May 2007

Final evolution of the Rolls-Royce Cloud Series, the Cloud III was launched in late 1962. Sporting the same famous silhouette as its predecessors, the newcomer was distinguished by quad front 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 separate 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 black over silver with blue-grey leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (while he considers the transmission to be "good"). Accompanied by its "original RR build records, buff logbook and tool kit", it is understood to have been supplied new to Viscount Astor of Cliveden, Bucks. Exported to the USA at some stage, it returned to this country in 1998 and has been in the current ownership ever since. Reunited with its original '462 GYL' registration number following a RREC supported application to the DVLA, the Cloud III LWB apparently took part in the Queen's Golden Jubilee Parade at Windsor Castle during 2002. Reportedly treated to an "extensive brake and suspension overhaul by a RR specialist", it is said to have the further advantages of a "stainless exhaust, air-con, passenger compartment division, nearly new radial tyres and Harvey-Bailey anti-roll bars". Reputedly one of just 207 made, this handsome motorcar is offered for sale with history file and MOT certificate valid until May 14th 2007.