Lot details Registration No: KYY108C Chassis No: CSC61B Mot Expiry: 05/09
Always keen to present customers with as much choice as possible, Rolls-Royce overlapped the production lives of the Silver Cloud III and its Silver Shadow successor by more than a year. While the latter model 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 1966 standards but it was still a wonderfully refined motorcar.
Featuring independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a leaf-sprung semi-floating back axle (complete with hypoid bevel final drive), hydraulic shock absorbers (adjustable at the rear), power steering and servo-assisted drum brakes, its enormously strong cruciform-braced box-section chassis provided a wonderful 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. Among the last of the line, those Silver Cloud IIIs bearing CSC1B - CSC141B chassis numbers were destined to carry bespoke coachwork.
One of the more striking designs available, the H.J. Mulliner Park Ward Drophead Coupe owed its beautifully sleek profile to Vilhelm Koren. A freelance stylist from Sweden, the 'straight-through' wing line and 'cut-back' wheelarches that he pioneered on the Bentley S2 Continental chassis were successfully carried over to its successors. Visually updated by the diagonal placement of their quad headlights, the Koren-inspired coachbuilt Cloud IIIs (available in both fixed- and drophead coupe guises) thus boasted a decidedly modern yet majestic look.
Finished in black with black leather upholstery, this particular example is reputed to be 1 of just 61 right-hand drive Koren-inspired Cloud III drophead coupes.
Riding on whitewall tyres and boasting a power hood and black lambswool over rugs, 'KYY 108C' would appear to have had just one owner during the 1990s before passing to the popular pianist, bandleader and television personality, Jools Holland late in the same decade. MOT certificates dating back to 1982, when the mileage was recorded as being c.19,000, are on file. The current indicated mileage is c.29,000.
A recent report by Shadow Services concluded that the "condition of the car was good. Leather and wood in excellent condition. Signs of repair to corrosion on underside of bodywork but repaired to a good standard".
Judged by the vendor to "present and drive very well", this rare and super stylish coachbuilt Rolls-Royce is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2009.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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