1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon

220bhp 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes *Delivered new to Chicago *Mechanically rebuilt and interior retrimmed by marque specialists in 2008 *Accompanied by copies of its Rolls-Royce Build Sheets *Exquisite hand-built Rolls-Royce Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact motors. us@bonhams.

com for scheduling. THE SILVER CLOUD III Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with development of its ageing six-cylinder engine nearing its end, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. The V8 was, of course, the predominant power unit in Rolls-Royce's most important export market - the USA - so it was only natural that the Crewe firm would study the best American designs - principally those of Chrysler and Cadillac - for inspiration.

Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their 'Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though the duo's performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminum-alloy V8 engine. Although wider and shorter than the 'six' it replaced, the new power unit fitted relatively easily within the engine bay, relocation of the steering box from inside to outside of the chassis frame being the most obvious alteration to the previous arrangements. Externally the new models appeared virtually unchanged, while beneath the skin Rolls-Royce's own four-speed automatic transmission was now the only one on offer and power steering was standardized.

Launched in 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent employed the 6.2-liter V8 engine introduced on the 'Cloud II/S2 - though with larger carburetors, new distributor and raised compression ratio - and came with a four-speed GM-derived automatic transmission as standard equipment. Most obvious among many changes from the preceding models was the adoption of four-headlamp lighting, the absence of sidelights from the wing tops, and a slightly lower radiator shell. Inside there was improved accommodation with separate front seats and increased room for rear passengers.

Notable as the last mainstream Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the Silver Cloud III proved immensely successful both at home and abroad, remaining in production until the autumn of 1965. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED According to copies of build records furnished by the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club, this Silver Cloud III was ordered new through Evanston Motor Cars, Inc. by Mr.

J. H. Becker, who used his office address at the heart of the Loop in downtown Chicago right at the corner of West Madison and South Clark Street.

Ordered in Shell Grey and Mason Black with black hides, options included power windows, Bosch 'New Yorker' radio connected to an automatic electric antenna, Firestone white wall tires, Sundym glass all around, front and rear carpets, and a storage area in the rear armrest. Little is recorded about the car's intervening history, but by 2008 it had found its way down to South Florida. When acquired in November of that year, it was described having 56,106 miles, being in its original colors, and the recipient of a recent refurbishment and fresh engine overhaul.

It was possibly during this overhaul that air conditioning was also fitted. Upon acquiring the car, the new owner specified that marque specialists Vantage Motorworks retrim the interior in tan leather with black piping and tan carpets. Following the retrim, the car was shipped to its new owner where it has been on static display for the last dozen years.

Now showing 56,141 miles on the odometer, it is complete with its aforementioned copies of Rolls-Royce build sheets and a Silver Cloud III 2nd Edition owner's handbook. Given its long term storage, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to wafting about.