Vehicle Description
By the time the Silver Cloud series debuted in the late 1950s,
Rolls-Royce had fully embraced the idea of mass production - at
least in a Rolls-Royce sense of "mass" production - in an effort to
remain competitive in an increasingly tight marketplace. The Silver
Cloud Standard Steel Saloon was penned in-house by J.P. Blatchley;
a modernized yet timeless interpretation of the classic, swooping
Silver Dawn that preceded it. The factory body proved to be very
popular with buyers, and remained in production with only minor
changes for over a decade. But despite declining demand,
Rolls-Royce still enlisted the services of outside and in-house
coachbuilders. The Silver Cloud's robust full ladder frame gave
coachbuilders an outstanding platform on which to practice their
craft. The legendary British coachbuilding firms of Hooper, James
Young and Freestone & Webb all worked with the Silver Cloud
chassis. In addition, H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward - who were now
under the auspices of Rolls-Royce - each produced their own series
of special-bodied Clouds offered via official dealers, much in the
spirit of the "custom catalog" days of the pre-war era. After the
introduction of the V8-powered Silver Cloud II, Rolls-Royce had
consolidated operations, combining H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward into
H.J. Mullner, Park Ward, Ltd. The beautiful creations would
continue, including the popular Drophead Coupe based on a modified
Standard Steel Saloon. For clients wishing for a bit more
exclusivity and modern style, Mulliner Park Ward offer Design 2045;
a stunning, slab-sided fixed head and drophead coupe first built on
a Bentley Continental chassis and later adapted for Rolls-Royce.
Design 2045 was drawn by a young Norwegian named Vilhelm Koren, who
managed to deftly retain the signature elegance of Rolls-Royce
while giving the car a fresh, modern and exciting look. The slab
sides and laser-straight beltline were a drastic departure from
Rolls-Royce's traditionally baroque curves and swages, though it
would go on to inspire the works stylists in the design of the
Silver Shadow in the late 1960s. Of the 7,372 Silver Clouds
produced, just 101 would wear Design 2045, with 52 of those
originally delivered in left hand drive. This 1965 Silver Cloud III
H.J. Mulliner Park Ward Drophead is a truly exquisite example of
the breed in every respect, and is one of the finest of its kind we
have ever encountered. According to the factory chassis card, this
original US specification left-drive car, chassis number LCSC 35C,
left the works at Crewe in August of 1965 making the short trip to
H.J. Mulliner Park Ward to receive its coachwork. Three months
later, it was despatched to the legendary import car dealer Charles
H. Hornburg Jr. Motor Cars of California and delivered to Kurt R.
Strand of Beverly Hills. Mr. Strand specified the handsome color
combination of Dawn Blue over Buff leather with a blue power
operated hood. Other options include Dunlop whitewall tires,
luggage straps, electric door windows, a power-operated Hirschmann
antenna and Sundym glass. We can only imagine just how crisp and
elegant Mr. Strand's Rolls-Royce would have looked cruising
Wilshire Boulevard in 1965. Following a sympathetic restoration to
its original specification, this magnificent Rolls-Royce presents
in truly impeccable condition inside and out. Finished as original
in the handsome shade of Dawn Blue, the body and paintwork are
exceptionally straight with precise and consistent panel fitment.
The brightwork has been restored to a similarly high standard,
presenting in very fine condition both inside and out. The body
also features the optional chrome side trim which adds a subtle
highlight to the clean and uncluttered design. The big doors of
this Silver Cloud open and shut effortlessly, and occupants are
treated to an expertly restored interior trimmed in acres of tan
Connolly hides. Beautifully finished to a very high standard, the
interior is in exquisite order throughout. Dark blue Wilton wool
carpets provide a lovely complement to the tan leather, and
blonde-colored woodwork has been fully restored along with the soft
trim; retaining its original book-matched veneers on the dash, door
caps and front tray. The dark blue Stayfast canvas hood is fully
lined in broadcloth as original, which provides some additional
insulation and comfort when motoring with the roof in place. The
hood is power operated as originally equipped and the fit is taut
and crease-free. Close inspection of the engine bay and
undercarriage reveal the level of care and attention that went into
the restoration, and the performance is as good as the cosmetics.
The 6.25 liter V8 engine has been fully detailed with correct
finishes and fittings, and since the restoration was completed, it
has seen only light use. Performance is excellent, with the vast
reserves of torque making for effortless progress. The engine is
complemented by a smooth-shifting automatic transmission and the
car rides and handles with confidence on correct-type crossply
tires. With just 52 left hand drive examples built, this gorgeous
machine represents a very rare opportunity to acquire one of the
last fully coachbuilt Rolls-Royce motorcars; an important piece of
mid-century design that inspired the company's styling well into
the next decade. Rarely do we see these cars restored to this high
standard and with such meticulous attention to detail. It has been
used sparingly since and fastidiously maintained in beautiful
condition. Gorgeous and ready for enjoyment, this truly outstanding
Silver Cloud III MPW is a fine choice for concours or road events,
and is still one of the best cars we can imagine for cruising the
boulevards of Hollywood.