Vehicle Description
As World War II came to an end in 1945, Rolls-Royce seriously
considered the worth of resuming motorcar production. The Aero
division sustained the company through the war, and with no new
automobile chassis built since 1940, the resurrection of the
motoring division was seriously in doubt. Thankfully, a strong
contingent within Rolls-Royce persuaded top management that
motorcar manufacturing was essential to the marque's survival. The
firm decided to shift car production to the aero-engine factory in
Crewe, which had a workforce in place and an extensive machine shop
capable of producing all the necessary components for a new model.
In order to be viable in the long term, the Rolls-Royce and Bentley
lines were rationalized, sharing standard chassis, engines, and
major components. Also, for the first time in history, buyers had
the option to purchase a car complete with factory-built coachwork
directly from a dealer. The success of the post-war Bentley Mk VI
and later R-Type/Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn proved this was the right
move, and soon the company was enjoying renaissance period. In
1955, the long-awaited replacement for the aging R-Type arrived
with the ground-breaking new Silver Cloud/S-Series. As with the
preceding models, Rolls-Royce offered the new Silver Cloud as a
running chassis for coachbuilders or as a complete Standard Steel
Saloon. J.P. Blatchley from Rolls-Royce's styling department penned
the beautiful factory coachwork. The shape was fresh and modern,
with an understated presence befitting a Rolls-Royce. From the
onset, engineers designed the Silver Cloud for a new V8 engine;
however, development delays led to the fitment of a 4.9-liter
version of the R-Type Continental's inline-six. The six was well
suited to the car, but in the all-important American market, a V8
engine was critical. In 1959, the Silver Cloud II arrived, looking
outwardly identical to the earlier car, but now with the all-new
aluminum alloy, 6.2-liter V8 engine under the bonnet. The final
evolution of the Silver Cloud arrived in 1963 with the SC III. The
front end now housed a quad headlight arrangement, lower grille,
and sloping bonnet. Engineers were able to reduce the overall
weight by more than 220 pounds. The weight savings, combined with
increased power thanks to new carburetors and higher compression,
gave the Cloud III the snappiest performance of the range, and
sales were up slightly over the Cloud II. Exclusive models still
played an important role, and chassis were made available for
independent coachbuilders. Also, Rolls-Royce continued to offer the
flagship long-wheelbase version, which added four inches to the
length of the chassis. While outwardly similar, the LWB offered
superior comfort for rear-seat passengers and an optional division
window for chauffeur driven cars. This 1964 Silver Cloud III is one
of just 254 long-wheelbase examples produced between 1963 and 1965.
The Cloud III LWB is one of the most desirable standard production
models of the Silver Cloud range, combining the mechanical
refinements of the third series, with the exclusive and luxurious
long-wheelbase chassis. According to factory records, this original
US-specification car first sold through J.S. Inskip Rolls-Royce of
New York. Records show the original owner was Mrs. Vida L. Hudson
(nee Whitmore), an American stage actress, businesswoman, and
philanthropist. Mrs. Hudson was in her eighties when she bought the
Silver Cloud, so it is quite likely the car was chauffeur-driven
for much of its early life. The chassis card lists the original
color scheme as Shell Gray over a Scarlet Connolly leather interior
with equipment including a radio, electric aerial, electric
windows, and Dunlop whitewall tires. The most recent owner acquired
this car twenty years ago in Savannah, Georgia, from a fellow Rolls
enthusiast and active RROC member. Today, LCDL9 wears an attractive
blue and silver livery, with an honest and usable character coming
with regular maintenance and care. The body presents in good order,
with consistent, even panel gaps and properly aligned doors. The
paintwork is in good condition, finished to driver-quality
standards. It is glossy and well-presented overall, with some minor
imperfections found upon inspection. Brightwork is also quite good,
including the stainless steel radiator grille, excellent chrome
bumpers, and proper stainless steel wheel covers with body-color
accents and striping. The original Scarlet Connolly leather is a
bold contrast to the exterior color scheme. The seats show some
moderate cracking, and some seams have opened, yet the interior has
an honest and inviting character. Remaining leather on the door
panels, dash top, and kick panels are in excellent condition.
Carpets are in good order, with some wear noted around the rear
footrests. The dash panel, instruments, switchgear, and controls
all present well and are consistent with this being a well-kept
original car. Similarly, the woodwork is sound and attractive, with
a light patina to the lacquer finish. Mechanically, this car feels
quite strong, with excellent on-road performance characteristics.
The previous owner recently spent several thousand dollars at a
trusted specialist, ensuring the car's performance is on par.
Welcome additions include a high-torque starter motor and a modern
rotary-style air conditioning compressor. Few driving experiences
compare to that of a piloting a Silver Cloud, and this example,
with its honest presentation, is in the ideal condition for regular
enjoyment on your favorite country lanes or in casual club
meetings. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6511-1964-rolls-royce-silver-cloud-iii-lwb-saloon/
