Vehicle Description
Despite being more than 65 years old, the graceful and elegant
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud remains one of the most iconic symbols of
luxury in the modern era. More than 7,000 examples were built from
1955 through 1966, making it was the best-selling Rolls-Royce to
that point, and the go-to transport for business executives, movie
stars, and oil barons around the world. Produced over three series,
most Silver Clouds were sold with the baroque-style Standard Steel
Saloon coachwork. The chassis and drivetrain were continually
developed through three distinct generations, with the Silver Cloud
III being the ultimate iteration, with added refinement, power, and
luxury. Many marque enthusiasts agree that these late examples as
the best and most desirable of the range. They are also the rarest
standard models, with just 2,044 Cloud IIIs built before the Silver
Shadow arrived in 1967. This superb 1964 Silver Cloud III saloon is
one of the finest we've had the pleasure to offer. According to
factory records, chassis SFU 153 is a home-market car ordered for
Mr. James Leonard Seed, Esq, and delivered in the first part of
1964 via the official dealer W. Watson Ltd. The well-detailed build
sheets show it was originally finished in Astral Blue with Shell
Gray lower panels over red hides and maroon carpets. Options
included electric windows, Dunlop tubeless tires, and B-pillar
mounted combination turning/parking lamps. Ownership records show
Mr. Seed held on to the car for many years, and it wasn't until
1977 when the second owner was reported via the London dealer Jack
Barclay Ltd. The second owner was William Pressdee, Ltd, a funeral
home in Swansea that, incidentally, is still in operation today. By
the early 2000s, the Silver Cloud had made its way to the United
States, coming into the care of an east coast-based enthusiast. It
was undoubtedly a very sound car at the time, judged to 379 points
out of a possible 400 at the 2009 RROC meet in Williamsburg, VA. In
2011, the owner sought to elevate it further, commissioning the
Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists The Frawley Company of
Parkesburg, PA, to perform a comprehensive cosmetic restoration.
Between 2012-2014, the car was refinished to a very high standard
in its striking, factory correct two-tone color scheme of Astral
Blue over silver-gray sides, done to a very high standard using
high-quality materials. Invoices for additional work come from the
respected Richard Mullin Coachbuilding of Malvern, PA. Since
finding new owners in 2017, this Cloud III has continued to receive
meticulous and enthusiastic care. The gorgeous paintwork remains in
outstanding condition and lends the car tremendous presence on the
road. The gorgeous paintwork is detailed with red coachlines, and
it has recently been ceramic coated and fitted with paint
protection film for ultimate protection of the high-quality finish.
One small flaw is noted on the roof; however, the remainder of the
paint is absolutely superb. Chrome and brightwork are also in
excellent condition, with details including Lucas fog lamps, a
badge bar, and updated headlamps. The factory wheels wear
beautifully restored, color-keyed wheel covers along with
recently-fitted whitewall radial tires. As part of the restoration,
the interior was retrimmed from its original red to this striking
dark blue color. The upholstery work is beautifully executed using
the finest English leather, wool carpet, and broadcloth for the
headlining. Interior woodwork is also beautifully restored, with
superb finishing on the dash, door caps, and window surrounds,
while the rear picnic tables are well-preserved original pieces. A
modern AM/FM/CD/Satellite radio has been adapted to the driver's
side cubby. Subtly tinted glass provides sun protection for the
interior trim, as well as a modicum of privacy for occupants. In
2018, the most recent owners shipped the Silver Cloud to a
California-based Rolls-Royce/Bentley specialist, where it was
treated to a complete engine overhaul to the tune of nearly
$30,000. Records show that genuine Rolls-Royce parts were used
wherever possible in the project, including new cylinder liners,
pistons, rods, valves, and much more. Before installation, the
engine and engine bay were detailed to concours standards, and they
took the opportunity to update to a Sanden-type rotary A/C
compressor and a 12V alternator integrated into the generator body,
converted by Flying Spares in the UK. In addition, an electric fuel
pump was fitted and the chassis and undercarriage have been
detailed to a high standard. Accompanying the sale is an extensive
history file, including service and restoration receipts, owner's
handbook, correspondence, and factory-supplied build records/test
sheets. The car also retains its original tool kit and jack. It is
quite rare to encounter a Silver Cloud so lovingly maintained
without regard to cost. This fabulous example performs superbly and
is well suited to Rolls-Royce Owner's Club tours and concours, or
merely everyday driving enjoyment. Beautifully presented in
striking colors, a finer Silver Cloud III will difficult to find
anywhere. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6826-1964-rolls-royce-silver-cloud-iii-saloon/
