Vehicle Description
1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon
Before the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Rolls-Royce was seen as a
manufacturer of luxury cars for English aristocrats. The purchasing
choices of a number of celebrities produced a change in the
perception of the Rolls-Royce brand, with the result that it picked
up new potential customers. This was a huge boon because gaining
access to new segments of luxury car consumers opened up a lot of
new possibilities for the luxury car manufacturer. Something that
continues to have an important impact in the present day. Elvis
bought one in 1960, which was in addition to other Rolls-Royce cars
that he had bought. Likewise, both Frank Sinatra and John Lennon
are known to have bought Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds as well.
Unsurprisingly, these purchasing choices had an interesting impact
on the choices of other consumers in the luxury car market.
For consignment, a body repaired, resprayed, and classic classic
from across the pond right out of the great year off 1964. This was
the second to last year for the Silver Cloud III, so one could say
this would be one of the final chances to see the Rolls in its
classic design form. Some would say old and outdated, I would say
when you have something that works keep it going, but alas things
ultimately changed.
Exterior
A very tasteful crisp clean white respray covers the exterior.
Chrome and brite work are very nicely preserved, and the iconic
large grille, and this year flanked by dual headlights in oval
nacelles. A heavy application of body filler is noted on the lowers
along with extensive bubbling of underlying rust along with some
rust peeking through the tin repairs on said rockers. A large body
filler area is noted on the passenger's lower quarter as well and
is bubbling out much like the rockers. The gaps remain fairly well
minded and chips are noted here and there throughout the finish.
The Spirit of Ecstasy tops off the radiator and fronts the long
hood and speaking of which, we are still using folding side
cowlings in lieu of a hood, so we need to access each side to see
the engine. The rear with its very spacious passenger compartment,
and space to lease out the trunk, will hold almost anything for the
long haul. Classic lines, classic styling and the well known grille
and surround are all highlighted by 15-inch wheels with Rolls-Royce
full wheel covers all shod in thin whitewall radials from the 35th
week of 2017.
Interior
Opening any of the 4 doors and we are met with a beige broadcloth
covering on the seats and padded door panels, with the seats
showing some wear, and very light soiling, this car has a definite
patina to the interior. The rear bench is in a bit better condition
and one can only surmise these seats have been recovered at some
time in the past. We need to make note of the beautiful hand
selected burl that trims the upper door panels and makes up the
front of the long dash. A very slight bit of crazing can be seen
throughout on the finish of the burl and above the dash is a
wrinkled black padded topper. Also, rear passengers can have a fold
down tray which is also covered in the burl. Tan Wilton wool
carpeting covers the floors and appears in good condition. A felt
headliner is tight, and original. Power windows and dual climate
controls are in the dash, along with the usual gauges and
knobs.
Drivetrain
Lifting either side of the cowled hood reveals the factory 6.2
Liter V8 with 2 SU carburetors feeding it that puts out a nice
power range as you are taken through the automatic gears in the
Hydramatic 4-speed transmission. This smooth and sultry power team
sends ponies to a 3.08 geared axle to spin the rear tires.
Undercarriage
Up in the air we are greeted with a mix of patina and rust covering
most components of the bottom side. Some of the rust is merely of
the surface variety, while other areas, including the bottoms of
the outer rockers, inner rockers, body mounts, and areas of both
the front and rear wheel houses are infected with invasive rust.
Some areas have been hastily repaired with pop-riveted sheet metal
and body filler, while other areas remain exposed showing the
damage. 4-wheel drum brakes are noted, as is independent coil
sprung front suspension as well as leaf spring rear suspension to
bring you that famously smooth Rolls ride.
Drive-Ability
I donned my best attire and rang up my partner in crime to pick me
up in front of the test track. I left him to handle the driving
while I enjoyed the finer things in life from the rear seat. Sadly
our test drive was cut short, as protocol states that the first
item to check is the operation of the brakes. We can report that
after some vigorous pumping we were able to achieve a semi-firm
pedal, but after one stop that pedal sank to the floor. The rest of
our test drive was performed stationary in our paddock area. Here
we found that both the horn and heater blower were non-functional,
the brake lights did not illuminate, the clock did not keep time
and the left rear window would not go up or down.
A second to last year of generation III of the Silver Cloud, and
this one is in need of some TLC on many fronts. At the end of the
day after rust remediation, some interior work along with
mechanical repair you'll have a top of the line Rolls that is
instantly recognizable anywhere you take it. Write the check, turn
the wrenches and you are sure to get around in all the best of
British motoring style. I say....
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
