Lot 414

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Description:

Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III, 1964 silver over midnight blue, right-hand drive
40,131 miles (possibly the actual mileage but not warranted)
chassis number SFU 263
engine number SU131F
9:1 high compression model
body number 7698
paint code ICI M 062-4142, midnight blue
interior hide VM 3393, grey
retro-fitted air conditioning, re-charged with recently replaced compressor
fitted dust cover
With original British registration plates

Provenance: Estate of George Capers Bull, Jr. Cameron, South Carolina

Other Notes: This eminently collectible Silver Cloud III is a delightful example of the 2,044 units that were built between 1963 and 1966. It comes complete with the original owner's manual that still retains the lubrication and maintenance chart (TSD Publication 2028) and wiring diagram (TSD publication 2076). Additional documentation includes an original ring-bound workshop manual (publication TSD 729) and a 1979 reprint of the V-8 engine manual (TSD publication 753). A complete copy of the original factory build-sheets and road-test rectification notes are part of a comprehensive history file consisting of correspondence and invoices dating back to 1984.

This eye-catching example of incomparably stylish gentleman's motoring perfection has been owned for almost a quarter of a century by a prominent local businessman who was a descendant of one of the colonial British Governors of South Carolina. This Rolls Royce was imported rather unconventionally because it was shipped to its new home as "hand luggage" on a QE II transatlantic crossing in 1984. During its long life in South Carolina, this Silver Cloud was cherished, well-looked after and frequently exhibited at classic car events. This Cloud III was specially found as a prime specimen in England at the time of purchase, and because it has not been through any uncaring hands in the past it is, in this respect, an unusual example of this investment grade motor car.

Before the second World War it was only possible to buy a rolling chassis from Rolls Royce. The new chassis was delivered to a coachbuilder of one's personal choice for completion to a bespoke design or to be fitted with a factory approved, standardized design. The construction of a separate body by another company was an expensive way to create a motor car and fully cognizant of post-war British market austerity, the 1949 "Silver Dawn" was the first ever Rolls-Royce to be offered complete with a "standard steel" factory-made body.

The austerity "Dawn" was sold into a weak market and only 760 were made. But in April 1955, the J. P. Blatchley designed Silver Cloud was presented to instantly enthusiastic public acclaim. Like any real work of art, the visual delights of this exceptionally elegant motor car have continued to improve with age and are not likely to be bettered in their archetypal, categorical perfection. The Cloud speaks to everyone, and this model will forever say "Rolls Royce" to even the most disinterested member of the public.

Not surprisingly, the exceptional Silver Cloud was, in Rolls Royce terms, a wildly successful design that sold in unheard-of quantities and remained, with minor modifications, in production for eleven years until March 1966. By 1959, the 6-cylinder in-line engine was no longer considered adequate for the all-important US market and with the quiet assistance of GM's Cadillac division, Rolls Royce introduced their first V-8 engine configuration with the Silver Cloud series II model.

Concerned with losing market shares to the Mercedes-Benz 600 "Grosser Mercedes" introduced in 1963, the Silver Cloud III was visually refined with a marginally lowered radiator profile, twin headlamps and updated performance with new carburetors that produced about 10% more power. When provoked by an errant Pontiac GTO muscle car of the same year, this patrician transport can be coaxed to barrel along at an almost ungentlemanly 120 mph and will confidently outbrake the GTO at any time along the way, but for practical purposes, this elegant conveyance feels entirely happy at normal interstate speeds. Solidly built with a separate chassis/body configuration and equipped with a virtually bullet-proof V-8 devoid of failure-prone electronics, there are plenty of good reasons to suggest that a Cloud III can easily be enjoyed as a daily driver.

    Condition:
  • This is a rare version of this highly popular Rolls-Royce and presents itself in a largely original condition. There are no major issues to report and this car can be enjoyed right away. This Rolls-Royce benefits from an extensive set of records including copies of the original factory build sheets. Many original documents such as the Owner's Manual come with the car.

    EXTERIOR: The two-tone paint (Silver over blue) has been subject to re-working in the lower sections and in some isolated areas spots may be found where the paint is beginning to rise. The chrome is in original condition. The glazing is in good condition. The tires are good. The car would benefit from a replacement set of rubber seals as these have hardened over the years.

    INTERIOR: The grey leather shows no excessive markings of wear and is in excellent overall condition. The carpets are original and in good condition. The wooden door cappings would benefit from re-varnishing.

    MECHANICAL: There are no obvious mechanical problems with this Rolls-Royce. The engine fires instantly and once the operating temperature has been reached, the gear changes are smooth. The brakes work well. The passenger door lock is sometimes difficult to operate.



    *** Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that an object is free of defects or restoration. Condition reports are prepared by request on a 'first come, first served' basis. For more information please read paragraph #9 of Terms and Condition of Sale.

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March 22, 2014 10:00 AM EDT
West Columbia, SC, US

Charlton Hall

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