Make: | Rolls-Royce |
Model: | Silver Cloud III |
Year: | 1964 |
Mileage: | 88,280 |
VIN: | LSEV175 |
Color: | Black |
Engine: | 6.2 Litre 8-Cylinder no. SV87E |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Drive type: | RWD |
Interior color: | Black |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Emeryville, California, United States |
Telephone: +1 510 653 7555 | Fax: +1 510 653 9754 Showroom Location: 1145 Park Avenue | Emeryville, CA 94608 |
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1964 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III
s/n LSEV175, Engine no. SV87E
Black with Black Leather
The Silver Cloud, which replaced the R-type and Silver Dawn models, made its predecessor look decidedly old-fashioned, and represented the last of the separate-frame Rolls-Royces. Available in three series, the most developed was of course the Silver Cloud III, which in addition to incorporating the alloy 6.2 liter V8 introduced in the Silver Cloud II, also had a lower radiator, a new four headlamp front fascia, larger carburetors, increased compression ratio, and reduced weight by some 220 pounds, which improved performance noticeably. Power steering and power brakes were standard, as was a four-speed automatic. Factory options included air conditioning, and power windows, among other comfort amities.
Simply put, this particular car is among the finest Silver Clouds we have handled at Fantasy Junction. Cosmetically, structurally, operationally, and in terms of history, the car is truly excellent, and has logged very few miles on a cosmetic restoration to a very high standard. An original left hand drive car, this example appears to have been in the dry western climates its entire life. It was under the care of its original owner, Mr. McCormick of McCormick Ranch (in Scottsdale), Arizona from 1964 to 2007. Originally a 4200 acre ranch owned by the McCormick family and used as a vacation home, McCormick Ranch was sold in 1970 for $12 million and became one of the largest planned residential housing developments in Arizona. The McCormicks were descendants of the original inventors of the reaper on the paternal side, and John D. Rockefeller on the maternal side, and they kept houses in New York, France, and Illinois, in addition to Scottsdale.
Cosmetically, this car is in very good order, with the restoration aging gracefully. The paintwork is beautiful and was completed to very high standards. It looks absolutely stunning, which is a particularly difficult feat with black cars. There are some flaws present from age and use including one paint prep imperfection above the left front axle line and a few minor areas of spot touch up, but in general the presentation is beautiful. The panels fit very well. The car has a lovely hand-painted light grey coachline and hubcap accents. The lights and glass are excellent, and the car has Lucas flamethrower fog lamps. The chrome is very good, with light scratching only on the window trims and bumpers. The radiator shell is excellent.
The interior is absolutely stunning and is dripping with opulence. Every inch of leather has been replaced, from the seats and door panels, to the ceiling mounted grab straps, sun visors, dashboard top, and door jamb and carpet welting. The wood is spectacularly refinished throughout as well, and the carpets were also replaced with high quality wool. The wool headliner was also replaced. The switches and instruments are excellent throughout and the picnic tables and vanities were beautifully restored as well. This example was factory supplied with power widows and air conditioning, which blows frigid cold, and is a rare option.
The engine compartment and trunk are original and very nicely preserved. The engine compartment is correct and tidy, and shows signs of proper maintenance. The trunk carpet is original and is very nice considering this, and the tool set is still in place, though some tools are missing. Structurally, the car is magnificent, with no significant structural corrosion to speak of, a particularly rare occurrence among these cars, which are prone to corrosion because of their complex construction. The car runs and drives superbly. It starts immediately, accelerates effortlessly, and it turns, goes, and stops very well.
This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire an exceptional example of the last and best of the separate frame Rolls-Royces. The car has always been a Western car, and is and always has been free of significant corrosion. The bodywork on these cars is extremely expensive to put right when it is compromised, and this example is structurally superb. Restored to a level which could not be duplicated for the asking price, the car is excellent and it is an absolute joy to behold and use. On the whole, this is truly a top flight example for the Rolls-Royce connoisseur seeking an elegant enclosed motorcar with seating for four.