1964 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III "Chinese Eyes"

• The ultimate development of the legendary Silver Cloud series


• One of just 47 righthand drive Silver Cloud III coupés

• Believed to have just two family owners from new



From the moment the first Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud rolled out from the Crewe factory, it was seen as the Gold Standard of luxury cars, a crown which it maintained throughout its lengthy production. The Silver Cloud represented a huge leap forward for Rolls-Royce in terms of modern construction. No longer were they solely a chassis manufacturer but the Cloud series was sold as a complete car with fully packaged factory-built bodies, relegating custom coachwork to the exception rather than the rule. The 1959 model year saw the arrival of the long-awaited all-alloy, V8 engine in the Silver Cloud II. It was refined to its ultimate specification in 1963 with the Silver Cloud III nomenclature and to include a significant styling-refresh adding quad-headlamps flanking the classic radiator shell. Inside there was improved accommodation with separate front seats and increased room for the rear passengers. With its many refinements and timeless looks, the Cloud III remains a top choice amongst not only collectors but also driving enthusiasts.

Originally supplied from the factory in porcelain white with a black roof, it was specified with electric windows and a Hirshmann electric aerial, it has since undergone extensive restoration presenting now in the blue colour shown. Originally sold to Mr. Jack Bateman of London as a company car, it was then transferred into his own name upon retirement in 1979 and subsequently passed to his wife in 1989 upon his death. Maggie Bateman then re-married to Mr. Christopher Power of Hurstbourne Tarrant, Hampshire whereupon it was later sold, in 2006, to the current owner. This short ownership sequence shows that it has remained in the same family ownership for over 42 years and maintained meticulously throughout its life as the extensive history files testify. Mr. Power apparently used the car purely for pleasure visiting Glyndebourne and Royal Ascot on a regular basis then put away for the winter months. They were also keen impart to our vendor that whilst in their ownership, the car had never “failed to proceed”, a term attribute to Rolls-Royce aficionados but rarely used.

The engine was replaced with a reconditioned unit by Rolls-Royce in 1975 at 82,000 miles and the milometer was reset to 00000. It currently reads 63,500 still on this engine, a testament to its build quality and maintenance. In 1983, the car underwent significant restoration works with new front and rear wings fitted, a new rear panel and valance, all in aluminium of course and repainted still in the original colours. Then, during 1995-1998, all the steel substructure work was replaced and the bodywork completely rebuilt again although this time with the colour changed to the pale silver blue, still a true Rolls-Royce colour apparently. In addition, the woodwork was refinished with new carpets fitted and an overhaul of the leather work. A new stainless steel exhaust system was also fitted and the fuel system overhauled with all works carried out by noted restorers Vardy of Stockbridge, Hampshire.

In 2004, the gearbox was rebuilt by Tony Shaw of Thruxton costing £2,745 and since, in the current owner’s stewardship, it has received a major service with general check over and new tyres all round. In addition to this upkeep & maintenance, earlier this year the car was sent away to Bentley specialist’s Rees Bros with the request to go through the car from top to bottom and attend to a number of different issues that had arisen through a period of inactivity. This initially involved simply getting the car up and running included dealing with seized brakes and power steering leaks. The brakes, in fact, required new brake cylinders all round with the renewal of both master cylinders and overall adjustments. At the same time, the twin fuel pumps were replaced, the carburettors were overhauled, and the choke mechanism and the ignition system were serviced and adjusted. Final adjustments were then carried out on the braking system during extensive road tests.

The works, in fact, were extensive and totalled over 64 hours labour, you can imagine the cost of this alone, even before parts. it's just recently been carefully looked after by UCC professional storage where it has received the care it requires as well as a fresh one year MoT test certificate. Complete with two extensive history files going back practically to its original build date, a copy of the original set of chassis card details from the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club, this is in every way an exemplary example of its type and ready to “proceed” for many miles still to come. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille