1965 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III "Chinese Eyes"

• Undoubtedly one of the finest available

• One of only 37 LHD examples built

• Specified from new with radio, electric antenna, Sundym glass

• Factory build records on file

• The beneficiary of extensive works throughout

• Exquisitely presented and available for immediate delivery

Just 37 LHD example of the Silver Cloud III Continental FHCs were built by Mulliner Park Ward and they truly represent one of the finest Silver Cloud variants, combining hugely contemporary styling compared to the rest of Rolls-Royce’s lineup with the formidable performance that has ensured the continuing appreciation of Continental models. John Bletchley’s subtle improvements to Vilhelm Koren’s revolutionary design makes for a supremely stylish grand tourer that perfectly combines Rolls-Royce tradition with the minimalism of Nordic design. The dashboard is quite sporty in comparison to other Clouds with its driver-oriented instrument binnacle which was clearly mimicked by other marques in period including Alvis with their TF21. It is also one of the only 2-door Coupé offerings for the Rolls-Royce e Silver Cloud with that having usually been exclusively Bentley’s domain. It’s no wonder that at the height of the 1960s, the Cloud III FHC represented was truly one of the world’s most desirable cars with owners including Mick Jagger, Peter Sellers and Sammy Davis Jr, the latter’s car was one we were privileged to have handled the sale of. Even more recently, supermodel Kate Moss acquired a stunning Black FHC of her own, showing that the car has lost none of its cool factor all these years later.

This beautiful Silver Cloud III FHC was supplied new in 1965 to successful businessman, philanthropist and WW2 Naval Lieutenant Commander, George Legler Benbough. “Legler” as he was usually referred. He was the son of Percy J. Benbough who served as the 23rd mayor of San Diego from 1935 until his premature passing in 1942. Legler took over the family’s successful mortuary business and was clearly philanthropic in life, having started the charitable Legler Benbough Foundation which between 1985 and 2021 donated some $66.3 million to organisations in the San Diego community, also donating $1 million to the San Diego Museum of Art. Benbough ordered the car in the excellent colour combination of Sand with Beige Vaumol leather. Added options included an electric aerial and a Radiomobile radio, a unit it retains today!

Equally special to this stunning Rolls-Royce was the house it was sold new to in La Jolla, California, an incredible beachfront property currently on the market for $45 million. The car was clearly a beloved possession as Legler retained the car at his beautiful La Jolla home until his death in 1998, passing next to its second owner in Los Angeles. Eventually, the car was sold by marque specialists Vantage Motorworks of Florida to the Middle East where it formed part of an extensive private collection before returning here to the country of its creation.

This Silver Cloud III FHC represents an extremely rare opportunity to buy an example that has spent its life in dry climates with over half of its life spent in California, largely regarded as the ultimate climate for cars due to its dry heat, safeguarding cars from rust. The car has recently benefitted from a full repaint in its original Sand colour as well as receiving extensive mechanical recommissioning. It is abundantly clear that this truly has always been a great car with caring owners, upon acquisition the car still had much of its original cellulose paintwork! The car looks equally magnificent inside with its beautiful, black Vaumol leather interior and gleaming wood. Whether one plans on swanning through Notting Hill or wafting along the stunning coastline of Southern California, this is the perfect car for the job. Perhaps someone should even consider reuniting the car with its original, lavish La Jolla home…

Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call to book an appointment.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information but errors may occur. Please check with a salesperson.