1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud

1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Sedan

The Final Generation Silver CloudChassis # LSFU1036230 CC OGV V-8 Engine4-speed Automatic Transmission

The History of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III:

The Silver Cloud II was introduced in October 1962. The most noticeable difference from earlier Clouds were the addition of quad headlights, a more subtle lowered hood and front fender lines. Demand continued unabated for what was, in world terms, outdated technology. By the time Silver Cloud III production ceased in 1966, 2,860 had been delivered, the last few being coach-built cars. Production of the standard sedans had ended in 1965.

The History of this Car:

This Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III arrived in New York on April 2, 1964. It was delivered to its first owner, Ms. Betty Yaeger of Westport, CT on June 4, 1964.It was built to left-hand drive North American specifications, including factory air conditioning, power windows and power steering – in essence, every option available in 1964. When the third owner acquired the car in 1990, it had accumulated only 18,000 miles. The paint and interior were still like new.

After being driven about 1500 more miles, it developed a leaking left-head gasket. Rather than simply replacing the gasket, the opportunity was taken to remove the engine and transmission and completely recondition them. Upon disassembly, the engine was found to be within normal specifications, but a complete overhaul was undertaken, including new piston rings, valve springs, guides and seals, and road and main bearings. The crankshaft was polished and balanced, and the valves were given a multi-angle competition resurfacing. The cylinders were honed before reassembly The cooling system was completely overhauled, with new water pump, thermostat, and hoses. The original oil pump was rebuilt with new components. The reassembled engine was painted and carefully detailed, and all external ancillaries – carburetors, power steering and heater – were rebuilt. The transmission was completely refurbished, as the braking system – wheel cylinders, master cylinder and brake lines. Chassis refurbishment included the replacement of shock absorbers and front coil springs, particularly susceptible to wear on Silver Cloud cars.

While the engine and transmission were out a general reconditioning of the car was undertaken. The interior and trim were removed, and the entire body stripped to the bare metal. Epoxy primers and sealer were applied, followed by urethane colors-coats, hand sanded and rubbed to yield a finish equivalent or superior to Rolls-Royce factory quality, but with the improved durability of modern chemistry. The exterior colors are Mason's Black over Rolls-Royce Burgundy. The condition of the interior was so good that it was reinstalled, with new rubber where appropriate. The body chrome was in as-new condition and required no re-plating. This work was carried out by southwest Pennsylvania restoration specialist Bill Hahn.

As a concession to modernity, convenience, and the environment, a few upgrades have been made to the car. The air-conditioning has been converted to R-134a refrigerant, and in the process, improved with a more efficient compressor, new drier, hoses, belts, and R-134a-compatible seals. It now cools adequately for the North American climate, for which the original system was only marginal. Other upgrades include a digital cruise, and premium wide whitewall tires. An upgraded sound system was added, and additional speakers unobtrusively located in door and interior panels. The original interior appearance was retained in every aspect.

After the completion of the work, it was driven only 500 gentle ‘break-in' miles. It was stored in a climate-controlled facility until it was sold to a private collector in Minnesota where it remained from 2006-2020. Over the course of his ownership, it was driven and enjoyed approximately 8,000 miles.

When the car reached the current owner in April 2020, it had accumulated only 28,360 miles. The car still looked and performed beautifully, but he decided that although the car had spent most of its life in climate-controlled collections, he would do a complete, no expense spared, mechanical and cosmetic restoration on the car.

The first order of business was to have a complete mechanical inspection and service. The car was serviced, belts and hoses replaced, a new correct Rolls-Royce stainless steel exhaust system was installed, window switches on the driver's door were replaced, wheels cylinders were replaced, and a new AC compressor was installed. The fluids were topped, and minor adjustments were made, a new rear seat belt was added. A total of $18k was spent.

It was then sent to renowned Rolls Royce Specialist, James Long, to be inspected. Mr. Long has over 35 years' experience working on Rolls-Royces. Mr. Long had the car in his possession for 3 months. During that time, Mr. Long resealed the shocks, replaced the pinion seal, replaced the master cylinders, replaced the servo brake lining & seal, removed & resealed the transmission, replaced the starter motor with new reduction gear starter, replaced the SU fuel pump, resealed the power steering pump, replaced the power steering hoses, replaced the steering box mounts, replaced all u-joints and serviced the drive shaft, replaced motor and transmission mounts, replaced main battery cable with copper cable, replaced battery ground cable and installed a shut off switch, replaced spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, points, condenser and new ignition coil, replaced the water pump and thermostat, replaced the radiator hoses and heater hoses and clamps, installed a fan and fan clutch with a 7 blade fan, replaced belts, installed a new A/C trunk unit, replaced all A/C freon hoses, installed a new radio, speakers and automatic antenna, re-chromed the front bumper and bumper guards, replaced the horn replaced all door weather seals and vent window seals, serviced the door electric window lift and switches, replaced the front sway bar grommets, replaced all fluids, flushed the radiator, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid and removed, cleaned and adjusted the carburetors.

The interior door wood trim was refinished, and the complete interior was removed including seats, trim panels, carpets, and door wind lace. The seats and door panels were sent to L&S auto trim for fitment of new supplied leather and trim panels for assembly. ($5,550) The Connolly leather trim was sourced by Hilborn Motor Car Interiors, ($8535) as well as the period correct Wilton wool carpets ($2900). Tommy Hilburn is the industry standard for Rolls-Royce interiors. Upon completion, Mr. Long reinstalled the complete interior and installed matching seat belts.

Once the mechanical restoration was complete, it was shipped back to the owner, who then took it to Ron Vallario of Superior Auto Body. Ron is not only a qualified shop, but he is a long time Rolls-Royce owner. Ron completed any paint correction needed at the time to bring the car back to its current Concours condition. ($7100)

A total of over $68,000 was spent!

This 1964 Silver Cloud III is a museum quality restored and Concours ready example. It features all the looks and style of the day it was new, but with a few modern upgrades to make driving it daily a pleasurable experience. The current owner does drive it daily and says that it cruises beautifully at 70mph!

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The current mileage is 29,537. The miles and history of this car is very well documented. The Florida title reads ‘exempt' due to age.

This well-sorted example is ready to be shown, rallied, or daily driven worry-free for years to come.

Serious inquiries, please email me [email protected]

For more great cars & parts, please visit my eBay store! New items added daily!

Deposit of $2000.00 USD to be made via PayPal with 24hrs and full payment to be made within 3 days of auction end. The final payment can be made via bank wire transfer, cashiers check or cash upon pick up of vehicle. Buyer is responsible for all transportation costs to move vehicle from Largo FL 33777 to their location. Title and all documentation will be given to buyer once final payment is received and cleared.

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