1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon

Before the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Rolls-Royce was seen as a manufacturer of luxury cars for English aristocrats. The purchasing choices of a number of celebrities produced a change in the perception of the Rolls-Royce brand, with the result that it picked up new potential customers. This was a huge boon because gaining access to new segments of luxury car consumers opened up a lot of new possibilities for the luxury car manufacturer. Something that continues to have an important impact in the present day. Elvis bought one in 1960, which was in addition to other Rolls-Royce cars that he had bought. Likewise, both Frank Sinatra and John Lennon are known to have bought Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds as well. Unsurprisingly, these purchasing choices had an interesting impact on the choices of other consumers in the luxury car market.

For consignment, a body repaired, resprayed, and classic classic from across the pond right out of the great year off 1964. This was the second to last year for the Silver Cloud III, so one could say this would be one of the final chances to see the Rolls in its classic design form. Some would say old and outdated, I would say when you have something that works keep it going, but alas things ultimately changed.

Exterior
A very tasteful crisp clean white respray covers the exterior. Chrome and brite work are very nicely preserved, and the iconic large grille, and this year flanked by dual headlights in oval nacelles. A heavy application of body filler is noted on the lowers along with extensive bubbling of underlying rust along with some rust peeking through the tin repairs on said rockers. A large body filler area is noted on the passenger's lower quarter as well and is bubbling out much like the rockers. The gaps remain fairly well minded and chips are noted here and there throughout the finish. The Spirit of Ecstasy tops off the radiator and fronts the long hood and speaking of which, we are still using folding side cowlings in lieu of a hood, so we need to access each side to see the engine. The rear with its very spacious passenger compartment, and space to lease out the trunk, will hold almost anything for the long haul. Classic lines, classic styling and the well known grille and surround are all highlighted by 15-inch wheels with Rolls-Royce full wheel covers all shod in thin whitewall radials from the 35th week of 2017.

Interior
Opening any of the 4 doors and we are met with a beige broadcloth covering on the seats and padded door panels, with the seats showing some wear, and very light soiling, this car has a definite patina to the interior. The rear bench is in a bit better condition and one can only surmise these seats have been recovered at some time in the past. We need to make note of the beautiful hand selected burl that trims the upper door panels and makes up the front of the long dash. A very slight bit of crazing can be seen throughout on the finish of the burl and above the dash is a wrinkled black padded topper. Also, rear passengers can have a fold down tray which is also covered in the burl. Tan Wilton wool carpeting covers the floors and appears in good condition. A felt headliner is tight, and original. Power windows and dual climate controls are in the dash, along with the usual gauges and knobs.

Drivetrain
Lifting either side of the cowled hood reveals the factory 6.2 Liter V8 with 2 SU carburetors feeding it that puts out a nice power range as you are taken through the automatic gears in the Hydramatic 4-speed transmission. This smooth and sultry power team sends ponies to a 3.08 geared axle to spin the rear tires.

Undercarriage
Up in the air we are greeted with a mix of patina and rust covering most components of the bottom side. Some of the rust is merely of the surface variety, while other areas, including the bottoms of the outer rockers, inner rockers, body mounts, and areas of both the front and rear wheel houses are infected with invasive rust. Some areas have been hastily repaired with pop-riveted sheet metal and body filler, while other areas remain exposed showing the damage. 4-wheel drum brakes are noted, as is independent coil sprung front suspension as well as leaf spring rear suspension to bring you that famously smooth Rolls ride.

Drive-Ability
I donned my best attire and rang up my partner in crime to pick me up in front of the test track. I left him to handle the driving while I enjoyed the finer things in life from the rear seat. Sadly our test drive was cut short, as protocol states that the first item to check is the operation of the brakes. We can report that after some vigorous pumping we were able to achieve a semi-firm pedal, but after one stop that pedal sank to the floor. The rest of our test drive was performed stationary in our paddock area. Here we found that both the horn and heater blower were non-functional, the brake lights did not illuminate, the clock did not keep time and the left rear window would not go up or down.

A second to last year of generation III of the Silver Cloud, and this one is in need of some TLC on many fronts. At the end of the day after rust remediation, some interior work along with mechanical repair you'll have a top of the line Rolls that is instantly recognizable anywhere you take it. Write the check, turn the wrenches and you are sure to get around in all the best of British motoring style. I say….

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.