1965 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III ‘ Flying Spur’ Sports Saloon
1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Sports Saloon
Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Ltd.
Chassis no. SHS341C
Engine no. SS170H
- One of 54 Silver Cloud III’s wearing ‘Flying Spur’ bodywork
- Comprehensively restored by marque specialists in 2010
- Prize winning show car
Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with development of its aging six-cylinder engine nearing an end, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached.
Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though the duo’s performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminium-alloy V8 engine.
In 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent debuted, employing the same V8 engine though with larger carburettors, new distributor and raised compression ratio – the III also came with a four-speed GM-derived automatic transmission as standard equipment.
Most obvious among many changes from the preceding models was the adoption of four-headlamp lighting and a slightly lower radiator shell. Inside there was improved accommodation with separate front seats and increased room for rear passengers. Notable as the last mainstream Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the Silver Cloud III proved immensely successful both at home and abroad, remaining in production until the autumn of 1965.
This very special Silver Cloud III was delivered on December 15, 1964 to K. Bates, Esq. of the Howarth Construction Co. Ltd of Burnley, Lancashire. Delivered in a combination of Regal Red with beige hide upholstery, the same scheme it wears today. ‘SHS 341C’ was fitted with such options as a Hirschmann electric aerial, power windows, and luggage straps.
While the build sheet lists Park Ward, Ltd as the coach-builder, Bernard King in his book The Flying Spur notes that all ‘Flying Spur’ bodies were produced by H.J. Mulliner & Co. Ltd.
A point that is slightly confused by the merger of H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward into H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Ltd. in 1961.
In total 54 Rolls Rovce Silver Cloud Ill’s were ordered with the
unique ‘Flying Spur’ body. More than five times as many Bentleys Continental Flying Spurs were built than Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud wearing this coachwork.
This sporting design found favour with Rolls-Royce’s changing clientele, shifting as it was from traditional landowners and industrialists to more flamboyant stars of film and stage.
After Mr Bates, Esq. sold the Rolls-Royce, it passed through four subsequent owners before turning up in the collection of Phillip Brooks of Alexandria, Virginia in 1991. It was in Mr Brooks’ care for the next 20 years, during which time it was filmed for a feature in a 2003 episode of the TV show Great Cars. Following this lengthly custodianship, possession of the car was passed on again, this is where a thorough and detailed restoration began.
Marque specialist Jim Henry completed the cosmetic work on the car, including a repaint in its original color scheme and refurbishing the interior wood, while Doug Seibert, another well-respected Rolls-Royce guru, completed the mechanical refurbishment. Emerging from restoration in 2010, it was shown at a number of Concours d’Elegance where it enjoyed numerous first place finishes.
To be sold freshly serviced and MOT’d and with its original factory booklets.
CUV 788C is a truly exceptional example of the breed, viewing is highly recommended.
