Lot 279: 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III

At the end of the 1950s the Rolls-Royce six-cylinder engine was at the limit of its development, and though top speed was still excellent the acceleration was becoming modest when compared to the American luxury competition. Rolls-Royce had been developing a V8 engine for some years, and finally introduced it in the Autumn of 1959. The new unit was all-aluminium and featured steel wet liners, whilst displacement went up to 6230 c.c. Thanks to this the top speed of the Cloud, renamed the Cloud II in this guise, jumped to 113 m.p.h. Acceleration was improved as well, with the 0-60 m.p.h. time of 14.2 for the Cloud II's predecessor being reduced to 10.9 seconds, a very noteworthy achievement.The Cloud III model introduced a further up-rated engine with larger SU carburettors, and a higher compression ratio yielding an additional 15 b.h.p. There was also more power assistance for the steering. Externally the model was readily recognizable by the provision of paired headlamp mountings, and shortening of the radiator grille. This particular example is described by the vendor to be in very good condition due to the car having a full service history from new and a restoration carried out in 1990. 745 GJB is finished in Cardinal Red with Ivory interior and comes complete with a full tool kit. The car has a current MOT expiring in February 2006 and current Road Fund Licence.Estimate £23,000 - £25,000