1965 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD III 'FLYING SPUR'

This 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III ‘Flying Spur’ is an outstanding example of the marque’s coach-built luxury car, which is presented in pristine condition following a full nut-and-bolt restoration. It is powered by a smooth 6.2-litre V8, which is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer displays 81,126 miles.

Notable for being the last production Rolls-Royce to feature a separate chassis, the elegant Silver Cloud III was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1962, and boasted a redesigned interior while weighing approximately 100kg less than its predecessor. It also received a moderate increase in power, courtesy of a set of 2-inch SU carburettors, a 9:1 compression ratio and a nitride-hardened crankshaft.

This example is one of only 54 adorned with the sporting HJ Mulliner ‘Flying Spur’ bodywork. A full copy of the factory build records on file show that it was ordered via main agents J Cockshoot & Co. of Manchester by its first owner in Cheshire. The car originally left the factory finished in the golden Sable hue, with a Scarlet leather interior, Scarlet Connolly carpets, and a beige headlining.

First registered in November 1965, this car remained with its first owner for around 13 years, and the subsequent keepers are well-documented in the history. From 1987 through to 1998, it was part of the well-known Rolls-Royce collection of British businessman - and keen automobile and aviation enthusiast - Wensley Haydon-Baillie. It was acquired by the seller seven years ago, and has since undergone an exhaustive restoration.

As a result of its extensive refurbishment, this Silver Cloud III’s expansive body and dark grey metallic paintwork are in exceptional order, with no damage, corrosion or other blemishes to speak of. The car’s exterior trim and brightwork also presents superbly, and while the vendor notes that there is a small dent on the bumper, this does not detract from this Flying Spur’s wonderful overall condition. It rides on a set of 15-inch steel wheels, which are fitted with the correct polished hub caps, accented by body-coloured rings with burgundy pinstripes.

On stepping into the cabin, you are met by swathes of sumptuous burgundy hide, which covers the seats and door cards, and which is in fantastic, unmarked condition. Lacquered wood veneers cover the dashboard and upper door cards, and matching red carpet is fitted throughout. The result is a warm and inviting interior, which is as elegant and well-trimmed as you would expect in a 1960s Rolls Royce. All of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items function without fault, and of course there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This elegant sporting saloon’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in August 2017 at 80,889 miles by SJ Autos. Its last MOT test was conducted on 15 July 2020 at 81,126 miles, which resulted in a clean pass after minor issues with the indicators, headlamps and windscreen washers were rectified. All four wheels are shod in Cooper Lifeliner Classic II tyres, which the vendor states are in good condition.

Within the history file is an excellent record of the MOT history from the mid-1980s through to the present day, supporting its current indicated mileage. The car will also be accompanied by documents which detail its history and maintenance, as well as the second edition of ‘Handbook for the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III’.

Described by the seller as being in concours condition, this Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III ‘Flying Spur’ is an elegant and luxurious classic, which features very rare HJ Mulliner bodywork and benefits from a full, ground-up restoration. Beautifully finished inside and out and in excellent running order, it will surely appeal to any enthusiast or discerning collector, and is ready to be enjoyed on the open road.

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