Beschreibung:

Launched in 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent employed the 6.2-litre aluminium-alloy V8 engine first introduced in the Silver Cloud II, though with larger carburettors, new distributor and raised compression ratio and came with a four-speed GMderived automatic gearbox as standard equipment. Most obvious among many changes from the preceding models were the adoption of four headlamp lighting, the absence of sidelights from the wing tops, 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as the last mainstream Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the Silver Cloud III remained in production until superseded by the unitary-construction Silver Shadow in late 1965. As well as the factory-bodied cars, bespoke creations from James Young and the merged firm of H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd (now Rolls-Royce-owned) continued to be available on the Cloud III chassis for those discerning enthusiasts wealthy enough to afford them. Indeed, as the factory did not offer a convertible or drophead coupé, a coachbuilt car was the only option if one's preference was Rolls-Royce style fresh air motoring. One of the most desirable coachbuilt Silver Clouds was the 'Mulliner Adaptation'. These were cars taken from the Standard Steel production line and then the Coachbuilder H J Mulliner removed the roof and made them into a convertible. In the 1980's as these cars became more valuable a number of small companies started to copy what this famous coachbuilder had done in the late 1950's, early 1960's, the best of these companies to produce these recreations was Pilkington Coachworks. This very fine example, finished in dark blue with dark blue roof and tan leather interior, was converted by Pilkington's' before being shipped out to Hong Kong over 20 years ago, returning to the UK briefly in 2004 so that the Rolls-Royce specialists, The Chelsea Workshops, to carry out renovation work with a cost in excess of £20,000. Since the conversion by Pilkington this car has had very little use and has only covered 8,400 miles. In recent times the roof has been replaced and again the car has been checked through and any work that required doing has been done. At some time a very discreet air conditioning system has been fitted, the car is supplied with a V5 registration document, copies of bills for the work carried out in 2004 and in recent years, and has a new MoT test certificate. Here is an opportunity to purchase a car with one of the most desirable body styles at a fraction of the cost of an original 'Mulliner Adaptation'.