Beschreibung:

Photo Credit: James Mann PROPERTY FROM THE LATE BOB BARRYMORE COLLECTION The last Drophead example made of its type 1965 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD III DROPHEAD COUPE COACHWORK BY H.J. MULLINER PARK WARD Chassis No. LCSC 43C Pearlescent white with white leather interior and black soft top Engine: V8, pushrod overhead valves, 6,230cc; Gearbox: four-speed automatic; Suspension: front, independent by wishbones and coil spring, live rear axle with semi-elliptic rear springs; Brakes: four wheel servo-assisted drum. Left hand drive. The Silver Cloud III marked the end of a traditional way of building luxury automobiles, for it was the last Rolls-Royce, other than the limited production Phantom V and VI, to be built with the separate chassis on which coachbuilders could mount their meticulously crafted confections. As such they are valued today as the final phase of a tradition of making Rolls-Royces that began when Charles Rolls traveled to Manchester in 1904 to meet Henry Royce. But in all other respects and with their advanced all light alloy V8 powerplants and sophisticated brakes, suspension and steering they were as modern as the hour. The handcrafted two-door, four seater coachwork fitted to these cars was built to a design of Wilhelm Koren originally intended for the Bentley Continental. Only after representations from the American sales department was it announced that in the future this svelte shape would also be available on special Silver Cloud III chassis, since there was little difference between them, some SC III cars even being identified on factory build cards as Continentals. Altogether only 97 Silver Cloud III cars were constructed to this design. Built to American specification, the convertible was delivered with a power hood and electric window lifts. After final preparation and testing it was delivered directly from the coachbuilders to its first owner, Mrs. R.K. Mason of Florida, the guarantee dated April 1966. Having been registered for use in the United Kingdom it was delivered via the English channel ferry Compiegne to France where presumably Mrs. Mason drove it. Seven months later it was in Ohio in the care of Dr. Myron S. Reed. Bob Barrymore purchased it for use at his Florida home where it stayed for many years and was referred to as the Palm Beach car. Over time the Florida climate has weathered the body and in fairness it could do with a repaint. The interior trim though is still usable and is upholstered in faux ostrich style to the front and rear. More recently the car has been kept in storage and it would be prudent to carry out a program of recommissioning to the brakes and other mechanicals before regular use again. The indicated mileage is showing slightly over 54,800. WITHOUT RESERVE