1962 Rolls-Royce SCT100 LWB Without Division

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III, introduced in 1963, was the final development of the Silver Cloud line first offered in 1955, and was regarded by many as the finest in the company's history. Rolls-Royce obviously felt the same way as the III was proudly advertised as "The Best Car in the World". Powered by the same stalwart 6.2-litre all-alloy V8 that powered the Cloud II, but with a bit more power and a little less weight, the Cloud III was a sprightly performer. With its smooth and efficient power plant, stately looks and majestic presence the Cloud III would become the first choice for celebrities, business moguls and aristocrats alike.

State Limousines have always been a staple of the Rolls-Royce brand, and the successful launch of the long wheelbase Silver Cloud in 1957 created a demand for the Cloud-based Phantom V in 1959.

The rarest of all long-wheelbase Rolls-Royce from the Cloud through to the Shadow and onward to the Spur are the fabled non-division cars. Offering greater leg room, as ironically the division takes up the four-inch extra space offered by the LWB, greater driver comfort as the front seats can go further back, and in this egalitarian age the driver, when taking his family and friends for a spin, feels less like a liveried chauffeur. These long-wheelbase, non-division Clouds were labelled the SCT100, and exclusively coach built by the famed James Young.

This very special Cloud III SCT100 is one of 17 long-wheelbase variants in right-hand drive without a division, and the first ever such Cloud III LWB coach built by James Young. According to its two-volume history file, the car was ordered new for Stanley Thorpe Esq. of Surrey via Jack Barclay Ltd, and the copy order form, dated 29th May 1962, is signed by no less than Jack Barclay himself. It's interesting to note that the history file mentions that the car was destined for the Jack Barclay stand at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1962, with Mr. Thorpe taking possession on the 14th November 1962. The build history of the car stated it was to be delivered in Velvet Green with “Champagne” leather interior and the usual refinements of electric windows and incredibly for the day, a “speed control” system, later to be known as cruise control.

It is believed, according to copy records supplied by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club, that after Mr.Thorpe"s period of tenure the car was then owned by James Young Limited of Bromley themselves in 1968. Jack Barclay Ltd. had the car for sale again in 1972, and in the 1980s the car was to travel to the United States where it was registered in 1987 to Inland Business Machines Inc. of Sacremento, California. The dry state of California was to be a safe haven for the car and copy photographs in the file show it resplendent in the Californian sunshine. The car was later found by Car-Howard International Ltd., a well-known Rolls-Royce dealer of the period, and was repatriated in 1988/89 and sold to a Charles Pritchard Esq. who had business interests in Saudi Arabia, on the 10th July 1989 for the sum of £55,000 and he owned it until May 2001 when it became the property of Caroline Watson of Chichester. She had some work carried out by marque specialists, Taylors of Chichester, but the car was lightly used and she eventually sold it.

Our vendor purchased this Cloud early last year to add to his extensive collection of Rolls and Bentleys, however, he is very particular when it comes to the condition of his cars, so the decision was made to commit the rare SCT to specialists NRT Motors of Corse Lawn. Their brief was to go through the car carefully dealing with any mechanical issues and carry out a partial respray back to its full Velvet Green. The history file shows recent bills for circa £18,000 and the car presents superbly today. The Burr Walnut cappings on the doors, B-post, picnic tables and fascia are in expectational condition, the leather seats display a gentle patina, and the rear centre armrest has a fitted wooden hairbrush and monogrammed mirror.

To conclude, therefore, it is rare to find a car with such a detailed history that includes its original handbooks, period fittings, and benefitting from a sympathetic restoration. The MOTs and service records show that it has travelled less than 2,200 miles in twenty-four years, showing a current odometer reading of a shade under 105,000 miles and is presented to auction with a fresh MOT and tool-kit..

The SCT is a rare car and with its delightfully swoopy James Young bodywork, understated interior, and inherent Roll-Royce presence, UYR 571 emanates style with a capital 'S'.