1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Two-Door Saloon by H J Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd

• SHS317C was despatched to coachbuilders H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd. in August 1964
• Registered to its first owner on 01/04/1965 via supplying dealer H.R Owen Ltd., London
• One of just 70, right-hand drive Cloud III two-door saloons out of total production of 107
• Part of a large collection it was repainted from bare metal at a cost of ú23,770 in 2010
• Further works included a full interior re-trim to include the seats, carpet and headlining
• Showing 380 miles (atoc) it was either 'zeroed' at restoration or has gone 'round the clock'
• The history file includes detailed copy build records and an MOT certificate until March 2021

Enthusiasts have an industry-wide nickname for the Cloud III two-door saloon, and perhaps in consideration of remaining politically correct, it's best not committed to print, but the most noticeable external feature of this exceptionally stylish and rare motor car is its slanted quad headlamps. Coachbuilt by H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd. using a Crewe-supplied chassis and to design #2041, the two-door saloon combined the best traditions of a Rolls and the rakish lines of an exotic sports coupe.

The 6.2-litre V8 engine provided effortless power, the four-speed gearbox enhanced the driving experience and the interior was a luxurious mix of wood and leather, with individual seats upfront. The, cosmetically similar, Bentley S3 Continental was sold in greater numbers, at 312 cars, but there was still a demand from certain quarters where only a Rolls would do. Just 107 Cloud III two-door saloons were built with only 70 supplied in right-hand drive. According to the extensive copy build sheets, chassis number SHS317C was supplied to its first owner, A. Jelly Esq. of Northumberland on the 1st April 1965, by H.R. Owen, London. A further three owners enjoyed the car over the decades until it joined the substantial private collection of a noted Rolls and Bentley enthusiast.

The car was treated to a programme of restoration works in 2010 that included a bare metal respray, the bill coming to ú23,700. The interior was fully re-trimmed with dark red leather, contrasting cream carpeting was fitted together with a new headlining. The woodwork was also attended to and the chrome switchgear polished. The receipts for the works are included in the file together with more recent maintenance invoices that total some ú30,000 since 2010. Together with the build sheets, these invoices can be emailed upon request. The vendor confirms the car is matching numbers as detailed in the build sheets, the original engine number, SS158H, can be clearly seen on the car's engine block. The odometer reading is some 370 miles, at the time of cataloguing, and we presume it was either zeroed at restoration in 2010 or has gone 'round clock'. The MOT is valid until March 2021.

In the 1960's Tom Jones was famously photographed astride the grille of his car and, as an indicator as to how cool these cars have become, recent owners include supermodel Kate Moss. As one of the rarest post-war Rolls-Royce, this stylish coupe ticks every box for the dashing enthusiast who wants style over staid, who prefers St. Tropez to St. Albans.