Chassis No. LSDW231

• No-Expense spared Restoration
• One of the most celebrated postwar classic Rolls-Royce models
• Striking two-tone exterior finish and impeccable, beautifully trimmed interior
• Exceptional body lines, interior leather and woodwork, and rear tables
• Sophisticated Rolls-Royce landmark with air-conditioning

Introduced in 1955, the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud progressed through continuous methodical development to the Silver Cloud III. Introduced toward the end of 1962, the Silver Cloud III heralded mainly cosmetic changes, the most notable of which being visually striking new four-headlamp arrangement up front. Additionally stylistic updates included a lowered front fender/hood line when the factory-built Standard Steel Saloon was unveiled during late 1962. For the first time, the Drophead Coupe and Fixed-Head Coupe bodies that were previously exclusive to the Bentley Continental were also made available to buyers of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III chassis.
Mechanically, while the factory announced the Silver Cloud’s 6.2-litre alloy block-and-head V-8 engine now produced eight percent more power than before, official power ratings were never published. However, Rolls-Royce marque authorities cite this robust V-8 engine’s power output rose to an actual 216-220 brake horsepower. Drum-type hydraulic brakes were still utilized by the factory. While the Silver Cloud III was scheduled to be replaced by the unitized new Silver Shadow in 1965, demand from Rolls-Royce traditionalists forced a special series of Silver Cloud II chassis that continued in production well into 1966.
The Silver Cloud III sold quite well by limited-production Rolls-Royce standards, with 2,809 examples produced in all, comprising 2,555 short and 254 long wheelbase cars. In addition to the standard-bodied four-door Saloon, if the word “standard” could ever be correctly applied to Rolls-Royce, a limited number of coachbuilt bodies (328 on the normal built chassis and 47 on the long-wheelbase chassis) also graced the Silver Cloud III chassis, including those created by such distinguished coachbuilders as Mulliner, Park, Ward, and James Young.
Numbered LSDW231, with the “L” prefix denoting a factory-built left-hand drive model, this U.S.A.-specification 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Saloon was equipped with factory options including a radio, electric aerial, electric windows, and plain ‘Sundym’ glass throughout, plus Dunlop white-sided tubeless tires. Following completion, LSDW231 was delivered on June 19,1963 to the ocean port at Liverpool, where it was loaded onto the “Maronia” and left port on June 21, 1963, bound for the United States via J.S. Inskip, Inc., of New York City. On August 8, 1963, the Silver Cloud III was sold new by Schneider Motors Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota to the first owner R.D. Onan of Excelsior, Minnesota. According to Rolls-Royce Owners Club records, LSDW231 migrated to California, with Paul M. Resnick of La Jolla acquiring the car in June 1975, followed by Ronald N. Aurswald of Costa Mesa during October 1984, who appears in the RROC registers in 1995. The next recorded owner was Robert M. DeShaye of Olympia Washington, who appears with LSDW231 in RROC listings in 1997. Michael W. McGuire of Evergreen, Colorado was listed among keepers of LSDW231 from 1999 to 2004. According to the 2010-11 Rolls-Royce Owner’s Club Directory & Register, LSDW231 was listed as being owned by Steven Wolf of Boca Raton, Florida. Parts and service receipts on file document care received by this Silver Cloud’s keepers. A total restoration was undertaken by two prior owners and brought to fulfillment by the Consignor, a passionate and knowledgeable collector and enthusiast, with a reported $250,000 invested in the process.
As offered LSDW231 is simply stellar throughout, and it stands as quiet likely the finest Silver Cloud II available. An ideal purchase for the committed Rolls-Royce collector, this 1963 Silver Cloud III will provide its new owner with a great classic touring experience, as well as an ideal entry for the many desirable shoes, concours, and Rolls-Royce Owners Club events held worldwide.