The Silver Cloud III and Bentley S3 were the last cars in the Cloud/S series before the Silver Shadow and T-type cars were introduced in 1966. The Silver Cloud I and II (and Bentley S1 and S2) of 1955–1961 shared the same standard body but when the SCIII/S3 was introduced in 1962, contemporary design cues were employed. Changes included dual-quad headlamps, a lower hood and radiator shell, and smaller bumpers. The new interior was updated, with a padded cap rail above the fascia, separate front seats (formerly one bench seat), plus more leg room for both front and rear passengers.

The highly favored Rolls-Royce V-8 engine now featured a higher compression ratio of 9:1, and 2-in. carburetors. This resulted in seven percent more horsepower over the previous model, and Rolls-Royce enthusiasts agree the III was the finest of the series. Rolls-Royce produced 2,044 standard SC IIIs.

Special-order documents indicate that LSFU155 was delivered to Liverpool for shipment on 29 January 1964 and arrived in New York on 17 February 1964 to the first owner Luella D. Jeffery of Short Hills, New Jersey. This special Rolls-Royce was finished in attractive Shell Gray (ICI M 151-2582) over Blue Connolly leather (VM 3244). Grey headliner, Ambassador Blue Wilton 100-percent wool carpeting, and exquisite burled walnut woodwork completed the luxurious interior. Special items ordered included power windows and radio antenna, plus a charming note, “RR insignia on boot door not required.”

Mrs. Jeffery was always chauffeur-driven, and for only 3,000 miles before it was sold in 1969 to Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Mareton of Rockville Center, New York. The Maretons owned it from 1969 to 2014, always kept the car in a heated garage, and only added about 1,500 miles to the odometer in those 45 years. No changes, accidents, or damage was ever done to the car as described in a personal letter from Mrs. Mareton dated 17 June 2014. The car then was acquired by Rolls-Royce specialist Richard Gorman of Miami, Florida, who had the car thoroughly serviced, and any worn or aging components were replaced with authentic, NOS Rolls-Royce components.

After the car was discovered by Vantage Motorworks, it was serviced, fully freshened, and sent to the 2017 Rolls-Royce National Meet in Asheville, North Carolina. The work included a complete professional mechanical service, new wheels and tires, and replacement of the wool headliner and carpets. The car was virtually unknown to the Rolls-Royce world and had never been seen at public events its entire life. Its debut was received with accolades as Rolls-Royce aficionados, judges, and spectators were in awe of a seldom seen Silver Cloud III the way it left the factory some 55 years earlier. Naturally, the car took the Post-War Preservation award it so duly deserved. Included with the car are the original wheels and tires with only 4,600 miles of wear, as well as an unopened factory box of paint, driver’s manual, and road tools.

In recent years, many collectors have been trending toward preservation over restoration. An original, correctly maintained automobile holds its value and has great appeal to the knowledgeable collector. It is interesting that this car saw so little use over its 55 years when considering how advanced and road-worthy Silver Clouds were in comparison to their competition. In fact, Rolls-Royce would say that it had no real competition. If one dreamed of owning a 55-year-old Silver Cloud, untouched and unrestored, with a patina that could be compared to that of an old-world master’s canvas, this is such a Silver Cloud. After all, they are only original once, and originality cannot be duplicated. This “time-capsule” Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III is the epitome of luxury and grace.