Rolls-Royce’s Silver Cloud III was a minor earthquake for the tradition-bound company, incorporating the firm’s first quad headlights—a nod to worldwide styling trends—and coming standard with an automatic transmission to deliver the power from its smooth V-8. Especially advanced were the new catalogued drophead coupe and fixed head coupe designs by Norwegian stylist Vilhelm Koren, with their smooth, unadorned flanks; flared, nearly blade-edged rear fenders; and dramatically canted headlamp nacelles. Only 52 left-hand-drive Silver Cloud III drophead coupes were delivered to this design, built by the factory custom shops at Mulliner Park Ward.

The drophead coupe offered here was, according to its build cards, constructed to US specifications, finished in Dawn Blue over Buff leather interior, and equipped with Sundym tinted glass, power side windows and top, and Blaupunkt New Yorker radio with Hirschmann electric antenna. Completed in the autumn of 1965, it was sent across the Atlantic and delivered by Charles H. Hornburg, Jr., Motor Cars to Curt R. Strand of Beverly Hills. Mr. Strand had been one of the first employees of Conrad Hilton’s hotel company, and eventually rose through the ranks until his retirement as chairman and CEO of Hilton International in 1987. It is easy to imagine this Silver Cloud III valet-parked at the Beverly Hilton—to which it was actually delivered, per the chassis card.

Meticulously restored in prior ownership, this Silver Cloud III Drophead returned to the sunny streets of Los Angeles when Angus Mitchell purchased the car in 2021. Falling for its beautifully finished interior and iconic mid-century design, he knew it would be ideal for drives down Sunset Boulevard to his home. The car is presented in its original colors and remains in excellent overall condition being maintained as part of his collection. It is accompanied by copies of its build and chassis cards from the Rolls-Royce Foundation archives. Along with the spare and tool kit tucked away within the trunk, a bottle of iconic Paul Mitchell shampoo is included in the sale.

It is fitting that this car began life in sunny California, has been enjoyed here, and will now be sold here; it is the ideal automotive embodiment of the luxurious yet relaxed West Coast lifestyle.