Rolls-Royce introduced its whimsically named Silver Cloud line in 1955 as a body-on-frame car, allowing luxurious coachbuilt bodies to be utilized in place of the standard factory body. At a time when many manufacturers were moving toward favoring the unibody construction, the Silver Cloud presented a highly customizable option which discriminating buyers appreciated. With the Silver Clouds coming in at more than $16,000 when purchased new, they were unquestionably geared toward the buyer of taste and financial means, and Rolls-Royce was keen on catering to this segment of its established customer base. After eight years of production, in 1963, the Silver Cloud peaked with the third edition, aptly named the Silver Cloud III. The Cloud IIIs came standard as four-door saloon models, but several variations were provided by coachbuilders, including the H.J. Mulliner two-door convertible body seen on the 1963 model offered here.

Launched in 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III employed the 6.2-liter V-8 engine introduced on the Silver Cloud II/S2, though with larger carburetors, a new distributor, and raised compression ratio. It also came with a four-speed GM-derived automatic transmission as standard equipment. On the exterior, the most obvious among many changes from the preceding models was the adoption of four-headlamp lighting, the absence of sidelights from the wing tops, and a slightly lower radiator shell. Inside there was improved accommodation with separate front seats and increased room for rear passengers. Notable as the last mainstream Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the Silver Cloud III proved immensely successful both at home and abroad, remaining in production until the autumn of 1965.

The factory H.J. Mulliner Drophead Coupe offered here underwent an extensive frame-off restoration to concours standards utilizing a 40-year collection of NOS Rolls-Royce and Mulliner components. At this time, it was also being converted to U.S.-specified left-hand drive. The careful use of chrome accents against the gleaming midnight black exterior and the contrasting white interior and burlwood dash give the car an opulent presence that few could match. This, in combination with the car’s rarity, combined to help it achieve a 1st in Class award at the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance. With classic whitewall tires perfectly complementing the interior and matching white convertible top boot cover, the car retains its elegant look accentuated by smoothed, swept-back body lines, and rounding rear fenders.

Offered with accompanying manuals, records, and restoration photos, this timeless beauty is a surefire award winner at many automotive events and will provide a driving experience unlike anything else.