Silver Cloud III
(1962-1966)
Years in production : 1962 - 1965
No. Made : 2,297 (253 with long wheelbases)
Engine : 8 cylinder 90 degree V configuration
Transmission : 4 speed automatic gearbox
Chassis : All welded closed box section frame with centre cruciform bracing
Dimensions : Wheelbase 123 or 127 inches
Performance : Max speed 117 mph (188.1 km/h)
Twin headlamps were the conspicuous difference between the previous models. Beside this an observant spectator might have noticed overriders of a less ostentatious shape.
The side lamps formerly on top of the wings were no longer in evidence, their function having been integrated into a combined side lamp/indicator placed in the wing's nose on a level with the headlamps.
The new model names were justified not merely because of these changes but because of numerous other modifications and improvements which were not apparent at first sight.
The engine's compression had been raised to 9:1. Another duo of carburettors gave better breathing - resulting in a noticeable performance increase. For some export markets the Silver Cloud III was fitted with engines suitable for low-octane fuel, in which case the compression was reduced to 8:1.
In the passenger compartment independent front seats with a wide range of adjustment were a special feature of the model.
A motor car with separate chassis and coachwork attached by means of bolts and screws was looked at somewhat askance by some critics at the start of the sixties. Accusations were made that the basic design was antiquated, the shape dated and the drum brakes had too long been the means of stopping.
At Rolls-Royce work on a new generation had begun long ago - these latest models were, in fact, a stop-gap. But the Silver Cloud III cannot be regarded merely as such. Quite the opposite is the case, however, because they enjoyed all those improvements that had been implemented into the series over a long production period.
The criticisms about drum brakes could not stand considered judgement. The advantages of drum brakes were that they had low sensitivity to fade and possessed perfect balance in combination with effort-free use because of the brake servo. They were not prone to squeaking and although maintenance was more labour intensive than for disc brakes, the service intervals were longer.
What is remarkable is that production of the Silver Cloud III was continued even after the introduction of the replacement model, the Silver Shadow. For the better part of a year - until March 1966 - production of the previous' model's chassis ran in parallel with that of the new model.