Beschreibung:

6,230cc OHV V8 Engine
2 SU Carburetors
Est. 220bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Delivered new to famed New York restauranteur Romeo Salta
*Vibrant, red sauce friendly interior
*Accompanied by copies of its Rolls-Royce Build Sheets
*Exquisite hand-built Rolls-Royce
THE SILVER CLOUD III
Facing increasing competition from faster rivals and with development of its ageing six-cylinder engine nearing its end, Rolls-Royce turned to V8 power as the 1960s approached. The V8 was, of course, the predominant power unit in Rolls-Royce's most important export market - the USA - so it was only natural that the Crewe firm would study the best American designs - principally those of Chrysler and Cadillac - for inspiration. Introduced in the autumn of 1959, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 appeared externally unchanged from their 'Cloud and S-Type predecessors, though the duo's performance was considerably enhanced by the new 6,230cc aluminum-alloy V8 engine.
Launched in 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent employed the 6.2-liter V8 engine introduced on the 'Cloud II/S2 - though with larger carburetors, new distributor and raised compression ratio - and came with a four-speed GM-derived automatic transmission as standard equipment. 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 MOTORCAR OFFERED
According to copies of build records furnished by the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club, this Silver Cloud III was purchased new through J.S. Inskip by Romeo Salta. Mr. Salta, who had immigrated from Florence, Italy to the United States in 1929, was a trailblazing restaurant pioneer who opened one of the first eateries in New York City that highlighted Northern Italian cuisine. The namesake restaurant, Romeo Salta, on West 56th St and Fifth Ave opened in 1953 and immediately became the Godfather of elegant, Northern Italian cuisine.
By the winter of '64, after 11 years of slinging pasta and Chianti, Mr. Salta treated himself to one of the finest automobiles money could buy. A long wheelbase Cloud III with Division, an understated Shell Grey was specified on the outside with contrasting Scarlett leather interior—an homage to his legendary pasta sauces maybe. Fitted with power windows, radio, electric aerial, Sundym glass, and whitewall Dunlop tires, there was little doubt that this was the guy to whom everyone else responded, "yes chef!"
Delivered on February 8th, 1965, Rolls-Royce Owner's Club records indicate that Mr. Salta kept the car for some time, with its next recorded owner listed as Charles Montano of Gloversville, New York in December of 1982. By the mid-90s the Rolls had crossed the country to join Michael Sambrailo's garage in Watsonville, California. Located in one of the more fertile fruit and vegetable producing region in California, Mr. Sambrailo's family business was produce so it appears the Rolls had a penchant for owners who fed folks. Traveling back across the country to Long Island in the 2000s and featured on the cover of The Flying Lady for the January/February 2008 issue, the current owner acquired the car in 2013. The subject of an older repaint in black, the interior appears to be largely well preserved and original. In the current ownership, the car has been on static display with limited use.
It is complete with its aforementioned copies of Rolls-Royce build sheets. Given its long-term storage, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to wafting about.