Final evolution of the Rolls-Royce Cloud Series, the Cloud III was launched in late 1962.

Still sporting a silhouette made famous by its predecessors, it was distinguished by quad front headlamps and a lower bonnet line.

Corresponding sleeker front wings sported indicator units frenched into their leading edges, while the imposing front and rear chrome bumpers wore more modest over-riders.

Internally, the driver and front seat passenger gained separate chairs.

Those in the rear benefited too, courtesy of a more upright back to their bench seat and narrower side bolsters.

Mechanically, the independent coil and wishbone front suspension and hypoid bevel rear axle were retained along with all round drum brakes, power assisted steering and four-speed automatic transmission.

Though, to capitalise on the new model's smaller frontal area, the 6230cc V8 engine gained more power via a carburettor modification and higher compression ratio.

Thus, the Cloud III claimed both a higher top spe...