Launched in 1962, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and its Bentley S3 equivalent employed the 6.2-litre aluminium-alloy V8 engine first introduced in the Silver Cloud II although with larger carburettors, new distributor and raised compression ratio.

It also came with a four-speed GM derived automatic gearbox as standard equipment.

More obvious among many of the other changes from the preceding models were the adoption of four headlamp lighting, the absence of sidelights from the wing tops, and a slightly lower radiator shell.

As well as the factory-bodied cars, bespoke creations from James Young and the merged firm of H.

J.

Mulliner/Park Ward Ltd (now Rolls-Royce-owned) continued to be available on the Cloud III chassis for those discerning enthusiasts wealthy enough to afford them.

Indeed, as the factory did not offer a convertible or drophead coupé, a coachbuilt car was the only option if one's preference was Rolls-Royce style of fresh air motoring.

One of the most desirable ...