1965 Rolls - Royce Mulliner Parkward Silver Cloud III Coupe “Chinese Eye with grandeur”

A Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud is hardly an everyday sight in its own right. But when the coachwork carries the Mulliner Park Ward name and those distinctive twin headlights stare back at you like a pair of eyes, we are talking about something altogether different. This is the famous “Chinese Eye.” And frankly, in 1965, a Rolls-Royce could hardly have been more exclusive.

The Silver Cloud III appeared in 1962 as a further evolution of the already impressive Silver Cloud II. Under the hood was once again the familiar 6.2-liter V8, now benefiting from, among other things, larger carburetors and a higher compression ratio. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard and delivered exactly what Rolls-Royce had always done so well: speed without the slightest sense of urgency.

The most significant visual change was found at the front. Four headlights gave the Silver Cloud III a more modern appearance, but on the bodies created by Mulliner Park Ward, that concept was taken considerably further.

The design was the work of Norwegian designer Vilhelm Koren and was distinguished by its elegant, almost uninterrupted line flowing toward the rear of the car. The angled twin headlights quickly gave rise to the nickname “Chinese Eye.” A name that may sound almost playful today, but which has since become inseparably associated with one of the most desirable coachbuilt Rolls-Royces of the period. And coachbuilt is the important word here.

Whereas most Silver Clouds received factory-built bodywork, the wealthiest customers could opt for a separately constructed body by a coachbuilder such as Mulliner Park Ward. This made these versions considerably more expensive, rarer, and above all far more individual.

This 1965 example has been mechanically and cosmetically maintained in recent years by a Dutch specialist. Prior to that, the car formed part of the collection of its second-to-last owner, who kept it in his museum.

Today, the Rolls-Royce presents in exceptionally attractive and well-cared-for condition. This is not a car that shouts for attention, but rather one that impresses through its presence, its details, and the effortless way in which everything comes together. The exterior displays excellent panel fit, while the paintwork is in very tidy condition. Inside, we find beautiful upholstery accompanied by handsome carpeting. The entire interior is in very good condition; please also take a look at the photographs on our website for a closer impression.

And how does it drive? Absolutely beautifully. The 6.2-liter V8 runs wonderfully smoothly and has exactly the silky character you expect from a Rolls-Royce. The automatic transmission shifts exceptionally well, and the entire car moves with a sense of calm that is almost absent from modern automobiles. That may well be the greatest charm of this Silver Cloud III. You do not have to be in any particular hurry to get anywhere, yet you arrive in style and completely relaxed.

A Mulliner Park Ward “Chinese Eye” Coupe is far more than simply a luxurious classic. It is a Rolls-Royce from an era when exclusivity still meant that the bodywork was specially created for a very small number of customers. A truly remarkable automobile.

Contact Gallery Aaldering and come experience this exceptional 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Mulliner Park Ward Coupe for yourself. We export our vehicles worldwide. Please feel free to ask us about the possibilities.

* "Chinese Eye" - One of the most exclusive models of the Silver Cloud
* Reconditioned in recent years by a Dutch specialist
* Second-last owner just stared at it (in his museum from his Chesterfield)
* "Rolls-Royce's sales figures are short of expectations - Maybe they should start building models like this again"