According to the Rolls-Royce Foundation documents on file, Silver Cloud III chassis number LSGT377 was ordered by Ira J. Reed in the name of his company, Western Moulding of Upland, California, from Ray Carver, Inc., of Newport Beach. Finished in the classic color scheme of Sand over Sable with Beige hides, it was equipped with Koln Blue Spot radio with automatic aerial, electric windows, Sundym glass, rear lambskin rug, and whitewall tires. Further, the usual “Silver Cloud III” emblem to the rear deck was deleted. Additionally, the car is fitted with air conditioning.
The car was later purchased on November 28, 1973, by Leroy Peter Mattar of Lemon Grove, California, from the “Bones” Hamilton Buick Company of Van Nuys for $16,275. Mr. Mattar held on to the Rolls-Royce until 2017, when it was added to the Mitosinka Collection. Thereafter the brakes and carburetor were rebuilt earlier this year. It is reported that Mr. Mattar was only the second owner, which would make this a three-owner California car.
Inspection shows the Rolls to be still be very original, although the paint is cracked extensively and there are areas of loss around the lower body. The interior is fully original, including the lambswool rugs stored in the trunk, and both the leather and wood are solid but in need of treatment and care. Under the hood and on the chassis, similarly original finishes are found, although there is little evidence of recent maintenance and a thorough cleaning and service are both recommended. At the time of cataloguing, the car recorded 54,026 miles.
Accompanying the car is the aforementioned build information as well as the original wiring diagram, air-conditioning instruction tag, service directory, lubrication and maintenance supplement, and the paper envelope in which the original manuals were enclosed. Further, the Rolls-Royce retains a largely complete set of hand tools.
The Silver Cloud III represents one of the last traditional Rolls-Royce models, a turning point in the history of the company, as demonstrated here by this example from former long-term ownership.