Description
The first Silver Shadow’s rolled off the production line in the mid 1960s as the replacement for the ageing, but ultimately still beautiful Silver Cloud. It was a stark departure from it’s predecessor, both in it’s styling as well as it’s mechanical design.
The new model brought technological advancements to the Rolls-Royce product lineup, a unibody construction, disc brakes and independent rear suspension were all revelations. But most notable, was the decision to implement hydropneumatic suspension, licenced from Citroen.
By 1977, Rolls would introduce the Silver Shadow II, in what we would now call a mid-life facelift. The restyle did away with some of the more traditional styling ques, and added in larger-bumpers inspired by those fitted to US market cars.
This example was first registered in 1980. The last year of production for the Silver Shadow II. Externally, it’s finished in Brewster Green. It’s a solid colour that thanks to the “Make Green Great Again” revolution has become increasingly sought after. There are few visible marks throughout, but there is a deep lustre. The windows have been tinted in a very subtle (and fully removable) green window tint which really completes the look. This particular car is one we know incredibly well indeed. It was the boss' (Merlin) daily driver for 2 years before he sold it to the current owner and vendor about a year ago.
The dark paintwork is accented by brightwork galore, the crowning jewel of which is the iconic ‘Spirit of Ecstacy’. At the front you can see one of the more notable facelift tweaks, an almost trans-am like front chin spoiler. Whilst you might not think that Rolls-Royce and chin spoiler go together, it does help to give the car a more purposeful look. The wheels are steel, but are dressed with polished hubcaps which proudly wear the double-R logo, and a strip of matching Brewster green. They’re wrapped in a set of Avon white wall tyres.
The interior is even more special, in short, it’s Green. Soft connolly hide extends not only from door-to-door, but also across the dash, centre console and the later colour-matched steering wheel. It is something to behold. The seats which do show some very minor signs of wear are of course, almost offensively comfortable.
The dashboard is adorned with what must be half a forest worth of walnut, perfectly carved to fit around polished air vents. The carpets, which naturally, are green are complemented by deep shag pile, lambswool over mats which predictably are green and finally, at great expense the seatbelts have been renovated with new green fabric at Quick Fit Safety Solutions.
The interior experience is completed by an extensive audio upgrade by our friends at Car Audio Security that is controlled by a discrete Sony head unit that features DAB and Apple Carplay/ Android Auto. The head unit feeds an assortment of speakers and in the boot a JL Audio subwoofer.
Under the bonnet you’ll find a 6 ¾ litre V8, it’s an engine that successfully reamined in production from 1959 right up until 2020. In this form, it produces around 190bhp, but Rolls-Royce never officially published it’s power output, instead preferring to describe its power as adequate. And, adequate it is, mated to a 3-speed GM-sourced automatic gearbox it offers the perfect power delivery for what can only be described as the ultimate cruiser.
Rolls-Royce have a pretty tough reputation, known for exploring the wilds of the world, but maintenance is still key. Sadly, as values of Silver Shadows dropped many fell into a state of disrepair. Thankfully, that is not the case for this car, it has consistently been maintained to ensure it is always ready at a moment's notice. When Merlin first bought the car, it had undergone a vast programme of works, including an engine rebuild, at Rolls and Bentley specialist Chelsea Workshop. During his ownership, he continued to finesse and improve the car to his silly standards at Nigel Sandell Rolls-Royce and Bentley, spending about the value of the car on it to get every little niggle address and every single system working as it should. Since then, the most recent owner has again maintained the car without a care for cost at Charles Gates Racing, with the car only having just been serviced.
Rolls-Royce today, is the benchmark for luxury. Despite their amazing technological advancements, both in the automotive and aerospace industries, they remain the ultimate symbol of success. If you have a Roller, you’ve made it.
Thankfully, unlike trying to buy a new Phantom, to be behind the wheel of this Silver Shadow, you won’t need the national reserve of a small nation and yet It’s filled with class, luxury and hand built craftsmanship just like a new Phantom.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
