Rolls-Royce Shadow II

The Silver Shadow was a major departure for Rolls-Royce, their first car with a monocoque body and one designed specifically for the owner driver.

Hydraulic high pressure brakes and self leveling suspension were just two of the innovative elements incorporated to give as near perfect a ride for the occupants as humanly possible. Squat and purposeful on the outside, but still aristocratically luxurious on the inside, it was perfectly timed to attract the nouveau gentry of the Swinging Sixties who were more likely to have made their money from business, pop or fashion than inheriting it from the ancestors. A whopping 37,000 examples were to leave the production line before it was replaced by the Silver Spirit. The Shadow II was launched in 1977, with more contemporary styling, better air conditioning, updated dashboard and modern rack-and-pinion steering.

This 1978 example was sold new by PJ Evans in Birmingham and has had four owners from new. Purchased by the vendor’s father in 1995, its previous owner had acquired it in 1981. Records show that by 1993 it had covered 87,000 miles, rising to 98,000  by 2001. In 2006 the odometer was recording 24,500 miles – it is not known at which point the speedometer was changed. The service book shows 14 services, the car having received regular attention and servicing as and when required, the vendor’s father owning a garage and service station.

Around ten years ago it was treated to new inner and outer sills, had the wheel arches repaired and was painted on the lower half. A stainless steel exhaust was fitted and it has recently had new plugs and oil, handbrake pads, new front pads and two new rear tyres.

Due to carry a fresh 12 month MOT by the time of sale, the vendor advises us that apart from an area of corrosion under the vinyl roof above the windscreen it is a perfectly presentable example which has been a much loved member of the family and is only being offered for sale through lack of use.