Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II

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Launched in 1965, the Silver Shadow was the first 'modern' Rolls-Royce with a monocoque body, aluminium doors, boot and bonnet and no separate chassis. 

Other innovations included a fully hydraulic braking system, based on Citroen patents, that included four wheel discs, twin circuits and rear self-levelling suspension. 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.

Even today, to slip behind the wheel of a well kept Shadow is to enter a different world where every journey is an occasion and the feelgood factor is off the scale. Beautifully crafted, technically advanced and good to drive, it sold like no Rolls-Royce before or since with 37,000 examples rolling from the Crewe production line before it was replaced by the altogether less characterful Silver Spirit in 1980.

Over 2,000 improvements were made along the way, the most important being the introduction of the 6,750cc engine and GM three-speed box in 1970, radial tyres in 1972 and the launch of the Shadow II in 1977. This had rack-and-pinion steering rather than recirculating ball, improved air conditioning, a modernised dash and rubber bumpers in place of chrome.

First registered in August 1977, this particular Shadow II looks superb in Georgian Silver with a dark blue vinyl roof and a matching leather interior. It has only covered some 43,000 miles from new in the hands of five owners, the current keeper acquiring it six years ago.

Well maintained, it has been serviced nine times to date and was treated to an oil and filter change shortly before the auction. Said to be in excellent condition throughout with a factory perfect stance, it is fitted with an original 1970s 8-track stereo system for period in-car entertainment (Perry Como and Carpenters albums included!). All the original handbooks are also present. 

MOTd until March 2015 (with no advisories recorded) and taxed until the end of July, it is due to be driven some 50 miles to the sale and is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away.

These Shadows just ooze aristocratic Sixties style and it is hard to believe that they will remain at this bargain basement price for much longer. This glorious low mileage example looks absurdly good value at the modest guide price suggested today. Go on, you only live once…