1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

Built before Rolls-Royce disappeared up their own backsides and renamed themselves The House of Rolls-Royce (and no, I’m not joking), this Silver Shadow is a charming reminder of why everyone who was anyone bought one; legends like Sir Tom Jones, George Best, and Barry Sheene all had one, as did Muhammad Ali, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Dean Martin, Aristotle Onassis, and Frank Sinatra.

This example features the later 6750cc 189bhp V8 engine, which is enough to endow the old girl with sprightly performance without being vulgar enough to trouble the rear tyres with anything so boorish as a chirrup upon setting off. 

This car hasn’t been used for nine months and is starting to complain about this. It needs a sympathetic new owner to titivate and cherish it – and then drive it.

Despite the later engine spec this car is still a Mk1 Shadow, with the more delicate bumpers and slightly cleaner lines than the Shadow 2 which was introduced soon after this one was built. 

Oxford Blue is the name of the colour, and very distinguished it looks too. It also looks original, and has survived the last 52 years considerably better than I managed mine.

Naturally, there are some stone chips, the paint on the roof is cracking and the odd mark here or there, but otherwise the car’s paintwork presents very well indeed. There is some pitting to the chrome on the bumpers though.

But the grille and the chrome headlight surrounds are still in great shape, and overall the car still has that special something. The wheels are in nice condition and they have a set of Avon tyres fitted, with good tread.

Oh for the days of a Rolls Royce without bling. If you’ve seen a modern one you’ll know they’re long gone, but in here it’s serene, quiet and classy. No untoward flashness, just sumptuous luxury. The two-spoke steering wheel is beautiful in its simplicity, with the merest of shiny embellishments. 

The right hand stalk is an electrical switch that controls the GM TH400 autobox, an indicator window mounted on top of the steering column showing in which direction you’ve chosen to travel.

The beige deep leather seats are upholstered in fine Connolly hide of a type that doesn’t seem to exist in modern car manufacturing, where leather almost appears to be plasticised. Not here, this is like taking a seat in your favourite gentlemen’s club. 

It’s not immaculate but it is in good condition and totally original as far as we can see – and it’s still a truly wonderful place to take a trip. Some of the interior lights aren’t working, and there may be other small faults but fundamentally the interior wears its history with pride.

And the funny thing is, although this was a full size saloon back in the day, by modern standards the Shadow is a pretty compact car – it’s considerably narrower than a modern BMW 5 Series.

Rolls Royce’s L Series V8 sits below a pair of SU carburettors, and an electro-mechanical automatic choke is on hand for cold starting duties. The car’s age is more apparent under the bonnet, but not in any unpleasant way. There’s some corrosion on metal parts, and just a gentle aging of finishes that an enthusiastic owner could tidy over a period – if they so wished. Manouvering the car around the unit we did notice a noise when the car is in reverse.

Some enthusiasts claim the all alloy Rolls V8 is in fact a rebadged Cadillac engine, but this is untrue – it was designed by Rolls Royce in England and continued in service right up to the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo, where, with the addition of a large turbocharger, it made more than 400 horsepower. It was in production from 1959 to 2020.

This car has standard springs at the front, with the Citroën licensed self-levelling rear suspension driven from an engine mounted pump. The engine starts and runs smoothly, but there does appear to be a small fluid leak from the automatic transmission.

The current owner bought the car in 2022, after always dreaming of owning a Silver Shadow. He says:

‘It met my expectations and beyond. I love the dark blue coachwork and the beige interior. It looks very elegant. It’s so light on the steering to drive you can’t believe you are manoeuvring such a large vehicle. Unfortunately due to to ill health and also losing my storage, I’m having to sell. 

‘While owning it I’ve made regular trips from Derbyshire to the North Wales coast. And used the car for family events and special occasions. 

‘Overall the condition is good – it’s not perfect but these cars were so well build it has survived well. It’s a car that needs using and can be improved along the way. I’ve not been able to use it much over the last 9 months  but have started it regularly . The car is standard and I believe all the numbers match – there is a copy of the build log with the car from the factory. 

‘It hasn’t appreciated standing and not being used so I noticed the brakes are uneven when I drove it the other day but they did improve after a few miles. They had previously been smooth and efficient.
‘One exhaust bracket has failed I think as the exhaust was vibrating on initial start up which it didn’t used to do. It wasn’t noticeable once driving but will need attention. It as a small transmission leak, which has again started recently. 

‘I think these issues are largely to do with it standing and not being driven regularly. I’ve been advised they do sometimes leak from where a sensor is located which is a pretty simple job to resolve. I don’t know if this is actually the issue. I top up the transmission with a little fluid every so often. 

‘All the important electrics work but some of the interior electrics and interior lights currently don’t. For a car enthusiast with some workshop skills I’m sure most of the issues could be resolved. I’m not mechanically minded and I enjoyed the car just as it was, it has been reliable and lovely to drive. 

‘I’m afraid I don’t have lots of history with the car. But the previous owner was s company that were looking into the idea if converting classic Rolls to electric. 

‘It’s a truly beautiful car, that gets a lot of attention when out and about at classic car shows. It has so much character and 52 years of history. I am very proud to have been part of this history and hope the new owner will enjoy it as much as me in the future.’ 

A nice, solid Series 1 Silver Shadow with the desirable bigger engine. It’s crying out for an enthusiastic new owner to look after and enjoy it.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £4,000 - £8,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.