1968 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow MPW 2-Door Coupé

Hand-crafted by Mulliner Park Ward, the Silver Shadow Two-Door Saloon was introduced in 1966. The work of in-house stylist, W.G. Allen, it was often referred to as a Coupé although the factory preferred 'Two Door Saloon', perhaps believing that the term Coupé would imply a lack of rear headroom/legroom, which most certainly wasn't the case. Either way, the wonderfully sleek lines looked fabulous. Blending speed with refinement in a way that few rivals could match, it was powered by a 6,230cc OHV V8 engine allied to automatic transmission. Trimmed with a supeb mix of sumptuous leather hides, rich wood veneers and deep lambswool carpets, the model was every bit as luxurious as it was expensive (an Aston Martin DB6 was relatively cheap by comparison). Despite being in production for five years, just 571 MPW Two-Door Saloons are thought to have been built.

This beautiful Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow MPW dates from March 1968 and was supplied new by Jack Barclay Ltd. in London and, according to the factory records, was delivered to the Melbray Group of SW1 for the use of Sir W F Beale. The second owner was a Mr. Frohlich of Mayfair who acquired the car in 1971.

The enormous quantity of invoices in the extensive history file reveals subsequent owners and, in 1991, it was purchased by a member of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club in Sweden. During its time over there it was treated to a full engine overhaul by Bengt Stange and was repainted in what appears to be Masons Crown, a very attractive shade used exclusively on later Camargue models, below a brown Everflex roof. The interior is classic Shadow with beige leather, blue top roll, cashmere carpets and excellent Burr Walnut veneers and is fitted with a later Pioneer AM Radio/Cassette Player.

It returned to the UK in 2015 and, during our vendor's ownership, it has formed part of a Collection, earning its place because of its stunning looks and the care that has obviously been lavished on it in the past. It has recently had the rear brakes overhauled including the servo and pads and has a new MOT until October 2024 with no advisories. We cannot think of many cars that offer the engineering finesse of this beautiful Coupé, and in such a pleasing colour combination.