1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was produced from 1965 to 1980 and, aside from a more modern appearance and construction, the Shadow introduced many new features such as disc rather than drum brakes, and independent rear suspension, rather than the outdated live axle design of previous cars. It was also the first Rolls-Royce to use a monocoque chassis, in response to concerns that the company was falling behind in automotive innovation. The Silver Shadow I was produced from 1965 to 1976, and following in the manufacturer's tradition of building luxury vehicles with large power plants, the Shadow featured a 189hp, 6.75-Litre, V8 coupled to a General Motors-sourced 'Turbo Hydramatic 400' transmission delivering an efficient gear change and a smooth ride.

This striking Silver Shadow I is offered directly from the stable of Jay Kay of Jamiroquai and not only boasts rock star ownership but also future rock star status in its own right, featuring in a forthcoming music video due to be released later this year.

The car is a particularly fine example having lived a largely sheltered life enjoyed by only three previous keepers, according to the V5C, and with the odometer indicating just 39,631 miles. The Shadow owes much of its preservation to its second owner who cherished it from 1981 until 2008 and used it only occasionally until early 2008, when it was sold by his daughter along with a letter stating the indicated mileage of 24,197 in March 2008 was genuine and correct.

There is a good history file, which includes many invoices since 2008 but also includes the car's original book pack and service book, which shows the following stamps:

21/10 - 3200mls

04/01/1977 – 6253mls

26/02/1978 – 12,314mls

05/07/1979 – 15,934mls

11/06/1980 – 17,470mls

01/10/2004 – 24,685mls

08/02/2008 – 24,887mls

29/03/2011 – 33,369mls

16/04/2014 – 37,050mls

Originally finished in Regency Bronze, the paintwork was becoming tired and Jay Kay had the car professionally, bare-metal repainted and refurbished under the watchful eye of marque specialists Graeme Hunt at a cost of £22,567 in June 2015. It now sports a deep coat of Rolls-Royce Black Emerald Metallic, a really head-turning colour particularly when the sun shines.

It"s rare to find a Silver Shadow with such sensible mileage and in this condition, and at today's guide price, it would be 'Virtual Insanity' not to consider this car.