1977 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a luxury car that was produced in Great Britain in various forms from 1965 to 1980. Aside from a more modern appearance and construction, the Silver 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introduced many new features such as disc rather than drum brakes, and independent rear suspension, rather than the outdated live axle design of previous cars.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 was produced from 1965 to 1976, and the Silver Shadow II from 1977 to 1980. Following in the manufacturer's tradition of building luxury vehicles, the Shadow featured a 172hp 6.2 L V8 from 1965 to 1969, and a 189hp 6.75 L V8 from 1970 to 1980. Both powerplants were coupled to a General Motors-sourced Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission delivering an efficient gear change and smooth ride.

The car offered here, Without Reserve, is a stylish and well preserved 1977 model from 1976 manufacture. The timeless coachwork sports period Willow Gold paintwork complemented by Dark Brown Everflex to the roof. In 1977 this was the height of sophistication and still turns heads today. The interior is a luxurious Beige Hide with all standard refinements including armrests and Lambswool rug over-carpets front and back, albeit, the drivers' rug has tired quite severely. The headlining and wooden dashboard are in exceptional condition, though the door cards and centre console have begun to blemish over the years. From the driving position the comfort is outstanding and given the modern way that 'luxury' is justified with a plethora of switches and dials, the Shadow remains pleasingly simple. The seats are adjusted from an electric switch, so too is the electric radio aerial. The cabin heating system is operated by chrome pull switches for driver and passenger, and this is true also of the wiper blades which are operated by a dash mounted dial which lands into place with a satisfying "click' when required.

As far as the exterior is concerned the car is offered in all round good condition save for a small amount of attention required to the chrome on the rear offside bumper, and below the boot floor where the car appears to have suffered a small amount of damage, perhaps at the hands of a sleeping policeman.

The competent 6.75L V8 pulls strongly and idles quietly as you would expect. This car shows a current mileage below 57,000 and though not every MoT from new is present, there are more than enough to suggest that this would be genuine.

Now reluctantly offered by its owner of 12 years through grounds of ill health, this unmolested and original Shadow is accompanied by all its handbooks and service manuals, a small amount of bills and receipts, a current MoT until October 2012 and a host of past MoT's and tax discs.

Offered for sale Without Reserve, you could be driving home in your very own Rolls-Royce.