1968 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
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Highlights
- Abundant original paperwork
- Spent much of its life in sunny California
- In excess of $31,000 spent on maintenance
The Appeal
Manufactured from 1965 to 1980, the Silver Shadow remains for many the quintessential Rolls-Royce. This quite early 1968 example was sold new in the UK, but eventually found its way to the United States, where it lived in California for a number of years.
Recently returned to the UK and re-registered, this Shadow has an extensive history file detailing a significant quantity of work carried out over the years. Finished in Caribbean Blue, it is a lovely example that retains much of its originality.
The History and Paperwork
- Supplied new in March 1968 to Lenham Storage Co. Ltd.
- Originally specced with full refrigeration and Sundym glass
- Exported to US, now returned to UK
- Retains R-R wallet containing owner’s manual, information booklet, paintwork care pamphlet and service booklet
- More than 70 pages make up full factory build records from RREC archives
- CD workshop manual
- Displaying 12,853 miles, although the odometer has likely revolved fully before
This Silver Shadow is accompanied by a significant quantity of paperwork which confirms the car's rich and interesting history in Britain and the United States. Most notably, this includes the full factory build record, which demonstrates how original this example remains. Additionally, the full complement of owner's manuals are present, including the paintwork care pamphlet and service booklet.
The Interior
- Original blue Connoly leather
- Original veneers
- Ambassador Blue carpeting
Inside, this Rolls-Royce is wonderfully original. The blue seats are the originals and they have aged most gracefully. The Connolly leather shows numerous signs of gentle wear as the blue colouring recedes towards the edges of the lower bolsters. The vendor informs us that they remain uncracked and free from tears.
Similarly, the veneer wears a nice level of patina, with some crazing but no significant signs of damage we can see. This level of patination is really charming and adds significantly to the character of this car.
One notable deviation from originality is the addition of a modern stereo system and speakers. However, the Shadow is otherwise the same inside as when it left the factory.
The Ambassador Blue carpets present very well and the headlining has survived the test of time. The marquetry of the rear picnic tables is particularly elegant and exemplifies the aura of quality surrounding the entire car.
The Exterior
- Blue Everflex roof
- Period correct Avon Turbospeed tyres
- Caribbean Blue paintwork
Refreshingly, this Silver Shadow is finished in Caribbean Blue, something of a rarity when so many were painted white and used for weddings. Both the paintwork and the bodywork are in excellent order with absolutely no evidence of corrosion visible on the car. Special attention is drawn to the images of the underside of the car. The complementary navy blue Everflex roof is also in good order.
Having spent time in the dry Californian climate, this Rolls-Royce is a particularly solid example that benefits from having been judiciously cared for all of its life.
The wheels are particularly fine, sporting their original stainless steel hubcaps which are in excellent condition. Other nice details include the factory-correct Avon Turbospeed tyres. The iconic stainless steel grill and all other exterior brightwork have survived well and glisten under natural light.
The Mechanics
- $31,000 spent on servicing and repair in US
- More work completed since being repatriated
- Newly equipped Bilstein front shocks
Mechanically, this Rolls-Royce has always been meticulously attended to. With over $31,000 spent on regular servicing, maintenance and repair while stateside, this Shadow drives very well, with that 6230cc V8 providing ample performance.
Since arriving back in the UK, the car has received a new driver’s side window motor and relay assembly and an overhaul of the ignition switch module
At first, both the front and rear of the Silver Shadow suspension were controlled by the Citroen licensed levelling system but the front levelling was deleted in 1969, as it had been determined that the rear levelling did almost all the work. Later cars employed long reach Shock absorbers and the vendor is currently equipping this Silver Shadow with new Bilstein long reach shock absorbers and new lower ball joints to replace the troublesome front self levelling system, at a cost of over £1500.
Update: Additional images show the new Bilstein shocks, which also have new ball joints that were fitted today 03/08/2022 and new lower wishbone ball joints.
Update: Additional images show the new Bilstein shocks, which also have new ball joints that were fitted today 03/08/2022 and new lower wishbone ball joints.
Summary
Many Silver Shadows have unfortunately succumbed to the effects of insufficient maintenance but this one has been carefully looked after since 1968.
This characterful Rolls-Royce is a particularly smart and original example that will give many more years of faithful service to its new owner.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Rolls Royce
- Model Silver Shadow
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 12,853 Miles
- Engine size 6230
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
25 bids
- joshua.•••• £14,500 08/08/22
- tf.2000•••• £14,000 08/08/22
- djnanji•••• £13,250 08/08/22
- joshua.•••• £13,000 08/08/22
- djnanji•••• £12,750 08/08/22
- joshua.•••• £12,500 08/08/22
- djnanji•••• £12,000 08/08/22
- joshua.•••• £11,750 08/08/22
- djnanji•••• £11,250 08/08/22
- joshua.•••• £11,000 08/08/22
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