1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II

Highlights 

 • Presenting in exquisite condition inside and out 
 • Extensive specialist service history 
 • Glorious 6 ¾ litre engine  
 • Long MOT 

The Appeal

When one approaches and inspects a Silver Shadow II, it becomes all too clear why they garner such immense appeal from Rolls Royce enthusiasts and those who appreciate excellent craftsmanship. A marvellous blend of the absolute finest materials that were on hand to the Rolls Royce engineers and craftsmen make up a truly exquisite car that simply exudes class and style. 
The example we see here, a 1978 Silver Shadow II is no stranger to this notion, and is from every angle, a marvellous car. Meticulously maintained to the highest of standards, the Shadow has seen just a handful of owners since new, one of whom has bought the car back a total of four times out of pure love for the car. It is safe to say there is just something about these Shadows that sticks with an individual. 
The Silver Shadow is very much the first choice for the budding Rolls Royce enthusiasts at present and post 1977 examples, labelled Silver Shadow IIs are an excellent buy. Considered a revolutionary shadow, they sport greatly improved handling courtesy of a rack and pinion steering system and altered suspension and brakes over its predecessor.  

The History and Paperwork 

 • Accompanied by multiple folders of servicing history 
 • Sold via prestigious Rolls Royce dealer Jack Barclay LTD 
 • MOT certificates dating several decades into the car’s past 
 • Rolls Royce service book stamped by RR dealers and specialists 
 • Original RR owners handbook 
 • Extensive collection of invoices for work undertaken to keep the car well maintained 
 • MOT valid until November 2022 
 • Tax and MOT exempt due to historic status 

The Interior 

 • Wonderful cream leather interior 
 • High quality wood trim and dash panel 
 • Plush brown carpeting in the cabin and the boot 
 • Presents in exquisite condition 
When Rolls Royce builds a car, they build just about everything on it to the highest of standards, and thus it comes as no surprise to report that the cabin of this particular car has borne the test of time incredibly well and looks to be of an impeccable standard. 
Awash with voluptuous cream leather, the well crafted, spacious cabin is one of the utmost quality. Front and rear the leather seating is in near factory fresh condition, providing armchair-like levels of comfort. All of the seats are in good order with rich, quality leather, paired with great stitching and cushioning and provide very little, if anything in the way of wear. 
Front and centre we find yet more leather, this time of a darker brown hue matching in neatly with the exterior paint scheme, this leather piece wraps neatly around the dash and centre console and is of a great standard, lacking in sun damage and discolouration. The dash panel itself, is one of a fine wood finish, the assortment of gauges, switchgear and control panels embedded within mirror this high quality and are reported to function well. 
At the sides sit four smartly upholstered door panels, mixing yet more cream leather and wood veneered trim; these are all in great shape and house some small chrome embellishments for the door pulls and electrically operated windows. 
At ground level, a plush brown carpet with cream piping drapes its way over the cabin floor, with a set of matching footrests housed neatly in the rear passenger section. The carpeting also finds its way under the boot lid where upon opening, we are presented with a smart rear storage section within which is an original tool pouch. 

The Exterior

 • Excellent exterior paintwork with quality coachlines and embellishments
 • Great quality chrome trim
 • Chrome wheels and hubcaps
 • Good original condition
Smartly presented in a wonderful dark red brown hue, the Silver Shadow is every part a beautiful car from the outside. Embellished with the infamous hand painted Rolls Royce coachlines the exterior is in exemplary condition, with high quality paintwork that gleams and shines from nearly every angle. As suggested by the fastidious maintenance history, this is a Shadow that has been preserved to the highest of standards. 
Being a later Shadow II, the car is presented with the updated alloy and plastic bumpers front and rear for improved safety over its older counterparts. The bumpers themselves are of an excellent standard, as is the horde of chrome trim found on many of the panels on the car, most notably that iconic Rolls Royce front grille and the beautiful spirit of ecstasy that sits atop of it. 
All of the glass work, lighting and badging presents in great order, and at each corner sits an excellent 15” chrome wheel and matching chrome Rolls Royce hubcap, all four of which are of a great clean standard. 

The Mechanics

As to be expected of such a highly maintained car, the Shadow presents in absolutely excellent mechanical order, hidden under the front hinged bonnet is a very clean example of a Rolls Royce engine that could well be described with just the word, glorious. At 6 ¾ litres the mighty V8 is certainly a powerhouse, yet one that is both refined and quiet at the same time. Wafting any passengers along in unadulterated comfort. 
Firing into life near immediately at the request of the driver, the Rolls provides just a subtle engine note from its rear mounted exhaust so as not to compromise the car’s refinement. The current owner reports a wonderful drive from the car, as to be expected, smooth, luxurious and comfortable courtesy of the upgraded suspension and rack and pinion steering fitted to the Shadow IIs. 

Summary 

Classy, powerful, stylish. There is very little not to like about a Silver Shadow II. It is a very usable, quintessentially British classic automobile and in the case of the example we see here, one that has been maintained to the highest of standards by Rolls Royce and independent specialists.

Backed up by a comprehensive file of paperwork dating right back into the late 1970s and early 1980s , this beautiful Shadow is very much a piece of history in itself, and one that can be thoroughly enjoyed by the next owner for many years to come.

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.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1978
  • Make Rolls Royce
  • Model Silver Shadow II
  • Colour Brown
  • Odometer 54,844 Miles
  • Engine size 6750
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Kent
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
15 bids from 10 bidders
  • Le•••• £21,000 24/05/22
  • ar•••• £20,250 24/05/22
  • Le•••• £20,000 24/05/22
  • Le•••• £19,750 24/05/22
  • Le•••• £19,500 24/05/22
  • al•••• £19,250 24/05/22
  • ar•••• £15,250 24/05/22
  • cr•••• £15,000 23/05/22
  • ri•••• £13,500 20/05/22
  • Jo•••• £12,000 19/05/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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