Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Online Auction - 29th May on Thursday the 29th of May. Background:
The Silver Shadow was a new type of Rolls-Royce — the firm's first unitary-bodied car, aimed firmly at a new era of 'owner drivers'. It was so well engineered and beloved by customers that its basic architecture underpinned Rolls-Royce saloons into the late 1990s.
The Silver Shadow II featured lightly revised styling with updated bumpers and sharper steering. However, with such a compelling blend of luxury and comfort, little else needed changing. In 1977, the model was renamed the Silver Shadow II in recognition of several major changes, most notably rack and pinion steering, modifications to the front suspension improved handling markedly.
The Car:
This beautiful Shadow II was supplied new on 18th May by Kennings Ltd of Sheffield. The original owner was Sir Robert Atkinson DSC & Two Bars, a highly decorated former Navy officer who also served as chairman of British Shipbuilders at the time he owned the car.
Sir Robert was fastidious in detailing his requirements when ordering the car, and these records, along with correspondence between the dealer and the Rolls-Royce works, are still presented in the substantial history file. The final specification was confirmed on 3rd October 1977. In terms of colour, it was specified in Moorland over Pewter with light tan hide, Cumberland Stone carpets, and Light Fawn Ambla headlining. The build sheet also included Sundym glass, rear tables, top roll in green leather, veneer in a beige tone, Lucas Quartz Iodine headlamps, Mascot alarm, and USA-spec interior. When new, the car’s invoice price was £23, 582. 00 – no small sum in 1978.
Atkinson kept the car until his retirement in December 1983, having been chauffeur-driven from new. He then sold the car to Rolls-Royce stalwarts Jack Barclay Ltd, who added their insignia to the kick strips and sold it to another titled gentleman: the Rt Hon George William Coventry, the 11th Earl of Coventry, who used the car at his Worcestershire estate, Croome Court. An interesting aside is that Croome Court hosted RAF Defford, which played a key role in the development of radar during WWII – a system Sir Robert would have relied on extensively during his maritime military career. The conflict remains a constant thread in the car’s history, with Coventry’s own father having been killed during the Allied evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940.
By the end of the 1980s, it was in the custodianship of Mr David Combes of Enfield, North London, and it appears to have remained in the London area until the most recent keeper, who returned the car to Worcestershire. To date, it has had only six previous keepers, with the current owner having cared for the car since 2020.
The car presents beautifully today. We understand it was repainted in 2020, and that finish still presents superbly. The interior is also excellent, with the leather and wood veneer in outstanding condition, as is the headlining. Underneath, the car is rot-free and the engine bay is extremely well detailed, placing it among the cleanest Shadow IIs available today.
Mechanically, the car is absolutely on the button and ready to use and enjoy. The brakes are superb, the engine pulls well, and the gearbox is perfect. The tool kit is present, as are two keys, and the car benefits from four excellent Avon tyres. The only minor flaws in condition are two very small bubbles – one under the offside A-pillar and another on the nearside rear door. Both are pictured in the gallery and are very small – not to mention quite common for a classic Rolls-Royce.
The history file (rather, five files) covers the car’s entire life and attests to its maintenance regardless of cost, with invoices from a variety of respected specialists such as Jack Barclay, Balmoral UK, Flying Spares, and of course, Rolls-Royce themselves.
A truly beautiful Shadow II – well preserved and offered with an exceptional history. Please see the gallery and view not only the extensive images, but also underside pictures and excerpts from the history file.
Location: WorcestershireSeller: PrivatePhotography: Professional
