Well-known on the show circuit and in RREC circles
Copies of factory build records
Substantial history file
THE APPEAL
Back when it debuted in 1965, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was billed as the best car in the world. A bold claim, but one not without foundation, for it was both technologically advanced and a delight to drive.
It continued in production until 1981, with a 1977 facelift bringing in the Silver Shadow 2, with a modernised cabin and thicker US-compliant impact bumpers. The earlier cars were much prettier and are today the most sought-after.
Supplied new by Wadham Stringer in Wallingford, this example was commissioned right at the end of Silver Shadow 1 production and built in November 1976, as detailed by the original factory build records included in the service history. It was delivered to its first owner in West London in January 1977, making it one of the very last Shadow 1s registered, and a historically important car.
The vendor acquired it from a deceased estate, the previous keeper being an engineer and garage owner who had cherished the car for many years and kept it in a secure dehumidified storage facility.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original handbook and wallet
Original bill of sale for £17,149 in 1977 (£118,428 adjusted by inflation)
Copies of factory build and inspection records
Car number SRH26499 (last Shadow 1 was 26708)
Matching body and engine numbers
Full service history right back to initial service in April 1977
Warranted mileage of 96,987
Odometer replaced by main dealer (Wadham Stringer) at 64,418 miles and noted in service book
Selection of old tax discs and MOTs
Well-known car in Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club – previously registered 45 DRK
Lots of bills and invoices, many from renowned Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Colbrook, which looked after the car for many years
Tax and MOT exempt, but with advisory-free MOT through to September 2023
Box of RREC annuals and some old club correspondence
Full collection of Rolls-Royce official service manuals
THE INTERIOR
Beige leather
Brown upper top dash roll
Leather-trimmed steering wheel
Excellent pale beige Ambla roof lining
Woollen overmats
Burr walnut veneers
Original accessory Pioneer eight-track player
Blaupunkt Frankfurt MW radio
Electric aerial
Working air conditioning
Four electric windows
Cruise control
Electric front seats
Lovely order with very gentle patina
THE EXTERIOR
Gorgeous special-order Willow Gold
Lovely condition with no real paint flaws
Perfect ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ bonnet mascot
Excellent underneath
Very good chrome
Recent tyres
Chrome GB badge
Optional Lucas front and rear fog lamps
Badge Bar with RREC, IAM and additional insignia
THE MECHANICS
6,750cc V8
Three-speed auto
Recent service and appraisal from highly regarded Rolls-Royce specialist
Recent brake accumulator
New engine mounts, diff carrier mounts, torque arm mounts and brake pipe
Brake system repressurised and refilled with RR363 model-specific brake fluid
Drives flawlessly – quiet, refined, comfortable and with no untoward noises
Finger-light power steering and effortless braking
SUMMARY
This is a charming and lovely example of the pre-impact bumper Silver Shadow – possibly the latest registered survivor and certainly one of the last first-generation cars, with the bigger engine and upgraded suspension set-up over the earliest ones. It’s in superb order and is a truly lovely thing with a gorgeous, gentle patina.
Then there’s the history file. With copies of all the factory records around the car’s build, load of early documents and past service invoices it’s pretty comprehensive, and there’s an entire library of reading to go with it. You’re unlikely to find many Shadow 1s as good as this one.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
