Boasting the accolade of being the first Rolls-Royce to employ a unitary construction for the body and chassis, the Silver Shadow - across both of its generations - also accounts for the largest production volume of any Rolls-Royce, with a total of over 30,000 built across both generations, taking into account both SWB and LWB variants.

Specifically, the Silver Shadow I was introduced in 1965, boasting improved luggage and passenger space compared to its Silver Cloud predecessor, disc brakes, independent rear suspension and a narrower profile, making it better suited to European roads. 

Under the bonnet sat a 6.2-litre V8, which was later enlarged to 6.75-litres from 1970, with both power plants coupled to a GM-sourced Turbo Hydramatic gearbox for the most part, though pre-70 RHD models featured a 4-speed ‘box which was used in the Silver Cloud. 

Notably, the buttery-smooth suspension was a system that Rolls-Royce licensed from Citroen, based upon their high-pressure hydro-pneumatic system, featuring dual-circuit braking and self-levelling suspension, lending the Silver Shadow fantastic ride quality, as one would expect to find in a Rolls-Royce.

Delivered new to Broughton’s Rolls-Royce of Cheltenham, it would appear that the car was originally registered to the dealership - perhaps as a marketing tool or demonstrator - before it was sold to the first private owner, a Mr Anderson, only three weeks later during May 1972.

The car then subsequently passed through two more private owners - changing hands in 1993 and 1999 - before our vendor purchased it way back in 2003 as only the fifth registered keeper of this fine Silver Shadow I, and it has remained as part of his collection ever since, totalling 19 years of ownership.

For the first few years of this ownership, the car saw regular use and was serviced regularly by a local specialist, but in recent years the car has seen less and less use, meaning only some minor works have been required, which have been undertaken by our vendor as and when required.

Whilst in the current ownership, the car has always been kept garaged and kept in a dehumidified environment, ensuring that the condition of this Silver Shadow I has been kept top-notch.

Included with the sale of the car is the V5 showing four former keepers, numerous handbooks, service records, old MoT certificates, and an extensive maintenance history, all of which is contained in an orderly manner within a ring-bound folder.

The green leather interior complements the sage green bodywork fantastically, and no doubt upon opening the door to this regal Silver Shadow I one would be hit with a glorious waft of old leather, wood trim and a general air of aristocracy that seems oh-so prevalent in these magnificent old beasts.

In terms of condition, we have to say it looks as if this Silver Shadow has worn its years well, with the seat cushions largely untroubled by time or usage, save for a few deep creases and light scuffs. No doubt if you keep the seats fed and treated well, they’ll give plenty more years of enjoyment.

Elsewhere, there are some scuffs and deeper marks noted around the outer edges of the seat base surrounds, but nothing that spoils the overall appearance of the cabin. The rear seats are in equally excellent condition, whilst up above the headlining is near-pristine throughout and shows no signs of any sagging.

The carpets are in very good condition barring a few marks, though there is some wear around the inner edges of the door, and some typical scuffs and marks visible to the door cards and other high-traffic areas.

From what we can see - and from what we’re told - all of the wood trim is present and correct, and in great condition throughout. All systems are believed to be working as they should with the exception of the rear nearside window winder mechanism which the vendor reports to work intermittently.

Never painted or sprayed to the best of the current owners knowledge, the Sage Green bodywork of this Shadow is in excellent shape, with only a small parking dent in the front nearside door being reported by the vendor as barely visible.

There are a few minor patches of bubbling which can be seen in the photographs, but certainly no signs of any galloping rot or major problems - it’s simply character! 

All of the chrome trims are present and accounted for, and in generally fine fettle, though being picky, our vendor has stated the outer corner caps on the rear bumper may benefit from attention, though it is far from being a major problem.

All four wheels are in great shape, with only a few small marks and nicks noted around the edges of the chrome ‘beauty dishes’ whilst all four wheels are wrapped in period-look rubber, which looks right at home on this stately sedan.

Mechanically, the 6.75-litre engine that gently wafts the car along on a sea of low-end torque is reported to be in excellent condition, having been regularly fettled and tinkered with by the vendor when required. 

There is a squeaking noted from the belt area when cold, though this noise is eliminated once warm. The vendor has had the fan belt replaced, but the noise has persisted. Since it does not appear to have any outward effect on the engine or the car’s systems, it has simply been chalked up as a character quirk and left as-is following the belt change. 

Evidently, all is well underneath too, as the most recent MoT exam - dated 21 January 2022 - shows a clean first-time pass, with no advisory items. It’s worth noting that since 2006, the car has racked up an impressive 13 clean bills of health from MoT exams, testament to both R-R’s build quality and the level of care it has received whilst in the care of our vendor.

Stately, head-turning and giving a sense of occasion to even the most mundane of journeys, this 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I is presented in wonderfully original condition throughout, and benefits from both a low ownership history and long-term ownership, having been in the care of the current owner for nearly 20 years.

Presented in fantastic condition throughout and benefitting from a recent clean bill of health from the MoT tester, this excellent example is ready to simply jump in and drive!