R-R Silver Shadow

ENGINE 6750cc/V8/OHV POWER 190bhp@4000rpm (est) TORQUE 290lb ft@2500rpm (est) MAXIMUM SPEED 114mph 0-60MPH 11.3sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 49,000 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The driving experience is everything a proper RollsRoyce should be. There’s plenty of whooshy heave if you’re intending to make progress, and silent running when you just want to cruise. There are no undue rattles, knocks or vibrations through the suspension, even on rutted roads – just creamy compliance – and the rear suspension exhibits no ‘hopping’. There’s a fair degree of body roll and the brakes need a firm shove, but these are symptoms of the breed, not issues with this particular car. The steering is light, but precise when it needs to be. Everything seems to be in excellent mechanical order.

BODYWORK CHECK

It’s hard to take your eyes off this Rolls’ piercing Le Mans blue paint, but it isn’t the colour with which it left Crewe – it was originally Willow Gold prior to its restoration in Bulgaria. We could find no signs of rust anywhere, and no cracking in the paint. There are some minor polishing marks here and there, and a few minor stonechips on the nose, but that’s about it – there isn’t even any misting to the extensive chromework. The tyres have plenty of tread remaining and there’s no evidence of any kerb damage or corrosion on the wheels.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The interior is in excellent condition. The original green Parkatex Savoy Velvet interior has been replaced with piped white leather, which only has a few crease marks in it. The leather on the dash top is coming adrift, but probably just needs sticking back down. The wood is in excellent condition, with no cracks to be found anywhere, and the headlining is in similarly mint condition. The only obvious faults are a bit of metal coming away on the rear driver’s side passenger door, and a driver’s door that’s slightly reluctant to close.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay looks barely used because it was part of the restoration. It’s certainly a contender for concours action. All the fluids are up to the maximum mark, and none show any signs of leaking. The oil seems fresh and there’s no evidence of water mixed in with it. The car comes with a paperwork file detailing work done and the original bill of sale, plus some photographs of the car with its first owners when it was brand new.

THE CCW VIEW

This Rolls-Royce may not be the last word in originality, but there’s no denying that it’s a stunning-looking example. The colour change may not be to all tastes and it’s not quite perfect as it it stands, but it wouldn’t take too much work to bring it up to outstanding condition and something that you would be proud to exhibit at any classic car show.

EXTERIOR Non-original colour Some blemishes INTERIOR Some leather creases Dash-top needs attention MECHANICALS V8 pulls strongly Superb ride