1977 Rolls Silver Shadow II £14,995
This is a handsome well cared-for Rolls-royce stalwart that’s almost ready for some grand summer touring, says Rob Scorah
ARolls-royce Silver Shadow is a good-looking car in gold – light enough to lift the mood from ‘Government’ blacks and blues, but not too extrovert either. The finish on this four-owner car is largely excellent with an original metallic finish that retains a good lustre. There is a thumbnail-sized scratch on the nearside rear wheelarch, and a tiny crack above the bonnet corner. But the only real source of concern in the bodywork is a crack in the finish and seam at the base of the offside A-pillar.
The Shadow’s straight flanks can throw inconsistencies in paint and panel work into sharp relief, but from any angle, doors and wings look smooth. Panel gaps are narrow and consistent. Likewise, the boot and bonnet open and close symmetrically with no creaks or sticking.
There are traces of pitting around the key lock barrels, but the radiator grille and thick bumpers are in good shape. Underneath, the car looks solid and suspension parts appear in fine fettle.
The leather of the maroon interior looks warm and rich, and makes a nice contrast to the bodywork. Despite the 88,000 miles travelled, the hide shows only a light patina. There is (very) slightly more wear to the edge of the driver’s seat. There is also a nick to the leather inner door beading on the driver’s side. The walnut burr retains a rich colour and figuring with only the odd scratch. The wood capping to the driver’s door has received the most wear.
The car has an extensive history, mainly with independent specialists, and the engine bay looks like that of a well cared-for motor. Workshop bills run until about 2006 – thereafter the car seems to have been looked after by the owner, with parts invoices (Flying Spares) mirroring the garage invoices of the years before.
When the key is turned there are no noises or smoke to flag up mechanical worries. However, the brake warning light remains lit and the temperature gauge isn’t working. There does appear to be a slight lumpiness at idle but the car hasn’t been run at all over the winter.
Out on the road, the Rolls still delivers on its maker’s promise. In any of the auto’s three speeds, the transmission handles the power uptake and gear changes smoothly without whine or shunt. The column-mounted shift snicks through nicely. There are no flat spots in the V8’s power delivery though it burbles a little less under its breath than some.
Steering is typically light and the suspension soaks up the bumps competently. As to handling, this Shadow feels a little more roly-poly than others I’ve driven. The car will be fully serviced and Mot’d before it leaves the dealer.
All in all, and with a few tiny faults admitted, a fiver short of £15k doesn’t seem a bad price for this grand old tourer. Other dealers are asking more for a fair bit less.