1968 | Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I

The introduction of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow in 1965 marked a major departure from its predecessor, the Silver Cloud, being the first model from the company to use unitary construction rather than a separate body and chassis. The more efficient use of space made possible by unitary construction enabled the car to offer increased passenger and luggage space, whilst reducing both the length and width of the vehicle. The new car was designed by John Blatchley and provided a much cleaner, more modern appearance.

Amongst the numerous other modernisations introduced with the Silver Shadow were all-round disc brakes and independent rear suspension, making use of a high-pressure hydropneumatic suspension system licensed from Citroën, with dual-circuit braking and hydraulic self-levelling suspension, offering a high quality ride. Initially, the car made use of the same engine and gearbox as the outgoing Silver Cloud – a twin carburettor, 6.2 litre V8, coupled to a four-speed automatic gearbox – but both engine and gearbox were modified during the long production run, which included a subsequent Silver Shadow II model, and ended in 1980. In all, around 25,000 4-door cars were manufactured.

This early Silver Shadow was first registered in December 1968 and the official service book is stamped up to 1973 with 31,000 miles registered at that time. It remained in the hands of its first owner until 1986, by which time it had recorded 78,000 miles. The next owner commissioned overhaul/rectification works undertaken by specialist P & A Wood of Essex in 1986 and we have MOT certificates from 1985 up to 1989, when the vehicle was imported to Jersey by the same owner, who kept the vehicle until his death in 2021.

Extensive restoration work was carried out by ourselves between 1994 and 1996 (evidenced by full documentation), with limited subsequent use lifting the current recorded mileage to 99,000. The vehicle was acquired by Le Riche Auto in 2022 from the estate Executor and has since received further light re-commissioning work.

The engine runs well – and has new ignition components fitted. The gearbox is similarly in good order – this car being fitted with the improved 3-speed GM400 autobox. The car has received recent attention to the hydropneumatic suspension system, with the reservoirs cleaned. The brakes have been rebuilt and new hoses fitted. The self-levelling suspension operates on only the rear wheels – the front having been dealer-disconnected as was Rolls Royce policy. There is scope for further commissioning works and mechanical improvement.

The bodywork of the car was extensively restored and fully re-painted (which included the addition of the current white roof) during the works carried out between 1994 and 1996. The finish has deteriorated a little over the subsequent 25 years, with some small areas of corrosion, e.g. in the rear wings and some paint blisters, e.g. door tops. Overall however, whilst it would benefit from some attention, the car is quite presentable and remains in a generally sound and solid condition. All brightwork is present and correct, there is some cosmetic corrosion to the front and rear bumpers.

During the restoration work carried out in the mid-90s, the interior of the car was stripped and extensively refurbished with new carpets, leather work repaired and treated and any damaged veneer work renovated and re-lacquered. The luxurious interior remains in very good condition, with only a few minor marks evident. Of note, this early car has the original all-wood design, ‘Chippendale’ dashboard, which was never fitted with a centre console.

Whilst this handsome, early model Silver Shadow is a solid, roadworthy vehicle in a reasonable cosmetic condition, it would benefit from having a new owner who is prepared to spend some time and effort addressing the issues identified above, in order to bring it back up to an excellent condition.

The car is supplied with original handbook and documentation, together with a detailed file covering the 1994-96 renovation work. The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required.