1969 | Rolls-Royce MPW DHC

Lot details

Year: 1969
Make: Rolls-Royce
Model: Silver Shadow Drophead Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward
Registration: NPM 903
Chassis No: DRH6970
Engine No: 6970
Odometer: 6,971

• Bare-metal restoration (engine-out) by Royce Engineering
• Important hydraulic rebuild
• Limited edition, coachbuilt model; just one of 506

Thanks to Rolls-Royce, two of the foremost coachbuilders of the time, H. J. Mulliner and Park Ward, joined forces to become arguably the most well-known automotive design house, Mulliner Park Ward. This very specific model was produced in limited numbers and, in fact, represents just one of 506 examples compared to nearly 16,717 standard four-door models, specifically noted by the timeless grace of the swage lines setting it apart from the regular Silver Shadows.

The Silver Shadow had four doors until the introduction of the coach-built models with a two-door coupe and dropheads respectively. Up to 1970 and the pre-Corniche moniker, they were fitted with a 6230cc engine mated to an automatic transmission from General Motors. From 1970 onwards, the well-known 6750cc was fitted to pretty much all models across the range. These exclusive cars were hand-built in the best traditions of British coachbuilding using only materials of the finest quality including Wilton carpeting, Connolly hide and burr walnut veneers. Such painstaking attention to detail resulted in a price some 50% higher than that of the standard examples but its rarity alone certainly proved worthwhile.

Demand for these more glamorous alternatives always far outstripped supply. Starting back in 1969 when this example was originally built and tested by the factory, we are fortunate enough to be able to illustrate this as evidenced by the inclusion of the entire 29-page factory report. It still presents in its original Seychelles blue body colour today, repainted after its engine-out restoration in 2019, with tan leather upholstery. Mention is even made to the requested and addition of chrome GB lettering to the rear boot lid on the original order form as well as the original retailer, Hadley Green Garages Ltd. The next significant paperwork comes from Mr. Samuel Weinhoff of New York City in the USA. In June 1987, he undertook a significant restoration including a fully rebuilt engine and gearbox, bare metal repaint, all undertaken by the Harvey Motor Company, reported by the Rolls-Royce Owners Club to be the best in the North-eastern United States. Prior to the restoration, some 75,000 miles had passed but with virtually every aspect of the car replaced, restored or overhauled to the tune of some $100,000. With such care, the mileage seems academic however. The story is then picked up again in 1993 when it was purchased by the Page family in Rye, Kent. They had various general maintenance works carried out by Haynes &Hall Ltd, Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists in Surrey, up until the point when the husband sadly passed away. The car was then interred for some ten years before it came to the attention of the previous owners, who acquired the vehicle knowing that significant work was required to restore this most elegant of motor cars, back to the condition that it so deserved. Therefore, the second process of restoration began in earnest, initially going to Ranmore Service &Engineering (originally Royce Engineering) in Surrey. In 2017, a full 'Schedule C' service was carried out which included a full set of Avon tyres, drivebelts, alternator, a carburettor rebuild and much more. In 2019, even more detailed invoices are included which show the entire engine lifted from the car, stripped and inspected. This was found to be damaged and so a good quality donor engine was sourced with just 34,000 miles recorded. This was, in turn, rebuilt and the engine bay prepared for re-installation. There are pages showing extensive work on the braking systems on all four corners as well as hydraulic systems reservoirs, height control valves, hydraulic accumulator bodies, hydraulic brake pumps, master cylinders and more. Importantly, when you're deciding to buy a Rolls-Royce of this nature, the history of the hydraulics is important. These are complex systems and need to be in good order or they can end up costing significant amounts further down the road. Fortunately, just 400 miles ago, a full hydraulic overhaul took place including flexible brake hoses, reservoirs, height control valves and accumulators, all were either replaced or overhauled. Full and detailed invoices are included with over £53,000 spent on the mechanical elements alone. Before all this took place however, the body was stripped back to bare metal, prepared and re-painted in the original colour scheme.

Needless to say, it passed an MoT test in 2020 with Sergeants of Goudhurst, venerated specialists who monitored its progress throughout this second restoration and signed off on this luxury statement-piece. It was then sold privately to a friend who had followed this car for some years and absorbed it into his collection with some additional works taken place under the auspices of The Prasads, independent Bentley and Rolls-Royce specialists. They undertook an extensive service in 2022 to the tune of some £7,000 covering numerous items from tip to tail. Since then, most roadwork was simply going from home to the MoT testing station and back again. It should be noted also that Creech Coach trimming, stripped and re-trimmed the boot area in the correct leather-edged, black carpet. This represents as a wonderful example of the coachbuilder's craft; the paintwork is lustrous as are the accented walnut veneers and acres of leatherwork inside including brand new lambswool over-rugs. Although starting instantly when requested, it should be noted that the odometer appears non-functioning. Nevertheless, this represents a rare and wonderful example. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille