OOC 79 - Rolls Royce Silver Shadow I - First registered November 1972. 69,000 miles approx. Automatic, petrol.
This 1972 Silver Shadow hails from that fascinating era when Rolls' customer base was shifting markedly - from the royalty and aristocracy that had been their lifeblood, to the celebrities, rock stars, sportspeople and entrepeneurs who represented society's shift from 'old money' to new.
The first owner of this Shadow is unfortunately unknown, but we do know from the stamps in the service book that it was most likely based in the London area, with the first service carried out by renowned dealership Jack Barclay. Several more London-based services are recorded, together with one in Crewe carried out by Rolls-Royce themselves. The service record ends in 1978 at just under 26,000 miles. The history picks up again in 1981, when it was bought by a new owner for £7500, with 67474 miles on the clock. Thereafter it was mostly dry-stored for the next 26 years, with minimal annual mileage increases shown on the various MOT certificates. It entered the current collection in 2008, still with under 69,000 miles recorded.
The car was originally delivered in an unusual non-metallic sable colour which Rolls-Royce called 'Astrakhan'. Quite why this colour was associated with a medium-sized Russian city is a question best asked of the creative minds of the 1970s Rolls-Royce marketing department, but regardless, paired with the beige Connolly leather interior, this would have been the epitome of 70s style. In 2008/9, upon entering new ownership a full repaint was carried out in a similar but metallic colour - a 2003 Rolls-Royce paint option, so still brand-correct, but perhaps more tasteful to the modern eye. The paintwork has held up well, and would doubtless respond very well to a good clean and polish. There are a couple of areas of blistering, most noticeably to the top of the offside rear door, but nothing of major concern. The brightwork has some evidence of minor corrosion, but this could likely be improved upon with a thorough clean as well.
Inside, the car retains its original beige leather upholstery, which seems in good order. Although we haven't been able to test the functionality of everything, it all seems present and correct. The clock certainly works - it used to be said that the loudest thing in a Silver Shadow at motorway speeds would be the ticking of the clock, so the new owner will be able to put that to the test. Being a Rolls, there are luxuries in here that wouldn't become mainstream for another 20 or 30 years for lesser cars. Cruise control and air conditioning are both fitted.
Under the bonnet is the 6750cc Rolls-Royce L-Series engine - a powerplant that enjoyed a remarkable 61-year production run. In the Shadow it provided suitably unfussed, wafty progress coupled to the standard automatic gearbox. We have had the car running and driving on-site; however, the fuel pump is currently not functional, so will need replacement or rebuild before the car returns to the road.
In the history file we have a V5C and documentation relating to the registration - the current distinctive plate was put on the car in 2010, and before that it was registered under the age-related plate XJB 991L. There is also the full set of owner's books - service scedule, handbook and owner's supplement, dealership guide, warranty information (it has expired by now), etc. There are also various old MOTs going back to the early 80s, and a few bills relating to recommissioning work carried out in 2008. The last MOT expired in 2012; although the car is now exempt, we are told it has only been driven a few times since then, and therefore it will require a degree of recommissioning before returning to the road. The odometer reads 69,467 miles, which we believe is genuine. With so many of these cars having led hard lives in the wedding trade, or having been neglected when values were low in the 90s and early 2000s, this represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire an unmolested, genuine low-mileage example with scope to improve and return to the road.
V5c present. One set of keys.
Buyer's Premium 12% (+VAT) (14.4% total)
VIEWING & COLLECTION - these vehicles are based at our Bath saleroom (BA1 7LR) - viewing is strictly by appointment only, giving at least 24hrs notice. No viewing on sale day will be possible. Collection from there, once payment has been received in full.
Note - as a second-hand vehicle buyers are reminded that such items are sold strictly 'as is' with no guarantees or warranties as to any aspect of its mechanical or electrical safety, or roadworthiness implied by Auctioneum Ltd or any agent, irrespective of any description, written, or verbal notice. Payment by Bank Transfer only. Viewing is highly recommended. Nationwide delivery can be arranged.