Winning bid
£15,500

1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II

Highlights

  • Has been cherished by two owners, who were friends, for 44 years
  • Known by the seller since the car was new
  • Meticulous service history by Rolls Royce at Crewe for 28 years then specialists 
  • Recent brake service, suspension system checks and carburettors overhauled 
  • Original Willow Gold colour and Champagne interior, a unique and striking colour scheme
  • Always garaged and highly cherished by the seller 
  • Tax and MOT exempt 

The Appeal 

The Silver Shadow was a new type of Rolls-Royce, the firm's first unitary bodied car and one aimed firmly at the new era of 'owner drivers.'  It was so well engineered and beloved by customers that its basic architecture underpinned Rolls-Royce saloons into the late 1990s.

The Silver Shadow II lightly overhauled the styling with revised bumpers and there was also sharper steering.  But with such a compelling blend of luxury and comfort little else needed changing.

It is exceptionally rare to discover a Silver Shadow like this one.  In the hands of its Spitfire-pilot custodian from new until it was bequeathed, on his death, to his friend, this car has been known by the seller since it let the showroom.  It has been maintained with all the love and care that history suggests, first by Rolls Royce at Crewe for 28 years and then latterly by just two independent specialists.  It has always been garaged.

Recently treated to some brake, suspension and carburettor work it is in wonderful, original condition.  This is one of the best and certainly amongst the most highly cherished Silver Shadows we've seen recently and looks ready for a new owner to lavish the same care upon it. 

The History and Paperwork

  • The vehicle has always been garaged and kept under a cover
  • Originally owned by former WWII Spitfire pilot
  • The car was bought by his company for his personal use
  • He then acquired the car from his company
  • Has only changed hands once, from the original owner to the vendor, a close friend, around 12 years ago 
  • Maintained by Rolls Royce in Cheshire for the first 28 years
  • Then looked acter by a retired Rolls Royce engineer who had apprenticed on Silver Shadows at Crewe
  • Most recently serviced and maintained by JK Engineering in Biggleswade
  • Extensive history file attesting to this fastidious history 
  • Always garaged by both owners 
  • Both owners have prioritised maintaining the factory specification, right down to choice of tyres

The Interior

  • Classic Champagne interior, very reminiscent of the era when this car was new 
  • Retains all the original trim, including lambswool mats and footrests
  • A minor blemish on the wood top trim has been retained as a memory of the previous owner
  • Little to no signs of wear, indicating meticulous care and minimal usage
  • Original tool box with spare bulbs and fuses

The Exterior

  • No signs of corrosion, indicating the vehicle has been well protected from the elements
  • Retains original panels in excellent condition with minor professional blemish repairs conducted over the years
  • Original panels still display the distinct Willow Gold colour, which has been well maintained
  • Nearly new factory specification Avon tyres showing plenty of tread

The Mechanics

  • Runs beautifully, indicating well-maintained mechanical condition
  • Recent servicing of dual brakes with new pads, control valves, and accumulators
  • Brake pump and twin carburettors stripped, cleaned, serviced, and re-tuned in March of this year

Summary 

Sometimes a car comes to us where you can really sense the love and affection lavished upon it by its owners.  This handsome Silver Shadow II is just such a car. 

Its condition reflects that attention.  This is a great example of one of Britain's finest luxury saloons. 

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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Auction Details

  • Year1979
  • MakeRolls Royce
  • ModelSilver Shadow
  • ColourGold
  • Odometer91,574 Miles
  • Engine size6750cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownBiggleswade
  • CountyBedfordshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

38 Bids

pubsand••••
Bid
£15,500
02/11/23
rahman-••••
Bid
£15,250
02/11/23
pubsand••••
Bid
£15,000
02/11/23
rahman-••••
Bid
£14,750
02/11/23
pubsand••••
Bid
£14,500
02/11/23
rahman-••••
Bid
£14,250
02/11/23
pubsand••••
Bid
£14,000
02/11/23
pubsand••••
Bid
£13,750
02/11/23
rahman-••••
Bid
£13,500
02/11/23
pubsand••••
Bid
£13,250
02/11/23

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