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1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Highlights
- Amazing condition inside and out
- Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Concours prize-winning car
- Impressive and extensive history file
- Genuine 53,788 miles from new
The Appeal
Having long boasted of being ‘the best car in the world’, in the 1960s Rolls-Royce found that claim under threat, with US and European rivals fast catching up in the luxury market. The company’s then-flagship, the Silver Cloud, was starting to show its age; RR’s answer was the Silver Shadow, built, in various forms, between 1965 and 1980. It was the first Rolls-Royce to use unitary body and chassis construction, and notably used a hydro-pneumatic suspension system, licenced from Citroën, which gave superior ride quality and soon re-established RR’s position as the luxury car of choice for the rich and famous.
While the original Shadow had a 6.2-litre V8 engine, in 1970 this was replaced with a 6.75-litre derivative, and a three-speed automatic gearbox replaced the original four-speed version. This change reflected the bigger engine’s increased power and torque. In total more than 16,000 examples of the original Shadow were built, until the model was revamped and renamed the Silver Shadow II in 1977. JVG 710 M has clearly been carefully looked after throughout its life, and its condition both inside and out is remarkable.
The History and Paperwork
- Full service history
- Amazing folder of paperwork
- Original leather folder with owner’s handbook etc
- Radio manual
- Lots of historic invoices
- Original delivery advice notice
- Six owners from new
- Current V5
The car was originally supplied by Lex Mead in Weybridge to Sir Bernard Marks, then-owner of Alfred Marks Recruitment. It has a comprehensive, fully documented service history, with all work carried out by Rolls-Royce specialists. It has been garaged throughout its life.In 2017 it won first prize in the ‘Preservation’ class at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club annual concours event.
The vendor bought the car in 2021, from RR specialists Royce Engineering in Surrey, who have looked after the car since 2015. Having covered less than 1000 miles in it, he now wishes to purchase another car so has decided to part with this one. The car had a comprehensive hydraulic and brake service at Royce Engineering in 2015, at a cost of £8,000 and has been maintained on a ‘no expense spared’ basis since. All the invoices are in the file of paperwork.
The Interior
- Magnolia hide (VM 3997) interior, piped dark brown (VM890)
- Leather roof lining
- Superb walnut dashboard
- Original steering wheel
- Rear vanity mirrors and courtesy lights
- Rear footrests
- Deep-pile rugs
- Carpets in excellent condition
- Original radio
- Blaupunkt cassette player
- Original test cassette in its case
- Original tool kit
Open the doors, and the care and attention with which the car has been looked after is immediately apparent. The leather front seats, which wouldn’t be out of place in a Mayfair gentleman’s club, have a slight patina but look superb, while those in the rear look barely used. The carpets have been protected by (replacement) luxurious deep-pile rugs and have no stains or signs of wear, and the rear footrests are both present and in excellent condition.
The walnut dash is in first-class order, as you would expect from a car that has always been garaged, while all the dials and switchgear are similarly good. In the glove box is an original Rolls-Royce stereo test cassette with both cassettes present, which must now be a very rare item. All of the leather-trimmed door panels are in excellent condition, as are the interior handles, ashtrays and walnut door trims. There’s a leather roof lining, an expensive original option, again in excellent condition. All the courtesy lights are in good working order.
In the (huge!) boot is a carpet liner, with no stains or wear, plus an original tool kit and a sleeve with the original jack and wheelbrace.
The Exterior
- Classic Silver Shadow profile
- Walnut (ICI M151-3998) coachwork with beige ‘Everflex’ roof covering.
- Paintwork in excellent condition
- Superb wheels and tyres
- ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot
- Badges and brightwork all in first-class condition
Original R-R colours, such as this metallic ‘walnut’, are now very much in favour with owners. The paintwork here is in remarkable condition for its age, with only some very minor cracking on the front nearside wing and some fine scratches on top of the same panel. There’s also a small stonechip on the front nearside wheel arch. The beige ‘Everflex’ roof covering is in excellent condition.
All four wheels look great, and all wear Avon tyres with plenty of life left in them. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ mascot looks as good as new, while all the badges, door handles and exterior brightwork are unmarked.
The Mechanics
- 6750cc V8 petrol engine
- Three-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400 auto ‘box
- Hydro-pneumatic suspension
- Starts and runs well
The car starts on first turn of the key and idles beautifully. The vendor reports that it drives and handles superbly well; he has owned other Rolls-Royces and assures us that this is the best he’s ever driven. It’s clear that maintenance and servicing, to the highest standards, have been a priority for successive owners and all work has been carried out at RR specialists. The engine bay and the underneath of the car reflect this care. With lots of recent invoices recording significant sums spent on looking after the car, the new owner can be confident that this Shadow offers trouble-free motoring.
Summary
Famous around the world, the Rolls-Royce brand name is renowned for high-end luxury and refinement, and the Silver Shadow exemplifies that reputation. With even the later examples being more than forty years old, many have disappeared and really outstanding, unmolested examples – like this one – are increasingly hard to find.
Having been cherished and maintained to the highest standards throughout its life, and with an amazing file of paperwork, JVG 710 M offers the chance to cruise in comfort and style, in a true automotive icon; it must be one of the very best, and most original, Shadows on the market.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make Rolls Royce
- Model Silver Shadow II
- Colour Brown
- Odometer 53,733 Miles
- Engine size 6750
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Alton
- Location Surrey
- Country United Kingdom
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