1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

The intricacies of this handsome looking Silver Shadow II can be decoded from its chassis number. The SRH prefix, for example, confirms it as a right-hand drive home market model. With the Shadow II first appearing with a 30001 number in 1977 we can surmise this to be around the 9690th iteration to roll out of Crewe. With several Rolls-Royce authorities stating that the later “B Series” L410 engine was introduced at “approximately” number 39628, it is likely that this car features one.  

We do know for sure that this Shadow was supplied new to its first lucky owner by dealer Howells of Cardiff in February 1980. A further nine keepers came and went in the subsequent 25 years before it arrived with the current registered keeper in 2005. At this stage the Silver Shadow II had covered around 88,000 miles from new. With the recorded mileage standing at 91,556 miles on the day of our shoot it becomes clear that this Rolls has been barely used in current ownership. 

With the current registered keeper now, sadly, deceased the Silver Shadow is being sold by his daughter. Whilst our consignment team confirm that the car starts and runs, if a little unevenly, it will clearly require a degree of recommissioning and maintenance to ensure it is in a fully roadworthy condition before use.
 

The Silver Shadow always seems to look particularly regal in a two tone livery and this car’s brown over gold appears especially “marque appropriate” to our eyes. The condition appears impressive for a 45 year old car and a peruse of the accompanying paperwork confirms a bare metal respray following new arches and a front end dent repair in 2008. Given that only around 2,000 miles or so have been covered since then the car’s paintwork truly belies its age. The bodywork looks equally well preserved with no note-worthy dents, dings or deformations in evidence. 

The front of the car is a particular highlight of the Shadow II’s design. The famous Pantheon grill dominates, of course, topped with the enigmatic Spirit of Ecstasy in common with all Rolls-Royce grills since 1911. Our car is late enough to benefit from the fitment of the to-and-fro headlamp wiper system, the brushes of which could have easily been hand plucked from the underbellies of sleeping Civet cats knowing Rolls-Royce. The redesigned rubber and polyurethane trimmed bumpers appear free from the usual odd scuff.

Add into this sophisticated combination the 15-inch steel wheels disguised behind the chromed and body colour painted hub caps complete with central “RR” embossing and circular gold coachline. These are shod with a mixed set of chunky radial type tyres in the correct 235/70 configuration..
 

Rolls-Royce were justly proud of the full eight hides of finest Connolly hides required to trim the cabin of the Shadow II. The interior of our car appears to be in a deeply original condition and, as such, looks superb with just a modicum of use related patina noted. This appears limited to a little creasing of the Parchment leather and some minor scuffing to the dark brown piping in places. Both front and rear seats feature an interesting bespoke touch of the underside of the armrests being finished in a contrasting dark brown hue. A rare touch.

The highly luxurious ambiance is further enhanced by a coppice’s worth of walnut veneer which graces the dashboard fascia, door tops and rear vanity mirror surrounds. The condition of this is very good and it exhibits a pleasing gloss varnished finish throughout. The deep pile Wilton carpets appear to be original and present very well in dark brown with Parchment leather edgings. The obligatory rear, wedge shaped footrests and sumptuous lambswool rugs are also present. The dashboard is populated with the familiar white on black gauges and chromed switches, buttons and organ stops. In a charming Rolls-Royce quirk, the two main instruments are made by Jaeger whilst the clock and outside temperature items are VDO. The original, large but slender two spoke steering wheel is present disguised behind an aftermarket cover. The original Blaupunkt push button long, medium and VHF wave radio is present as is a separate cassette player. For your listening pleasure a small selection of cassettes is also included. Amongst these are The Shadows’ (appealingly model appropriate) “String of Hits” and “That’s What I Call Music 22,” a double cassette compilation of the most popular hits from 1992.

The large boot is trimmed with matching dark brown Wilton carpet. The original jack and tool roll are in evidence here as is a box of Rolls-Royce focussed hard backed books.

When the ignition is turned on it, the drivers seats mechanism continuously clicks how ever doesnt move.
 

Initially the Silver Shadow carried forward the L410 6.2L V8 engine from the Silver Cloud. By 1970, however, the capacity was increased to 6,750cc and this was mated to the three speed, widely used THM (Turbo Hydra Matic) gearbox. This configuration was carried forward wholesale into the Shadow II. The fitment of a rack and pinion steering set up, however, was all new and revelatory. For many years Rolls-Royce had cited their “sneeze test” as good reason to fit ancient and unresponsive steering systems. The idea being that a sudden, involuntary movement (such as a sneeze) would not send your steed careening into the nearest hedge. In reality even significant, voluntary movements didn’t elicit much response either. That all changed with the Shadow II, making it the first model for 50 years that was, literally, “a decent steer.”

The under-bonnet presentation of the Shadow II appears highly original and in fine overall order if as chaotic looking as all V8 L410 bays. It is clean and straight, and all the expected data plates appear present and correct and even the highly effective under bonnet insulation is in great shape. The underside of the car looks admirably straight, leak free and well presented. Plenty of preservative, original underseal appears to remain, how ever certainly could do with a going through my a marque specialist.

There is a good paperwork file associated with our Silver Shadow II. The V5 registration document is present in the name of the owner. This categorises the Rolls as an Historic Vehicle and, as such, MoT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK. A number of earlier MoTs in hard copy are provided, and the car was last tested in 2017 at 91,461 miles (less than 100 miles ago) achieving and advisory free pass at that time.

The remainder of the archive consists of numerous detailed invoices from a number of years ago but, in many cases, only a couple of thousand miles ago. These include a couple relating to some diligent engine work at 88,789 and 88,838 miles and hence only around 2,500 miles ago. One should not forget the mini Rolls-Royce library in the boot and the hardcovered owner’s manual in the cabin.
 

Inevitably, perhaps, as the last and most developed of the breed the Silver Shadow II is undoubtably the best to drive. The change to rack and pinion steering finally put the icing on what was already a very expertly baked cake. As such, those in the know will seek out the Shadow II as both the rarer and most enjoyable of the Shadows.

This example represents a remarkably high value proposition by any measure. Sensible original mileage, a great overall presentation and seemingly diligently maintenance are great starting points, of course. Add in its highly original condition and you have a Silver Shadow II that offers a highly compelling package to those seeking the optimum Silver Shadow ownership experience at a humble hatchback price point.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £6,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.