1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Division Saloon

29 Bids Winner - thearbitrage
1:31 PM, 12 Sep 2022Vehicle sold
Sold for

$6,200

Winner - thearbitrage

Background

The Silver Shadow was an immediate success for Rolls-Royce upon its 1965 release, the car’s impressive, thoroughly modern spec attracting new market demographics, while formal, reserved styling helped retain loyal traditionalists.

Advances included R-R’s first use of unibody construction, disc brakes, four-wheel independent suspension, high-pressure hydraulics, and a good deal more. Serving as the basis for a number of variants including coupes and convertibles wearing both Rolls and Bentley badges, the standard length Shadow was not a small car at over 200” long and a hair under 2.5 tons, yet demand for a long-wheelbase saloon could not be ignored.

  • 51932 TMU
  • 6.75L V8
  • auto
  • Blue
  • White / Blue / Leather
  • Left-hand drive

Vehicle location
Gardena, CA, United States

Background

The Silver Shadow was an immediate success for Rolls-Royce upon its 1965 release, the car’s impressive, thoroughly modern spec attracting new market demographics, while formal, reserved styling helped retain loyal traditionalists.

Advances included R-R’s first use of unibody construction, disc brakes, four-wheel independent suspension, high-pressure hydraulics, and a good deal more. Serving as the basis for a number of variants including coupes and convertibles wearing both Rolls and Bentley badges, the standard length Shadow was not a small car at over 200” long and a hair under 2.5 tons, yet demand for a long-wheelbase saloon could not be ignored.

Overview

First seen in 1969, early LWB variants were simply badged Silver Shadow, though 1976’s revamped Silver Shadow II would see lengthened cars renamed Silver Wraith II. Some four inches longer than standard wheelbase cars, stretched variants could be optioned with limousine style center divisions such as the auction car.

Exterior

These stretched cars conceal their added length quite well, which speaks of the base design’s inherent strength. This example’s two-tone blue and steel roof look spectacular, especially contrasted with yellow lamp lenses which may hint at original French market delivery.

Note the light color matched factory wheel cover trims, as well as the dark hood and rear valance/license plate recess. The smaller, more formal rear window of this car was standard for LWB models, however a more typical, larger item could be fitted at request.

Interior

The inside of these cars is of course very comfortable, quiet, and roomy, though their best interior attribute is an elaborate dashboard brimming with tactile delights such as heavy, polished metal “organ stop” ventilation controls, satisfyingly clicky switchgear, and more fine wood and leather than fitted to the entire cabin of lesser luxury vehicles. This car is even better equipped with toys than most, including a period Pioneer eight-track deck working in combo with what is likely to be the original Blaupunkt AM/FM radio mounted between the front seats.

Notice also the additional, rear passenger radio and climate controls mounted to the cabin divider, which has a power glass partition for additional privacy. Floor mats are expensive, rarely optioned sheepskin items, and contrasting blue piping and paneling complements the buttery tan leather covering most surfaces.

Mechanical

Long-wheelbase cars share mechanicals with standard length models, including R-R’s legendary “six and three quarter liter” V8, an engine family introduced in 1959 and last seen in twin turbocharged form powering the 2020 Bentley Mulsanne.

Self-leveling suspension, brakes, and steering all work via a high pressure hydraulic system based on technology licensed from Citroën. Ride quality should be sublime - these cars offer a true magic carpet experience with near complete isolation from noise, bumps, and vibration.

History

This car is offered without known history.

Summary

The Silver Shadow and its derivatives remain the most successful R-R products ever built, collectively representing more than 30,000 units sold. Each and every one is special by nature, the result of countless hours of demanding, highly skilled hand labor, though with so many out there, it takes a truly extraordinary example to shine - fortunately, this one’s rare LWB configuration and phenomenal colors truly set it apart. Estimated $10,000 - $16,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.

About this auction

Seller

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