1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II

This Rolls-Royce is one of the more exclusive follow-up Shadows – 8425 Shadow IIs versus the 16,717 first-generation model. A relatively early example of the second iteration of the smash hit saloon, its highly attractive Peacock Blue over Tan leather was first seen in Jack Barclay’s Southwest London showrooms in February 1978, duly finding its first (of eight) custodians by the 21st of the same month. The car was serviced by its supplying dealer until 1983, with stamps recording on-going care until 1986 (39,335 miles).

Presumably entering long term storage thereafter, the car is currently only displaying 56,845 miles on its six-digit odometer. There are no MoTs in the history or online to show use over this period, with the first test recorded as a pass in 2019, following some mechanical recommissioning. There is a current test on the car that expires on 1st May 2025, which is surely reassuring for this MoT-exempt classic.

Generally, this car’s paint and trim present very well. The shining chrome and even panel finish still convey that sense of timeless class and sturdy British build that always characterised a Silver Shadow. However, once you get closer, this impression does unravel a little. While certainly remaining highly presentable, there are a few small areas where the paint hasn’t survived quite as well. One wheelarch shows a reaction under the paint (fisheyes?) and the paint’s cracking around both the front and rear screens, plus the front end has seen some strikes from wayward stones. Also, a little rust is beginning to make its presence felt on the lower portions of the sills and rear wings; a repair to the former is listed in the history in 2019.

The additional aftermarket badges and reflectors – placed in various locations around this Shadow – seem simple enough to remove, if they are not your thing. However, two additional pinstripes – above and below the car’s chrome swage trim – seem to be removing themselves, visibly peeling around the door handles, wing and door shuts. Wheels all appear to have matching hubcaps in seemingly good order; however, the tyres seem very old with cracks to both their tread and sidewalls; we’d swap them out swiftly for safety reasons.

Although the outside of this Shadow is showing its age, there are very few signs of the passing decades on the inside. The leather is presenting merely mild patina, in seemingly good shape with only mild creasing visible. There is a little damage to the driver’s door card and wood cap (trailing edge), however the rest of the door panels look to be in good order.

The supplying dealer (Jack Barclay) kick panel greets the driver, along with an aftermarket steering wheel sock. The veneer on the dashboard is just beginning to show signs of deterioration, with clouding around the periphery of each panel and dial cutout. The nearside rear c pillar veneer has cracked, and the passenger vanity mirror is missing entirely, but generally – with good carpets and hide – the cabin seems to be holding up well. The cavernous boot area looks neat and tidy and seems complete with tool kit, spare bulbs and what looks like umbrellas tucked away on the offside.

Under a bonnet almost large enough to land an aircraft upon, resides the legendary Rolls-Royce 6.75-litre V8, this one seeming clean and tidy with no obvious signs of deterioration, beyond the usual odd bit of surface rust to the tops of a few components. 

The soundproofing looks in good shape here and we spotted what seem like new fuel hoses and clamps, backed up by an invoice for recent work in the service history.

A look underneath didn’t apparently present anything too scary. There’s some mild corrosion visible on the offside rear, behind the wheel, however most of the underside remains protected by underseal.

A note from the vendor on the current MoT certificate states that the car was bought by his wife at the end of 1995. His subsequent ownership means that it’s stayed in the same family ever since. There are a decent selection of early stamps in the accompanying service booklet – complete with owner’s manual – though care doesn’t seem to be able to be traced beyond 1986.

Far more recently, there are a few invoices dated 2019 for substantial mechanical recommissioning work at City Auto-Sense, Stoke-on-Trent. This consisted of an overhaul of the fuel system with the fuel sender, pumps and lines replaced. The brakes underwent a similarly comprehensive overhaul as the rear brake lines, pump and all four flexis were also swapped, along with freeing up the front calliper pistons and replacing their seals. 

The opportunity was taken to also replace one exhaust pipe, while the other (mentioned earlier) was repaired. Further work in 2019 at City Auto-Sense is documented showing the suspension accumulator spheres were replaced. Corrosion to the rear of the offside outer sill was also listed under the repairs made. To finish it off, and make sure this Rolls was driving as Crewe intended once more, the HT leads and spark plugs were also replaced.

With such low displayed mileage and coming from long-term ownership and with a recent mechanical recommission, there’s a lot to commend this Shadow. There’s also a little cosmetic work to be done, if you want a show-winning example, but as it seems to be running right and has recently passed an MoT tester’s scrutiny, that can be done gradually, as you enjoy basking in the brilliance of motoring magnificence that only a classic Rolls-Royce can provide.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.