When you think of luxury cars, most people think of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. But when you think of Rolls Royce, you imagine luxury set far beyond the reach of the common man or woman (person). The fabled British automaker for much of its history has made cars by hand and by order.
But that changed from 1965 to 1980, when Rolls Royce used an assembly line to create what is still the most produced model for the 100+-year-old company with more than 20,000 cars built. They named it the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. (Fun side note, they were going to call it the Silver Mist, but “mist” in German translated as “manure.”)
For most people, this is the vehicle pop culture as embedded in our minds as THE Rolls Royce. It’s made appearances in everything from James Bond’s The Man With the Golden Gun (1974) and The World is Not Enough (1999) to Grand Theft Auto V. Its almost retro curves and elegant appearance exude class, sophistication, and wealth. And it didn’t just look pretty.
Notable Silver Shadow Features
The Silver Shadow was a full-sized sedan with a wheelbase of 121 inches, (3,072 mm) and a length of 211 inches (5,360 mm). It was powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine and featured a four-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower estimates ranged from 172 on early models to 200 on later Silver Shadow IIs, (More on that in a moment.)
The Silver Shadow was packed with innovative features that made it a popular choice among the elite wealthy and famous. It was equipped with a power-assisted steering system, the first of its kind in a Rolls Royce. It boasted power windows, power brakes, and a power-adjustable steering column. It also offered disc brakes on all four wheels and a suspension system that could tame the most primitive of roadways. In addition, it was the first Rolls-Royce to feature unibody construction.
The Silver Shadow offered an opulent interior with hand-tooled soft leather seats, wood veneer trim, and a burl walnut dashboard. It may have been built on an assembly line, but it was still a Rolls-Royce.
In 1977, the model was renamed the Silver Shadow II to recognize several improvements to the already impressive automobile, including rack-and-pinion steering, upgraded suspension for improved handling, and rubber rather than alloy bumpers to comply with new safety standards.
Famous Owners
The Silver Shadow proved incredibly popular with the rich and famous as well as royalty. The car was a favorite of Elizabeth 1, the Queen Mum of England, as well as her daughter Princess Margaret. Famed British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher owned and loved the vehicle.
Beyond the British Isles, famous owners include Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Muhammed Ali, Queen frontman Freddy Mercury, and actor Burt Reynolds. ABC bought one for Johnny Cash while the network aired his variety show, and of course it was long and black.
Get Your Own Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Here’s where we show you how you can own one of these beauties. Copart regularly sees Rolls-Royces in a variety of conditions ranging from drivable to parts cars. The Buy It Now price for this 1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II is $39,000, around the same price as a mid-line luxury brand sedan.
For the price of a midline modern luxury car, you can own the automobile of kings, queens, and legends.
Dynamic Duo of 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows
If you are mechanically inclined and/or like project cars, we have a matched set of a repairable 1972 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, and a flood-damaged 1972 Silver Shadow for a parts car. This combo would make a great entry into the 2013 Copart Rebuild Challenge. (Some of our expert judges have a soft spot for Rolls-Royces.)
Project Car
If you need a new project car or don’t mind investing in a little repair, check out this 1977 Silver Shadow in Kentucky. Even with seats missing the leather, the gorgeous wood dash still looks opulent. Fully restored, this vehicle will turn heads and make jealous hearts.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking to stand out from the luxury driving crowd, love a good restoration project, or want a deal on driving a legend, you can find them on Copart. If you do rebuild one of these beauties, drop us a comment or an email at Blogs@Copart.com. Our readers love reading about great car projects, and we love seeing great cars returned to their former glory. And few cars will ever be as glorious as the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.
