SOLD

1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

Rolls-Royce

Silver Shadow

1972/3

Desirable “chrome bumper” 100% original, unrestored beauty
~ investment grade condition ~

This is a gorgeous presenting Silver Shadow sedan finished in rarely seen Larch Green. It has hand-painted gold fine lines to the waist-rails and hubcap beauty trim rings. The interior is finished in light tan Connolly leather with contrasting light green Wilton wool carpets. The entire combination is stunningly gorgeous.

The most amazing thing about this Silver Shadow is she is entirely factory original in every respect. 100% original factory paint - not a single body panel repainted since she left the factory. This is almost unbelievable as almost all Silver Shadows have had to be repainted at least once since new. Even more amazing for a metallic colour which rarely "makes the distance" after 50 odd years. And yet, the paint finish remains shiny and lustrous. Even the gold hand-painted fine lines are original! The car, of course, has some minor marks and blemishes as you would surely expect (including the infamous lead-wiping marks on all Silver Shadows) but, again, rest assured the paint presents beautifully.

And, it doesn't stop there. The entire interior is also original. The light tan Vaumol hides, unique to Connolly and Rolls-Royce of the era is entirely factory original. Never, redyed, never repaired. It is important to understand that Vaumol was a special hide developed by Connolly whereby it is originally coloured and then (still in hide form) a dark burnisher rubbed into the leather facing so that the natural pores and creases of the leather absorb the darker colour. The end result is an exquisite antique looking leather that highlights the natural finish. In some ways a bit like an old Chesterfield couch. Please take a look at the close up photos below and in the link.

It is unfortunate Connolly ceased this process in the mid-eighties as some new car buyers did not realise this was what the leather was supposed to look like. Disappointingly, some people (even today) think the leather is grubby or dirty. It is not! This is the way it is SUPPOSED to look. (If you do not like this look and you like perfect "Lexus-like" leather, please do not ask us to redye as we will politely decline). The leather on this example is perfectly patina'd and rest assured, is supple soft!

The rest of the interior is equally beautiful. Excellent head-liner with carpets like new including those in the boot. Look at the photos of underneath the boot carpet and you will appreciate just how clean this car is. The African burl walnut wood throughout the interior is simply superb. Completely factory original - never refinished - and yet without any of the typical peeling of the clear-coat and no cracks in the clear-coat lacquer finish. Truly quite amazing as virtually any Silver Shadow will show at least a few hairline fractures. This one has ZERO! And, with the beauty of only the best of burl walnut, the grain in this Silver Shadow displays a very intense grain and colour. From rich yellow ochres to rich reds and browns. It is truly stunning.

Door panels, interior chrome work, gauges and instruments are all in very fine condition.

The car has had 3 owners since new and has been a meticulously maintained example. Of course, all cars sold by Park-Ward Motors undergo our Predelivery Commissioning process and so the car is guaranteed to have every major and minor service done with all features and functions in full operational condition upon delivery.

The car is entirely rust and scale free.

Please make no mistake, this is an Investment Grade Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow that would be amongst the top 10% of the finest, chrome bumper Silver Shadow available on the market. It best suits a collector or enthusiast who wants a super original example in top condition.

Mechanically the car is in fantastic shape. It has been recently work-shopped by Park-Ward with all the hydraulics/braking system reviewed and working well. The engine truly purrs and gear-change is smooth and quiet. The car is very spritely in power which is a good sign of a well cared for and good condition motor. The odometer reads 45,500 miles and although not verifiable, the car is unquestionably a low mileage example. Just a quick review under the bonnet - which was NOT detailed for these photos -  is testimony to that. Tyres are near new Hankook 215/75/15 whitewalls, with the hubcaps straight and the stainless steel shiny. As you would expect, it comes with correct jack, tool kit and owner's manual.

A/C blows ice cold and the heater works well. Electricals have all been serviced so windows, seats and features & functions work as they should. All interior and exterior lighting has been checked with all bulbs and lamps operating correctly.

~~ A pedigree Silver Shadow, in all, this is a wonderful example that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It is of true “preservation show standard” and indeed an excellent condition driver. You could easily drive her as is to your next club meet and take out a prize.  ~~

International bidders are welcome.