Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; four owners from new, the current for 11
years; off the road for at least 20 years; nice red leather interior; in need of
full restoration; ideal base for a 'Restomod' perhaps?
Introduced in
1977, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II was broadly similar to its much-lauded
predecessor but included various improvements, not least to address the earlier
car's primary criticism, its somewhat vague driving dynamics.
The most significant upgrade was the
introduction of rack-and-pinion steering, replacing the older recirculating ball
system. Coupled with revised front suspension geometry, this provided a more
precise and ‘planted’ feel on the road. Power came from the magnificent 6.75 V8
engine which, while never officially rated by Rolls-Royce (they famously
described the output as ‘adequate), produced approximately 190hp. This was
paired with a smooth-shifting GM Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic
transmission.
Visually, the Shadow II is easily
distinguished from the Series I by its move toward modern safety features. The
delicate chrome bumpers were replaced with wrap-around energy-absorbing units
made of alloy and black rubber. A small air dam was added below the front bumper
to improve high-speed stability. The radiator grille also became subtly thicker
and the car featured rectangular door mirrors.
On the inside, luxury remained unparalleled, with acres of Connolly
hide, rich wood veneers and deep woollen carpets. A more advanced split-level
climate control system allowed different temperatures for the face and feet,
while the dashboard was modernised with revised instrumentation.
By the time production ended in 1980 to make way
for the Silver Spirit, a total of 8,425 Shadow IIs had been built.
This rather sorry-looking Shadow II was first
registered in October 1979 and has had just four owners to date, the current
acquiring it in January 2015. Unfortunately there is no history with the car
other than a V5C and a couple of old SORN certificates so we can’t tell you much
about it, although there is no MOT history online so it must have been off the
road for at least 20 years.
The odometer is
showing 113,510 miles and while the paintwork is badly faded, the body shell and
the underside don’t look too bad and it is definitely too good to scrap. The red
leather upholstery looks to be in good shape although it is rather dry and would
no doubt respond well to a deep clean and plenty of hide food.
The wood veneer dashboard is missing but all the
instruments are still in place apart from one and the centre panel includes an
external temperature gauge, an option presumably specified by the first owner.
There are a few bags and boxes of parts in the boot, so perhaps the missing
gauge is among them. The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot is also missing.
On offer
here from a deceased estate at no reserve, it should make a worthwhile
project for someone. Given the current trend for ‘Restomods’, it would be a
great base from which to fashion your own unique creation.
Consigned
by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
[email protected]