In the mid-1960’s I owned a Rolls-Royce Phantom V. What a car. It was champagne in color with a white inerior. Oh, and one other detail: it was the first Matchbox car that I purchased. Even though I was a kid, I fell in love with that toy car’s styling and air of exclusivity. The flowing lines, that long hood, those quad headlights, and that big vertical grille. Rolls-Royce had cool names for their cars and the Silver Shadow, like the one featured here, was introduced in 1965 with the goal of modernizing the Rolls-Royce brand. The Series 1 was produced from 1965 to 1976, and here’s an outstanding example of that series (the Series II would be manufactured from 1977 to 1980). It’s a very clean survivor with 25,000 original miles and can be found listed at No Reserve on eBay in Greer, South Carolina. As of this writing, the highest bid is only $2,450.
The seller states that it is the more desirable long wheelbase model that offered four extra inches of rear legroom over the standard Silver Shadow. It was originally a California car and has always been garaged and pampered – it supposedly never spent a night outside. The special-order paint is a pleasing shade of metallic blue and looks very presentable. The dark blue vinyl top looks good, but may be a little faded on top, and all of the brightwork, including that iconic vertical Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, look terrific for a 50-year-old vehicle.
The car’s spotless outside continues inside as the Silver Shadow’s interior is impressive and inviting. The blue leather seats are original, and although the driver’s bucket seat is showing its age, the passenger seat and rear seat have not been sat in a lot since 1976. There’s burl walnut trim galore on the instrument panel and door panel tops, and this Rolls is loaded with air conditioning, climate control, cruise control, power steering, power seats, power windows, and an AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player.
The seller provides a good number of photographs, but none of the engine or underside. The seller says he has dozens of photographs and two short video clips for those interested. The Silver Shadow was powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission. There are 25,274 original miles on it and the seller says it’s been well maintained and that this Rolls-Royce runs and drives beautifully. It appears this 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow needs nothing, so the next owner won’t shell out money on restoration costs. Keeping this blue beauty maintained and locating parts will probably be a different story. Happy bidding!
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