Mention Rolls-Royce, and many people will think of expensive luxury cars. This is understandable, as the company spent decades producing hand-built vehicles that commanded a high sticker price. However, there are potentially more affordable options if you scour the market. This 1975 Silver Shadow could be a contender, because while the bidding has been spirited, the price remains very reasonable for what is a turnkey classic. It could also be an interesting alternative for hands-on enthusiasts, which I will cover later. The seller has listed the Shadow here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bidding has surpassed the reserve, currently at $10,400 at the time of writing.

Initially introduced for the 1965 model year, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow demonstrated impressive longevity. The last cars left the Crewe factory in 1980, by which time over 30,000 of these classics roamed the roads globally. This 1975 example caught my eye for several reasons. Its Silver and Black color combination is interesting, but the Black vinyl top sets it apart. Although a factory option, the feature appears not to have been selected by many buyers. The car’s overall presentation is very good, with the paint retaining the company’s “piano finish.” Rolls-Royce focused on this aspect with every build, rightly contending that the paint “set the mood” with potential customers, and that a premium vehicle should have nothing less than a mirror finish. The seller indicates that the Shadow has spent its life in favorable locations, which has kept it rust-free. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the Rolls “rolls” on narrow whitewalls.

This Shadow’s interior makes a positive first impression because there is no appreciable wear on its rich, hand-stitched Red leather upholstery. The same can’t be said of the heel pad beneath the driver’s feet, although the wool carpet is in good condition. However, the one feature that I have long considered a Rolls-Royce highlight needs serious attention. The clear finish on the beautiful walnut veneer dash has cracked and crazed. The listing indicates that the veneers are intact and that careful sanding and a fresh coat of urethane may restore the dash to its original condition. If the timber is damaged, it could be expensive to achieve a factory finish. The seller states that the air conditioning blows cold, the power windows and power locks operate as expected, and the interior features an upgraded Kenwood stereo with Infinity speakers. Non-functioning items include the cruise control and clock.

It wasn’t just the Silver Shadow badge that enjoyed longevity; the 6.75-liter V8 under the hood of this 1975 example traces its lineage back to 1959. Manufacturers during the mid-1970s were coy about quoting engine outputs as they battled emission regulations, but Rolls-Royce had followed that trend almost since its inception. When quizzed on the subject, the standard company response was “adequate.” It is widely accepted that this motor should generate around 190hp, although opinions vary. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes are standard. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying an odometer reading of 72,000 miles, but the car’s condition makes the figure plausible. It recently received new brake pads and calipers, and is in excellent mechanical condition. It appears to be a turnkey classic, ready to transport its new owner in splendid isolation.

I once spoke with a fellow enthusiast, who said an older Rolls-Royce is an almost ideal classic for hands-on enthusiasts. I was initially sceptical, but he made a compelling case. If you look beyond the luxury appointments and glamor, you will see that Rolls-Royce employed fairly rudimentary engineering and mechanical components. Each car was hand-built, meaning that any components attached by human fingers can be removed by the same means. Admittedly, parts can be expensive, and fuel economy is typically pretty poor. Still, an owner with basic mechanical knowledge could potentially maintain classics like this 1975 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow in a home workshop. That may initially sound fanciful, but it’s undoubtedly a point to ponder.