- Seller: Jan S (Contact)
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Mileage: 66,611 Shown
- Chassis #: LRB15116
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 6.75-Liter L410 V8
- Transmission: Automatic
Rolls-Royce has a long history of iterative development with a strong emphasis on heritage. While other brands debut fully redesigned models every few years, Rolls-Royce might launch a new design once every decade. While it’s not as exciting as getting new designs every few years, focusing on improving what they are already building allowed them to focus on quality. This 1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a great example of the brand’s focus on heritage. It’s a running project that is said to need minor work to be a comfortable driver again. It’s located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction.
The Silver Shadow debuted in 1965, with styling reminiscent of the Silver Cloud but featuring the brand’s first unibody chassis. Development for the SY-Series started in the late 1950s but wasn’t ready for the road until 1964. With features like hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension, isolating subframe mounts, four-wheel disc brakes, and an electronic gear selector, the design was incredibly sophisticated. The design proved to be extremely smooth and quiet. It worked so well that the next-generation SZ-Series was based on this design and remained in production until 1995.
It doesn’t matter how smooth the ride is if the interior isn’t comfortable, so Rolls made sure to equip the Silver Shadow with a luxurious interior. We find ample amounts of high-quality leather, plush carpets, and real wood trim. The seller notes that it’s going to need the wood refinished, but is all present. While redoing the wood would improve the interior’s look, it isn’t necessary to enjoy it as is. The rest of the interior looks to be in pretty good condition. With a good detailing, it would be a comfortable place to be!
Mechanically, the seller notes that the engine runs, but has a slight miss. The 6.75-Liter L410 V8 is known to be quite durable, so chances are, it just needs a tune-up. The engine is paired with a GM THM400 automatic transmission, which is said to shift smoothly. It’s also noted that the hydraulics, including the rear suspension, are in working condition. Besides the engine miss, the only other issue the seller could find was the right-rear power window, which is inoperable. Parts supply is surprisingly strong for these, so fixing the window shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Fully restoring a Silver Shadow would be an expensive undertaking, which makes ones like this very appealing to anyone looking for the ultimate luxury classic. The body is in good condition, its paint presents well, the interior is nice enough to enjoy, and all the major components are here. The wood is likely to be the most expensive item to restore, but if you enjoy woodworking, it’s a job you could tackle yourself. Personally, we would just tune it up, condition the leather, replace any worn-out consumables, and drive it. Until you’ve driven a classic Rolls-Royce or Bentley, you won’t fully understand the appeal, but they are truly unlike anything else on the road. The engine is powerful, the ride is superb, and their presence on the road is unreal. This one looks like the kind of project we would take on, but what about you?
Leave A Comment