- 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?
Bid On This Auction
Will-ta2s bid $3,560.00 2026-04-20 00:29:46
MrRR bid $2,250.00 2026-04-17 12:15:55
John Taggart bid $2,000.00 2026-04-14 20:51:21
Chipster bid $1,750.00 2026-04-14 17:00:20- MrRR bid $1,500.00 2026-04-14 12:55:29
- John Taggart bid $1,250.00 2026-04-14 12:41:46
j bid $1,000.00 2026-04-14 09:15:14- John Taggart bid $500.00 2026-04-13 18:14:56
Nothing against this vehicle… it looks good for its age….. for me it’s just another older RR…….’Ho-hum!!!’
A labor of love that can’t go wrong. If you’re looking for a deal and a great price find a Caddy or a Lincoln.
I agree Al. I have repaired and serviced Rolls Royce Motor cars for over 40 Years A highway trip in a Silver Shadow eclipses most other cars. This car is a great starting point. Yes repairs are a bit costly, but parts are available.. Take a 73 Lincoln or even a Honda and evaluate the cast , compared to its value.
I have a 1984 4 dr Lincoln Town Car with just shy of 19000 original miles Ill be selling in June if you or know anyone interested, Platinum silver with perfect Blue vinyl top and blue velvet like cloth interior flawless. Two owner father and when he died went to son neither hardly ever drove Looking for 17000 car located central finger lakes area NYS near Corning NY
I am always leery of write-ups that are mainly a flowery history of the model, with few details about the actual car that is for sale.
While the body and interior are are quite decent, the lack of service history indicates a likely long and expensive list of deferred maintenance.
This particular car has only travelled 160 miles since it was sold by a used car dealer in Wisconsin. I wonder if the current owner has found the list too daunting.
I am also leery of cars for sale with engines that “just need a tune-up”. These cars have aluminum blocks with steel liners, and suffer very badly from corrosion if the coolant is not changed regularly. A rebuild is prohibitively expensive and often not even possible if the block is bad. I see new ignition wires on the car, so maybe someone already tried a tuneup. If the engine in this car is bad, it is realistically a parts-car or resto-mod candidate.
The hydraulic systems (brakes and suspension) on these cars are relatively complex and require overhaul about every 10 years. This requires specialist tools and knowledge, and typically costs $10-$15K. The shocks will also need replacement which will also require extensive labour and specialized tools. This can run $3K-$5K when other suspension issues are discovered.
Then there is the usual tires, fuel system, electrics, HVAC etc. Maybe another $5K….
If you know these cars and have the tools & skill, you could probably make it right for under $10K.
As always, a PPI by a qualified expert is the only way to go.
Flowery is the perfect word! I was going to say an optimistic writeup, but you and your research have captured it.
Reminds me of the wise saying “There’s no substitute for cubic inches. Except cubic money.” That’s what this, or any old Rolls, is going to need.
No such thing as a cheap Rolls Royce. It always sounds entrieging but seldom equates to a bargain. The car looks nice in the photos but wouldn’t be as pretty on a lift or wrecker. As splendid as they are, couldn’t they have come up with a less industrial looking steering wheel?
Totally agree on that!! Those steering wheels belong on JD Tractor….but,….. Maybe that is the mystique of the old RR!!
Given that many Rolls Royce were meant to ridden in rather than driven by their owners might explain the utility of the steering wheel. Plus, I’m sure, a clear view of the controls and instruments. Something to be said for purposeful design.
Owning a Rolls-Royce is on some people’s bucket list. Cars like this are often bought on a whim by someone that is unfamiliar with the true price of (maintenance) ownership. They tend to get driven until something breaks. Once the new owner realizes how much it will cost to repair, the car might just be parked, “Gonna fix it some day”. I see those examples in estate sales often.
Or…they try to sell it for what they overpaid for it. This can take months or years as the car continues to deteriorate before they finally give up and sell it for a substantial loss. I have recently bought 2 this way.
The wood veneer parts look to be in great shape (no cracks, splits, separation etc.) as the issue seems to be that the varnish has peeled off (likely due to sun/heat exposure). Remove these panels/pieces (carefully – remember this is a veneer on top of substrate – it is NOT a Solid piece if wood), once removed, you can rematch ve the remaining varnish, and sand (BY HAND) very lightly before applying new coats of varnish, then re-install….. it would look bloody good….
The wood veneer parts look to be in great shape (no cracks, splits, separation etc.) as the issue seems to be that the varnish has peeled off (likely due to sun/heat exposure). Remove these panels/pieces (carefully – remember this is a veneer on top of substrate – it is NOT a Solid piece if wood), once removed, you can rematch ve the remaining varnish, and sand (BY HAND) very lightly before applying new coats of varnish, then re-install….. it would look bloody good….
Veneer is good. Varnish needs repair.
The phrase “Cheap Rolls Royce” is an oxymoron.
In my 50 plus years of repairing, servicing, selling and owning Rolls Royce and Bentley motorcars, I have always explained the upside and downside of owning one of these automobiles, Few owners use them as daily drivers, but I do with my 93 Bentley. As the cars age they are often subject to owners who are unfamiliar with the maintenance needs. There is a great deal t be said abut the attention to detail. the quality of the materials e.g.. Connolly leather, Wilton carpeting, Carpathian walnut veneer, etc. That makes these cars desirable. Any limited creation will usually be high maintenance, Frank Lloyd Wright homes for example. When I am asked at the gas station, about fuel mileage, my response is “it doesn’t matter”. Motor cars are often in the DNA of people, If you do not have the discretionary income to own a collector car don’t purchase one. There are loads of fun, affordable collector cars, that may feed your desire to have something different
A “Cheap Rolls Royce” is an oxymoron just like “Military Inelegance” After over 50 years of Servicing, Repairing, Buying, Selling and owning, Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars, I find them remarkable and enjoyable cars. Yes maintenance is costly, as is ownership on any limited production item. Frank Lloyd Wright hoes for example. If one does not have the discretionary income to maintain any item, one should seek another way to satisfy desires. Most of my clients do not drive these cars on a daily basis. When I am asked at a gas station about fuel mileage, my response is often ” it doesn’t matter” The quality of the components out weighs the cost, e.g. Connolly leather, Wilton Carpets, Carpathian Walnut veneer that is book matched, a smooth ride, etc. Many of my clients spend more than the sale value of their cars, because they have sentimental value, or the desire to own something out of the ordinary. Tanks for listening.
A “Cheap Rolls Royce” is an oxymoron just like “Military Inelegance” After over 50 years of Servicing, Repairing, Buying, Selling and owning, Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars, I find them remarkable and enjoyable cars. Yes maintenance is costly, as is ownership on any limited production item. Frank Lloyd Wright hoes for example. If one does not have the discretionary income to maintain any item, one should seek another way to satisfy desires. Most of my clients do not drive these cars on a daily basis. When I am asked at a gas station about fuel mileage, my response is often ” it doesn’t matter” The quality of the components out weighs the cost, e.g. Connolly leather, Wilton Carpets, Carpathian Walnut veneer that is book matched, a smooth ride, etc. Many of my clients spend more than the sale value of their cars, because they have sentimental value, or the desire to own something out of the ordinary. Tanks for listening.
OOPs AI misspelled intelligence. Also too many posts.. that’s why I only work on cars with Ignition Points and Carburetors
Frank Loyd Wright has hoes?
I was always appalled by Rolls Royce steering wheel. I remember old GMC semi trucks had same thing. And that’s the very reason why I never purchased a Rolls. lol 😝