Rolls-Royce began suffering a sales shortfall in the 1960s, a victim of its culture of tradition. This tenacity had already prevented the adoption of the first, modernized design drawn by John Blatchley a decade before, for its new Silver Cloud. Instead, the company continued its conservative approach, introducing the new model in 1955 as another coach-built endeavor, with Rolls-Royce providing the chassis and driveline, but clients ordering a body separately. This arrangement was endangered as coachbuilders began to fail financially. Too, more owners were driving their own cars, with less need for a chauffeur. The Silver Cloud managed to cater to both tradition and practicality for a time, but the company needed a new act. Enter the Silver Shadow, a thoroughly modern, technically innovative approach to luxury. Monocoque construction, independent suspension, and a lighter, more maneuverable vehicle were necessary to meet the market. Though the new car shocked traditionalists, its strong sales confirmed the company’s strategy. Meanwhile, nearly sixty years later, collectors appreciate these personal saloons from Rolls more than ever.
The car’s powerplant was Rolls’ long-lived 6.2 liter 90° V8, made of aluminum alloy with porting inspired by the company’s aircraft engines. Rolls had a policy of not revealing horsepower or top speeds, but guesses range around 180 bhp and 115 mph. The transmission was from General Motors – the Turbo-HydraMatic 400. This example has been stored for years, and the motor turns, but the buyer will be spending time or money in recommissioning expenses. (Be sure to acquire a socket extension bar – you’ll need it to fish out those sparkplugs.) Early cars had a self-leveling suspension system at all four corners; the front portion was eliminated in 1969 because it was considered unnecessary. Disc brakes all ’round were standard of course.
The Silver Shadow offered two wheelbases – 119.5″ and 123.5″ – both shorter than the corresponding Silver Cloud models. Despite this, the cabin was roomier – a benefit generated by moving to monocoque construction. This interior is in respectable condition considering its long neglect. Trim pieces are stacked in the passenger’s footwell. For those looking for the Grey Poupon, it will probably come from that back seat tray. About 30,000 Silver Shadows were made across the series through 1980; no estimates of US deliveries in LHD form are available.
This Rolls is advertised here on craigslist, for $3900 or best offer; though the ad is published in the Portland, Oregon edition of craigslist, the car is actually located in Kennewick, Washington. Thanks to Matt H for finding this derelict Brit for us! The seller does have the tail lights, hubcaps, and headlamp rings. No word on rust; the panels appear straight, except for damage to the left front fender. No doubt this car will absorb plenty of greenbacks to bring it to life, even if the new owner is a talented mechanic. A steadily rising price trend over the last few years, along with the superb ride and glorious appearance of a well-restored Rolls might justify the investment. Hagerty pegs even a fair RHD car at around $13k. Four-figure cars are becoming rare. What do you think this Rolls is worth?
Buy the best car you can; never the cheapest car you can.
I have a nice ’67 Silver Shadow, and I LOVE it. I should get this one just to have the spare parts! The values on these have been escalating a lot lately!
Please don’t! This needs to be resurrected as a symbol of One of a VERY few Marques from across the pond that really defines LUXURY in the GRAND scale!
Can’t save them all
I have owned over 300 Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars since 1986 – I have never, and will not ever own one of these! Overly complex, unreliable, hard to work on on basically “invisible” when you drive them – or at least they were even up until ten years ago – they just blended in with all the other big Detroit barges on the road. Their distinctive looks are finally starting to stand out, but given the maintenance and repair issues, I won’t change my position.
What’s it worth to me? Nothing. Ze-ro. Even pristine examples can cost a fortune to keep on the road, so a needy one? Hard, hard pass. Now, talk to me about the ’58 Edsel and ’58 Oldsmobile in front of it.
You’re going to need a boat load of money?
Commenting as a Vintage Rolls Canardly (Roll down one hill and Can ardly get up the next). My late brother, a successful business man bought a 62 Cloud (LHD) in the mid 60s. Kept that and purchased a 68? Shadow, which he subsequently traded for a Corniche. IMO all fabulous vehicles. While keeping the Cloud, he switched to Mercedes 🤮. Never understood that. By the time he passed, he had owned 6 Mercedes. For me, riding in each of the Rolls was like riding on a CLOUD 😉 in style and panache, while the Mercedes were stiff, cramped, harsh riding POS. Not quite able to reach ROLLS-ROYCE level, I have owned numerous upscale vehicles. All of these are FAR superior to Mercedes. Certainly hope someone restores this rather than tear it apart for parts.
One owner- Keith Moon.
Drum brakes in the back?
Bada-bing!! (Rimshot and crash cymbal sound)
Although these are not for everyone, I actually get more smiles per mile (my own smiles) in this car; and I have Cords, Maserati, Ferrari, Bentley, ’30s Fords, etc…… These cars aren’t happy unless they’re doing 90mph, and they just woft you along. They can turn a uturn in your own garage practically. They are suffisticated, but mine has pretty much been trouble free for the 20+ years that I have owned it. They are quality built.
it is what we refer to in the car business as a rat. a sled. a wreck. this is a parts car. easily a $100,000 renovation to end up with a $30,000 car.
The cheapest part of the restoration will be the purchase price. It’s all uphill from there.