Sometimes we ask, “What would you do with this car – restore it or use it for parts?” But I’m going to call it early on this Rolls – it’s a parts car. The seller suggests this route himself, but what’s more telling is the market for these luxury vehicles, and by market, I don’t just mean the sales price. I also mean that repair, parts, and “lack of knowledge” costs – such as using the wrong brake fluid or coolant – can be catastrophic. But if you are bravely restoring, improving, or merely maintaining a Silver Shadow that you already love, take a look at this 1970 Silver Shadow available for $3950 here on eBay. The car is located in Los Angeles; both the keys and the title are missing.
The 1970 Silver Shadow is powered by a 6.75-liter V8 fed by dual SU carburetors, with horsepower estimated at 190. US-delivered cars received GM’s Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic, shifting from the column. The pressurized rear self-leveling suspension was licensed from Citroën and can take time to rebuild, as can the brakes. If you enter the funhouse of Rolls ownership, do not forget regular maintenance; skipping intervals will work against the car’s longevity. Forums suggest that a major service is due at 96,000 miles, incorporating the replacement of several expensive parts. None of those will be found on this car – it’s too derelict. Underneath, heavy surface rust infects most components. Without a key (and a live battery) to unlock the shift mechanism, the car’s rear wheels will not roll.
The Silver Shadow was made for the owner who drove his own car. Riding in this car might have been the high point of his day – a sort of living room away from home. The interior still contains useful parts, including gauges, the wood dash, seats, steering wheel (an exceptionally utilitarian design, considering its residence in a luxury car), the console, and countless other bits. The seller suggests that the upholstery might be reclaimable; I haven’t had much luck restoring old leather to satisfactory condition, but what do you think?
Rolls-Royce designed the Silver Shadow as a unibody car; the notion of shipping your new Rolls off to a coachbuilder had gone by the wayside. In fact, this model represented the advent of a new philosophy: it offered smaller external dimensions than its predecessor, but retained a roomy interior, and it supplied the best performance ever offered by Rolls. Yet this shift dented the company’s prestige – a hangover that lasted for years. Prices for good Silver Shadows struggle to reach $20k, while examples needing work will sell in the mid-four-figures. But as we implied, the entry price is the tip of the iceberg.
How difficult could it be to get this up and running? If it’s a GM transmission, carburetor, and Points ignition….I suppose as you look at it as “Faded Glory, but what a hoot” you don’t have to be out an arm and a leg…
What a negative view point. Was not expecting that from a site called Barn Finds. That is about cars which have been dormant / hidden away in a dusty barn for years, right?
Of course these are not up and running in a few hours. No one visiting this site would think that. But we all love to find and see cars like this. Not then to be advised by Barfinds.com to cut them up for parts surely, where is the fun in that?
This is a Rolls Royce. One of the most expensive cars of its day. It does have more complicated brakes and suspension than the average car of that age, but that was to be expected. If you like simple, this car is not for you.
If you think you can make money out of this car, think again. It needs much time, too much to let someone else do it.
This is also one of the cheapest Rolls on the market ever, still complete and not rotted.
I have seen many running examples of Silver Shadows, usually in Britain, where the rust is the biggest enemy. That does not seem to be the case here. Yes, much of fly rust but the wheel arches and sills still exist!
Sure, it needs lots and lots of work. But it can be on the road again without costing an arm and leg. Please do not even think to take it to a restoration shop. Only look at this if you have two right hands and are not afraid of learning new things. Remember, this car is of an era where real complicated electronic computer assisted parts did not exist. This means the mechanical stuff can be restored. Take things apart and see if you can repair it. Rolls Royce used quality materials. Make your own hydraulic brake and suspension lines. Like most British cars, repair ands parts manuals are available. There are very helpful owners clubs/forums and web and forums. Parts maybe are not around the corner but are available – there have been many cars like this which have been scrapped because, like this article suggest, it is too far gone.
You need a water tight shed, good tools, and plenty of time. Don’t be like BarnFinds.com and shy away from a little work. It is a Rolls Royce after all.
Now, let’s wait for the usual “it is a British car, run away!” and “Lucas, Prince of Darkness” jokes and comments. How boring.
Of course, this is sarcasm. If anybody buys this car and restores it, I owe you a steak dinner.
Buy it now, use the fall and winter to get her going. Then dominate the summer demolition derbys!
Up and running might not be so difficult, stopping it once you get it going might be your bigger concern. Lol
John, you are so right… The complicated hydraulic suspension & braking system under the car will need complete replacement. This alone will cost more than a complete driver quality car. This is a $1,500 parts car at best.
What color was that paint before it faded out, nightmare pink?
Don’t wash it just get it running and driving then take it to one of those high end Beverly hills hotel and give the keys to the valet to see how they react
Do Californians not have locksmith service? Yes it would cost to have a key made, but would make a sale so much easier. Maybe even the Rolls dealer could make or order one by VIN for the car. Worst point is NO TITLE for the car. That is a major issue in any states as far as proving ownership and legal possession of the auto in question.
I have owned multiple RR SY and SZ Series cars since the mid-80s. Most were actual actual “barn finds”, including my current project, a ’79 Wraith II.
If the ’70 here had been found in a “dusty barn”, it might be savable. This one had sunk into the mud, rotting the floor, suspension, and brakes. As these cars are monocoque, the structure has been compromised, making proper repairs (mostly replacement) involving precision welding a very costly, lengthy venture. In that driver quality, mainly rust-free Shadows can be found in the US starting in the $10K, this car is just not viable. The missing title is another reason to make it a parts car, so that other may be saved.
What’s with all the Rolls Royces lately at the barn?
The obvious answer is, put an LS in it!!!
😆 🤣 😂
It’s a Rolls Canardly!………….. Rolls downhill can hardly get back up!! I’m sorry I couldn’t resist!
That’s a Rick W line!. He uses that line to explaine himself.
What a shame for such a Stately car. If cheaper, I would be tempted to use as .such as possible in a mash up combination. Engine and transmission used in something else where it would be visible. “T-Bucket”? Ratrod with the RR grill? And I would definitely try to save the leather seats. (I have had good luck so far with American cars ) I just hate to see this car go to waste.
Otherwise, since it has uni odyssey rust it would make an interesting Bamacruiser. (4X4 chassis)
The history of this car could be more interesting than the car itself. It has a specialty license plate which indicates money and prestige. The car is all there and it looks like one day it was just parked and never saw ‘light of the day’ again. If anything this find makes a great place for lots of comments. RR people know a heck of a lot more about the details of a project like this. Personally, it’s not a project for me but certainly interesting to read about!!