1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow - 4 door sedan

1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Description

This is a beautiful Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, finished in walnut with chocolate brown Connolly hide leather interior. The coach work waist-rails have hand-painted fine lines and the hubcap beauty rings are finished in hand-painted walnut to match the exterior. This Silver Shadow is an authentic survivor with many original characteristics. Please see the photos of the rear center seat belt with original Rolls-Royce and UK government inspection stickers.
This is very clean example with a low 61,000 miles from only one owner for over 40 years. Purchased from the dealer by a wealthy doctor it has been driven just the right amount. I recently purchased the car from the good doctor who is now 91 years-old. Over the last 15 years, the car has been maintained under the careful eye of the same mechanic.
This is a well presented example that displays all the hallmarks of a serious and dedicated owner. An original North American car that was never driven in inclement weather (and it shows), always climate control stored. The body on the car is very straight with minor damage on the passenger side bumper, quarter panel and front door. It appears that the doctor may have bumped the car while parking. You basically can not see this imperfection when standing back six or seven feet from the car.
In fact, the car sports all-over entirely original paint from the factory! This is very rare to see these days on a Silver Shadow. If you are the purist, you will love this attribute. The paint presents shiny and with a continuous luster but it does show the signs of polishing over the years with various thin spots and age discoloration in certain areas which are typical to single stage paint. It is not cracked (except minor cracks on the roof) or crazed so this is a positive, but it also shows the odd stone chip and scratch. Original paint is somewhat of a "double edged sword" on Silver Shadows because it is great for the car's authenticity and originality but, along with that, comes the weakness of single stage paint technology practiced by Rolls-Royce in the 1970s (there are the typical marks at the "A" and "C" pillars where Rolls-Royce used the lead-wiping technique to join body panels. This caused the paint to fracture. This occurred on literally EVERY Silver Shadow made). One thing is for sure, the condition of this car still in its original paint says a great deal for the way the car has been cared for. Please understand, the imperfections in the paint are mentioned for the purpose of clear disclosure. In no way does it look offensive. In fact, the average person looking at the car is amazed to learn that it was hand-built in 1974.
The interior is completely original. The Connolly hide leather is welcoming and retains its luxurious and inviting aroma. The leather finishes have not been touched-up. showing its original Connolly hide signature finish. This Shadow shows well with a beautiful degree of warm patina to look like, and feel like, a high-end Chesterfield couch. The original foot rests are in great shape. So inviting you want to just drive around the block.
The African burl walnut's original French polishingis in good condition, only with minor hairline marks in the lacquer. Carpets are good with the exception of the trunk which has a hole that can easily be repaired or replaced. The headliner is all original and in amazingly excellent condition. All interior feature and functions are fully operational including electrics – seats, windows, gauges, etc. The A/C blows icy cold and heater working well. Everything is also clean and crisp. It has its original push-button radio and factory installed 8-track cassette – not many left these days.
The car drives smooth, without any bumps, rattles or knocks. It truly “floats” like the Shadow of this era was designed and built to do. Testament of its well maintained history is the cleanliness under the hood. Not detailed for sale but appropriately maintained. The trunk presents just as well with the complete and original jack set and the original tool set (missing a few tools). The door edges and jams are very clean and look like new.
All external bright-work is well above standard and the lights and lenses are excellent. The car is simply stunning to admire as well as drive. It is a true celebrity, attracting attention, smiles, waves and interest wherever you travel. Naturally, the car comes with its original leather bond operating manual.