We are excited to offer this 1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I. The Silver Shadow I is a car which continues to improve with age, designed with a more delicate touch, compared to its successor, the first generation Silver Shadow is a delight to look at. On the road they exemplify what a good Rolls-Royce should be, cossetted and unhurried, but with armed with a huge amount of torque allowing for effortless acceleration, they are simply a joy to be behind the wheel of.

This Car

This is a later model year of the series one Silver Shadow, meaning she comes equipped with the now legendary 6.75-litre V8 engine. This engine gives greater torque and smoother power delivery when compared to the 6.2-litre fitted to earlier examples. This engine turned into the engine with the longest production run in history, with production finally end as recently as 2020 following fitment to the Bentley Mulsanne.

Many cars have a story to tell with their history, and thisone is no different. In the world of car sales, many sales people have been known to utter the line “one lady owner” or “two lady owners”, we can say that this car has had two lady owners amongst its owners, however by ladies, we mean Ladies, as in members of the aristocracy. Between them they have owned the car since 1997.

The car is simply stunning to look at, it had a full bare metal respray in 2008, but you could be forgiven for thinking it was yesterday as the paintwork remains remarkably fresh today. It is finished in Silver Mink over a Blue Grey leather interior, a very handsome combination which is finished off beautifully by the cars brightwork, that to is in excellent condition.

The history file comes with two service books which have many service stamps between them, along with a further invoice from a Rolls-Royce specialist in 2024 for a service and replacement power steering pump. The car has been checked over in our specialist workshop and can confirm she is in good working order.

Also in the history file is a copy of Classic Cars Magazine,who wrote an article about the model in a celebratory issue for the 60^thAnniversary of the Silver Shadow. This example was used as the reference for the magazine, becoming the cover star of that issue and included in photography across the many pages of the article.

This Model

Introduced in 1965, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I marked a pivotal moment in the marque’s history, bringing Rolls-Royce into a more modern era. It was the first model to feature a monocoque construction, replacing the traditional separate chassis, and incorporated advanced engineering such as independent rear suspension and a sophisticated self-levelling hydraulic system. The result was a car that delivered an unprecedented combination of ride comfort, refinement and road holding, setting new standards in the luxury saloon market.

Stylistically, the Silver Shadow I retained the marque’s unmistakable identity, with its upright grille, restrained chrome detailing and perfectly judged proportions, yet it introduced a more contemporary and understated elegance compared to its predecessors. Inside, occupants were treated to the finest Connolly leather, rich wood veneers and deep Wilton carpets, all crafted with the meticulous attention to detail expected of Rolls-Royce.

Today, the Silver Shadow I is widely regarded as one of the most usable classic Rolls-Royces, offering a uniquely smooth and serene driving experience that remains impressive even by modern standards. Its blend of engineering innovation, timeless design and everyday practicality has secured its reputation as a highly desirable entry into Rolls-Royce ownership.

Summary

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow feels like a car ageing like fine wine, it is really coming of age. This is an exceptional example which is in exceptional condition, there really are not many of these out there like this.

We would urge you to contact us to find out more and to book to view her for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

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