Vehicle Description
Rooted in development work that commenced in 1958 under Chief
Engineer Harry Grylls, who joined Rolls-Royce in 1930 and served
with Sir Henry Royce, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and its Bentley
T-Series stablemate debuted in October 1965. Marking a revolution
as the first Rolls-Royce and Bentley models based upon unitary
construction, the Silver Shadow and T-Series also featured an
innovative high-pressure hydraulic system licensed from Citroen,
including dual circuit disc brakes all around and fully
independent, self-leveling suspension. Standard factory bodywork
was handsomely styled and built to impeccable quality standards,
hastening the end of the time-honored British custom coachbuilding
industry. Tailored to the wealthy owner-driver, the Silver Shadow
and Bentley T-Series were outwardly smaller than their predecessors
yet offered greater passenger room and easier access to a spacious
luggage compartment. Powering the Silver Shadow was the 6.23-liter
V-8 engine introduced with the Silver Cloud II in 1959, featuring
an aluminum-silicon engine block, cast-iron wet cylinder liners,
and aluminum alloy cylinder heads. To better cope with tightening
vehicle-emission requirements, displacement of the V-8 engine was
increased to 6.75 liters by 1970; while Rolls-Royce was famously
reluctant to cite official power ratings, estimates of 220
horsepower are considered reliable for the enlarged engine. For
North American markets, power delivery was via General Motors'
robust Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission,
which became standard for all markets from 1968. In addition to the
definitive four-door saloon, available Silver Shadow body styles
for the first-generation models through 1977 included a two-door
from 1965-71, a "one-off" coupe in 1968, a convertible, and the
1967-77 long-wheelbase model. Passenger comfort was unparalleled,
with the Silver Shadow the first Rolls-Royce with air conditioning
standard equipment. Luxuriously equipped, trimmed in the finest
Connolly leather upholstery, and weighing about 5,000 pounds, the
early Silver Shadow was, and remains, a very capable performer with
strong acceleration from rest to 60 mph in approximately 11 seconds
and a top speed approaching 120 miles per hour. One of the most
recognizable, elite-level luxury cars ever produced, the Silver
Shadow was a predictable and unqualified favorite of Hollywood's
''A-List'' and the titans of business and politics. Numbered SRA
14521, this 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow saloon is an outstanding
example of a desirable early "chrome bumper" model, retaining its
striking and uncommon color combination of Caribbean Blue paint
over Dark Blue leather upholstery. Showing just over 59,000 miles
from new, this exquisite Silver Shadow saloon clearly benefits from
fastidious maintenance and preservation under the care of a series
of faithful custodians and enthusiastic RROC (Rolls-Royce Owners
Club) members. According to copies of factory records supplied by
the RROC, SRA 14521 is an original left-hand drive export model,
first intended for shipment to the United States via Los Angeles,
but was rerouted due to production delays to Paramus, New Jersey.
It was subsequently sold new by Albers Rolls-Royce of Zionsville,
Indiana on February 15, 1973, to Eleanor D. Frenzel, a resident of
Carmel, Indiana. After a few months, it passed to its second owner
October 18, 1973 - Dr. John A. Bowers of Kokomo, Indiana, who also
owned a 1927 Phantom I and 1931 Phantom II. Dr. Bowers was a
devoted marque enthusiast, and he retained this Silver Shadow until
2003 when he was succeeded by fellow RROC member Richard Schuller
of Arizona, followed by the most recent caretaker, another RROC
member, in 2019. As offered, the Silver Shadow is wonderfully
presented, consistent with its long-term ownership under Dr. Bowers
and the RROC members who followed him. Retaining its rare and
captivating color combination with one quality repaint and the
inviting patina of its well-preserved interior, SRA 14521 is
complemented by the attractive headliner and wood interior accents,
plus rear footrests, air conditioning, power windows, and a
later-model Pioneer AM/FM cassette head unit in addition to the
console-mounted factory pushbutton AM radio. The engine bay is
tidy, well presented, and equipped with proper factory components
and finishes throughout. The underside of the car is in correct and
maintained driver quality, with protective undercoating and factory
chassis components in place. Excellent documentation accompanying
the sale of SRA 14521 includes copies of the factory-issued
Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, the Dealer Invoice, and service
records from Albers Rolls-Royce through July 19, 1977, at 20,067
recorded miles. The Silver Shadow was also pictured in the
Fall/Winter 1994 edition of The Flying Lady, the official
publication of the RROC. Parts and service receipts accumulated
under Mr. Schuller are also included, as well as the owner's
handbook and original tools. One of the best examples of its type,
this handsome 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is eminently ready for
continued enjoyment in a wide range of desirable shows, tours, and
RROC events. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7227-1972-rolls-royce-silver-shadow/
