Vehicle Description
Here is a really fine and rare Silver Shadow II - 75th Anniversary
model. The limited model was built by Rolls-Royce to commemorate 75
years of the Company (1904-1979). Only 75 cars were built for the
American market. 75 years - otherwise known in the UK as the
"Platinum Jubilee" and hence the colour - all were fashioned in
Georgian Silver, grey Connolly hides with the strong contrasting
scarlet seat piping and Wilton wool floor and trunk rugs. The cars
were finished off with hand painted red fines lines to the
waist-rails and hubcap beauty rings. Each car was uniquely
identified by red "RR" badges fitted to the grill and trunk lid.
The cars were further specialised by a plaque affixed to the inside
of the glovebox. On American cars, it read: "This motor car is one
of 75 designed in a special colour scheme for our overseas
customers to mark the 75th Anniversary of Rolls-Royce." The 75th
Anniversary edition makes a very bold statement and is
unquestionably a commemorative car. This is one of the last
American 75th Anniversary's off the production line and presents in
stunning condition. A west coast car most of her life, she is a
"dry" car that has had a garaged environment. As a result, she has
been freed from the perils of harsh weather and is very clean
underneath. The odometer shows some *125,000 miles but the
condition defies belief because if one was told half that, you
would surely believe. The car has a plaque on the dash stating
"Presented to Liberace". We were told the car was bought and given
to Liberace as part payment for a show but like all good urban
legends, myths and stories, we have no information at hand to
verify if this was ever the case, Maybe someone liked Liberace and
just put the plaque there! (The plaque is not drilled but 2-sided
tape attached so can be removed). The interior is excellent. The
leather is in excellent all original condition with no cracks,
tears nor fading and very supple and soft - true to its Connolly
characteristics. It has never been redyed and so displays with a
wonderful natural patina which is adorable. It has all the
hallmarks of an interior that was overall lovingly looked-after.
The burr walnut wood throughout the car is also all original and
presents beautifully with a very rich and intense grain. On the
door cappings (mostly on the driver's door), there is some hairline
fracturing of the clear coat lacquer which, in my opinion is quite
acceptable. I am a purist and prefer originality so I think this
outweighs the minor imperfections. But, of course, should you be a
perfectionist, we do refinish wood in-house. Just let us know
you're your preference. In my opinion, I would leave it. The head
lining is all original and in fine condition as are the carpets.
The boot (trunk) carpet carries the same Cherry red theme as per
the interior and is in equally very fine condition. The body on
this Shadow II is very straight and the paint is shiny and
lustrous. The car was repainted some 15 years ago and was a
high-quality job. The finish is entirely consistent. When you look
down the sides of the car, they are very straight and true. The
paint presents beautifully with only the most minor little mark
here and there from use, but is otherwise entirely as you would
expect from a well-cared for 15 year old, high end paint job.
Certainly, it needs nothing other than a wax from time to time.
When repainted, new rubbers and gaskets were utilized. This is one
of the best indicators of a top-end job. The car does have a
gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy fitted which, although I am not very
much in favor of these, "works" well with this car. Should you wish
it to present in its factory stainless finish, please let us know
and we can change back to that. The hubcaps are in excellent
condition. The pin-striping on the beauty rings are finished in the
original hand-painted technique rich red to match the waist-rails.
All remaining bright-work is in good
