29,762 original miles. One owner until 2014. Awesome color combination. Dealer serviced its entire life. Runs and drives like a Rolls-Royce should.
You can own this 1977 Silver Shadow II for about 10% of its original sticker price (adjusted for 2017 dollars). The quality remains tangible throughout the car and with this one showing just 29,762 original miles, it remains extremely well preserved. It was originally purchased by an elderly lady here in Cleveland and she used it until after her passing a few years ago and, perhaps most significantly, never used it in the winter as she spent the snowy months down in Florida, so the car is quite clean. It was maintained from day one by authorized Rolls-Royce dealers, first Qua and later Crestmont, and upon her passing it was Crestmont that acquired the car from her estate. They serviced the car and sold it to only its second owner who enjoyed it for a few years, driving it an additional 5000 miles or so in that time.
As such, it’s still in very good overall condition, particularly for a car that has just celebrated its 40th birthday, a testament to Rolls-Royce quality. The silver paint polishes up nicely with a gentle shine that’s indicative of old, hand-rubbed finishes and all four doors close with the kind of solidity that you probably haven’t experienced before. There’s plenty of brightwork on the Shadow, not the least of which is the towering Rolls-Royce grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, perhaps the most universally-recognized symbols of wealth and quality in the world. The big rubber bumpers that the US government insisted the cars wear are in excellent shape with no cracking or UV damage and there’s a light tint on the windows that was reportedly to help keep it chilly for the first owner, who apparently liked her A/C set on “meat locker.”
Speaking of the interior, it’s full of beautiful burgundy hides done in Connolly leather that is still fragrant even after all these years. The lower cushions on the front seats appear to have been replaced in the not-too-distant past and the match is quite good—the flash used in our photos magnifies the difference beyond what you will see with the naked eye. This car was also ordered with the extraordinarily plush lambskin floor rugs and dark burled walnut dash, which make it feel especially opulentSimple Jaeger instruments monitor all the engine’s vitals, including a button that switches the fuel level gauge to an oil level gauge. The only notable change is that the original 8-track was removed and a Panasonic AM/FM/CD stereo head unit was installed in its place at the bottom of the center stack. There’s also a massive trunk (or boot, in the traditional parlance) which is upholstered to match the interior and includes compartments for the spare tire, tools, and battery, all tucked out of sight.
Mechanically, this Rolls uses the same six-and-three-quarter litre OHV V8 engine that has been in place under Rolls-Royce bonnets since the ‘50s and is still in use today. If that isn’t a testament to its quality and design, I can’t imagine what would be. Horsepower is “adequate” and we are extremely impressed by how quickly and easily this one starts, even after sitting for a few days. One gentle press of the throttle to set the choke and then turn the key. The big V8 springs to life instantly—so quickly that you may not even realize that it’s running, and it idles smoothly and whisper-quiet, even when it’s cold. There are many signs of recent maintenance under the hood, including a switch to R134a refrigerant for the Frigidarie A/C system and recently rebuilt carburetors. Of course, everything was standard equipment, including rack-and-pinion steering that lends a bit more precision to the Rolls’s on-road performance, as well as the massively powerful 4-wheel disc brakes.
As many of you may know, Rolls-Royce used a GM TH400 3-speed automatic transmission in the Silver Ghost, the only automatic transmission at the time that could withstand the big V8’s torque. The underside of the car, while showing the usual signs of use, is in excellent order and offers more proof that this car was not used extensively in winter weather. It appears that even the original exhaust system is still in place, complete with protective shields and multiple mufflers for just the right sound. There’s also evidence of recent brake service work, including new proportioning valves and lines, and it sits on a recent set of 235/70/15 whitewall radials with traditional Rolls-Royce hubcaps.
This is an incredible amount of luxury car for the money. It takes a dedicated owner to maintain a car like this, but the rewards are worth the experience. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone just how affordable this car really is. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
