SOLD

1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow - Wraith II with Division

Silver Wraith II

"LWB" with

Division

1979/80

Division fitted Silver Wraith IIs (1977-1980) were never available new in North America because federal safety standards required all Rolls-Royces after 1976 to have their fuel tanks mounted behind the back seat. As all Division cars have rear AC mounted in the same location, such modification was not supported by Rolls-Royce.

This car was personally imported from Europe when the car was only some 10 years old. Being a European specification example, it has many features you would not otherwise see on American cars; slimline bumpers (sitting more within the body and not protruding as required under the US 5-mile-an-hour-bumper requirement), a front air-dam, fog-lights for front and rear and headlamp washers and genuine horse-hair wipers. These are all delightful extras to have.

Besides this specific car’s rarity, Rolls-Royce made only a very limited number of "limousine" division cars and on special order. Less than 500 out of some 35,000 Silver Shadows built. The divisions were only fitted on Long Wheel Base cars providing electrically operated privacy glass between the front and rear compartment with a separate radio and entirely autonomous air conditioning. The AC system mounted in the boot provided overwhelming climate control for its special VIP rear seat passengers. The division system includes a unique piece of burl walnut wood that traverses the width of the division and surrounds the radio and control section. The glass division can be operated independently by the driver or the rear seat passengers.

This is an unmolested example that has been conscientiously maintained and presents in very beautiful and excellent condition. She is primarily all original to include her factory fitment Blaupunkt push-button radio and Pioneer cassette unit. This was predominantly a Texan car for most if its American residency so a “dry” example that has been freed from the perils of harsh weather and is very clean underneath. It has always been well maintained and serviced and comes with its original manual.

This Silver Wraith II has been in the hands of the right owners most of its life having been caretaken in more recent years by a small car collector enthusiast who hardly used it and simply admired it. The car will undergo Park-Ward Motors’ “Predelivery Commissioning” process prior to delivery to its new caretaker, to bring all major and minor services up to date. The car was previously sold by us some 10 years ago and was fully work-shop inspected with all major work needed carried out back then. Important costly items such as the hydraulics and brakes were overhauled and fully serviced as required. This included brake pumps, accumulators, calipers, all brake hoses and then final system pressure tested and bled. The Predelivery Commissioning process it will undergo again, will bring all its services up to date. The odometer shows a low 53,000 and although this is not verifiable, the mileage is commensurate with the condition (particularly when you look at the condition of the leather, carpets, brake pedal etc). It is very quiet and smooth on the road without any of the typical “thumps” and “rattles” typical of poor (or even averagely) maintained examples of this model.

The interior is excellent. The leather is in very nice original condition with no cracks, tears nor fading and very supple and soft – true to its Connolly characteristics. It has been lightly reconnolised at some stage but done in a way to keep its original patina. The burl walnut wood throughout the car is in excellent condition. The burl walnut wood finishes on the dash and doors were refinished by a previous owner and are all present beautifully. This is an expensive process to do typically costing in the range of $3-4,000. This particular example has a very rich grain with heavy knots with deep ochres and browns that simply look stunning.

The Ambla head lining is original and in excellent condition. The original carpets are in good condition. Likewise is the Ambla finish to the dash and top-roll. The division works correctly as do all the accoutrements. We do not know why there is a fill-in panel at the top of the division unit. It was there when we first saw the car some 10 years ago. The boot (trunk) carpet is not the original but presents well.

The body on this Wraith II is very straight indeed, and the paint is shiny and lustrous. The car was repainted some 15 years ago and was a high quality job ($18,000 at the time). The finish is entirely consistent. When you look down the sides of the car, they are very straight and true. The paint presents absolutely beautifully with only minor marks here and there from use. But any are barely noticeable and only mentioned out of "clear disclosure". There is certainly nothing in need of repair and all one needs to do is maintain it with a good polish and wax from time-to-time. The Everflex top is its original fitment and in good condition.

The whitewall tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread. The hubcaps are excellent with no major imperfections in the stainless. All remaining bright-work is in good condition as is glass, electrics and instruments. All electrics have been checked right down to the smallest and insignificant dash and courtesy light.

Under the bonnet, the presentation is very clean and original. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life.

The car has its original jack, correct tools and operating manual.

The car is of very high standard and is an easy 10 out of 10 driver rating. *

Please note; this car is a 1979 build date but when first registered in the USA was recorded as 1980 model year. This often happened with Euro imports.

This is one of those rare Rolls-Royce finds that has found its way to the right people for maintenance and preservation. Like all cars restored and sold thru Park-Ward Motors, this Silver Shadow has been and will be meticulously scrutinised mechanically and electrically with anything needed, attended to. All our cars are not just "tidied up" for sale but are subject to professional Rolls-Royce inspection and service to ensure it is in good operating condition. This includes important and expensive attention to the entire hydraulics and braking system to include; brake pumps, accumulators, hoses, lines, valves, calipers and pads. All our Rolls-Royces are then subject to a "pre-delivery commissioning" process after its sale and prior to shipment to ensure all features and functions are operating as they should. This professional attention to detail is not offered by any other classic Rolls-Royce on-seller in the country and, indeed, throughout the world.

~~ A pedigree and super rare Silver Wraith II - with Division, in a most desirable colour combination. It is in fantastic condition. Make no mistake, the car could be shown as-is at your next Rolls-Royce meet. It ranks unquestionably as a 10 out of 10 driver. ~~

For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below.
The photos are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.

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