SOLD

1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow - II

Here is a really fine and stunningly original example of a Silver Shadow II. Finished in classic Masons black with honey tan Connolly leather with tan fine lines to the waist-rails and beauty rings. Interior carpeting is finished in black with seat-matching tan leather piping.

This is an entirely and completely original low mileage example that has NEVER been restored and incredibly well maintained by 2 owners since new. She presents in amazing excellent condition.

100% original paint without any repairs or blends.
100% original interior with Connolly hide that looks and feels brand new.

This is an amazingly all original car with no modifications – from the fine-lines, right down to the original Blaupunkt push button radio and separate cassette player. This was a Peter Satori, California car until 1992 with 28,000 miles when it was sold to the last owner in Nevada where the car resided until now. It travelled only 5,000 miles in the last 20 years and yet was always regularly maintained. Given its "warm address" it has been freed from the perils of any type of harsh weather and is very clean underneath and all over. The car has zero rust issues of any kind, not even light scale on under surfaces.

Mileage is indisputable with service receipts going back to 1985.

The body on this Shadow II is entirely straight and the paint is shiny and lustrous. The car still sports 100% of its original paint, which is truly quite amazing given that Rolls-Royce used a single stage paint process that generally did not “go the distance”. To wit, most Rolls-Royces of this era have all been repainted. For this one to be original paint and still remain shiny is a testament to its careful ownership. It could only have been stored in a climate controlled environment when not in use for it to be this nice. When you look down the sides of the car, they are very straight and true. The paint presents beautifully and, as surprisingly, with virtually no marks at the base of the "A" and "C" pillars (typical lead-wiping joints). There are only the most insignificant imperfections here and there from its minimal use, but consistent with a low-mileage car. Certainly, it needs nothing other than a wax from time to time.

The interior of this Shadow II looks is pretty much close to perfect. The tan Vaumol Connolly hide leather is 100% original from the factory. It has never been re-dyed and is in absolutely outstanding condition with no tears nor fading and not a single sign of wear. It is super supple and soft – true to its Connolly characteristics. Perhaps these seats were covered and hence protected, because they are truly flawless (those that know me, appreciate I rarely ever use that word). Have a look at the photos where I include many close ups of the leather. My best description, is the leather looks like that of a 2-3 year old Silver Shadow II. In my 45 years with Rolls-Royce, the last time I saw Silver Shadow leather this good was back when the cars were new or near new.

A great welcome with true “original Vaumol leather” is the colour characteristics. If you look at the pictures of the interior, there are some close up shots that clearly show the colour is not just plain tan, but with a “burnished” tone to the leather. You can see the rich ochre tan base and then in the fine natural grain and pores of the leather is a darker tone. This natural quasi “antique” leather look (like a Chesterfield couch) was achieved by the hand rubbing Vaumol Connollising technique that made this leather so famous. Leather that has been re-dyed by typical methods is “mono-toned” featuring only the 1 primary colour. As such, it lacks depth and richness that unrestored Connolly hide has to offer.

The burr walnut wood throughout the car is stunning. They are also completely original and have not been redone. They are not flawless (as I use that word with the leather) but in excellent condition with only some slight imperfections in the lacquer on the driver front door capping. The remaining three doors are perfect. The colour is deep, the grain rich and the finish smooth.

The head lining is all original and in fantastic condition still displaying the thick pilling of the Broad cloth wool. Likewise, is the leather finish to the dash and top-roll. The contrasting black Wilton wool carpets with tan leather binding are in true "as-new" condition and still with the original driver side heel-pad. They are nicely protected by the original Rolls-Royce “Mouton” (lambswool) rugs which are also in fine condition. The boot (trunk) carpet with the same theme is also in great condition - I would describe the boot space to be "like brand new". If you remember these cars when in show rooms brand new, the epoxy coated steering wheel had a slight softness to it when you pushed in your finger nail. This car does that and I cannot think of another Shadow II that has displayed this characteristic since the late 80's.

The Silver Shadow II presented here is work-shop inspected by Park-Ward where all work needed is carried out. Important costly items such as the hydraulics and brakes are fully inspected and serviced as required. This includes checking of all brake hoses and system pressure tested and bled. It is ready to drive and enjoy. The odometer shows a low 33,913 and the overall outstanding condition of the car evidences, without doubt,  the mileage is correct (particularly when you look at the condition of the interior, under-hood, 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.

Unbelievably, the white-wall Michelin X tyres are most likely the 2nd set of tyres on the car! These have not been produced for more than 20 years so are another testament to originality. Surprisingly, they drive "ok" and so from a display perspective, they are great to have if you are showing the car. But, quite obviously, they will need changing for anything outside of commuting to cars shows (let us know if you would like us to change them as we have a brand new set of Avons "waiting in the wings"). The hubcaps are excellent with no imperfections in the stainless and beauty rings. All remaining bright-work is in good condition. Glass is perfect.

Under the bonnet, the presentation is amazing. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life. The under-bonnet heat pads are like new! If you were to wonder what a Silver Shadow II looked like under the bonnet when new - this is it. You must take the time to look at the photos of the engine bay as its presentation is like that of only a 5 year old example. Simply stunning!

As you would expect, this Shadow II comes with its original jack (still in its factory grease wrap paper), correct tools and operating manual. It even has the paper "instruction" templates for the radio and climate control.

With the car also comes its original Pioneer cassette player and correct burl walnut wood trim piece.

The car is of very high standard and is an easy 10 out of 10 driver rating and preservation class show-winner. I would go as far as to say, she is could sit very proudly in any museum displaying Rolls-Royce history. THAT, is how good she is.