Lot details
Registration No: NBF192V
Chassis No: SRH0039828
Mot Expiry: Feb 2012

TWO OWNERS FROM NEW

"Rolls-Royce says the Shadow II took eight years to develop. Their time was not wasted. Inevitably, there are areas in which the Shadow is surpassed by other cars. But there is no other car in the world that combines all its qualities." Motor Magazine, 1977

The Shadow's arrival in 1965 was none too soon and did much to reverse the notion that Rolls-Royce was falling behind the times. It resulted in many firsts for the company, including: unitary construction rather than separate body/chassis units, disc rather than drum brakes and independent rear suspension. Though shorter and narrower than the Silver Cloud III it replaced, the John Polwhele Blatchley-penned Shadow nevertheless possessed greater space for both luggage and passengers and certainly boasted far more modern looks. At launch it was powered by a 172bhp V8 engine of 6230cc, though this was enlarged to 6750cc in 1970. Early cars employed the same GM automatic transmission as the Silver Cloud, but this was superseded by the much vaunted Turbo Hydramatic system from 1970 onwards. The car's famed `magic carpet' ride was achieved courtesy of a high-pressure hydraulic system licensed from Citroen. The combination of changes introduced in 1977 was sufficient for Rolls-Royce to dub the new model `Shadow II'. The upgrades included: a switch from recirculating ball to rack-and-pinion steering, revised front end suspension geometry, and a change of carburettors, exhaust and cooling fans all aimed at improving fuel consumption. More visible alterations included the rubber-tipped bumpers, a deeper radiator shell and different door handles with more deeply recessed buttons. Still more evident was the bib spoiler below the front bumper and new style (spring-back) door mirror that was adjustable from inside the car.

Initially road registered on April 1st 1980, the Shadow II being offered sports Silver Sand paintwork and a Magnolia leather interior. Reportedly a two-owner car, `NBF 192V' has been the property of a now retired consultant surgeon for the last twenty-five years. It is understood to come complete with an LPG conversion, cruise control, loose covers, original floor rugs and an MOT into February next year. The vendor regards the bodywork, paintwork, engine, gearbox and trim as all "good".