- Withdrawn
Lot details
Registration No: HSV 378
Chassis No: LRH38159
Mot Expiry: Jan 2013
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is withdrawn from the 16th June 2012 auction.
Prompted by a new generation of more driver orientated luxury cars, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II was announced in February 1977. While, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ12 and BMW 7-series could not be viewed as direct competition, they illustrated the increasing importance that the buying public was placing on chassis dynamics. Thus, while Crewe's newcomer utilised the same bodyshell, mellifluous 6750cc V8 engine and smooth-shifting GM400 series automatic gearbox as the outgoing Shadow, it gained a prominent front air dam, larger one-piece bumpers, revised front suspension geometry and - most importantly of all - power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Undeniably better to drive, the Shadow II further benefited from the adoption of a more ergonomic facia and split level air-conditioning. Still trimmed with the finest quality hides, wood veneers, chrome fixtures and carpets available, it treated occupants to a uniquely cosseting experience. Debuting alongside the Shadow II, the Silver Wraith II was near identical except for a longer wheelbase. Offering rear seat occupants an extra 4-inches of legroom, albeit at rather greater expense, it remained in production until 1980 by which time some 2,145 are thought to have been made.
Entering the current ownership in 2002, this particular example is since understood to have had remedial attention paid to its Everflex roof covering, lower rear valance panels and rear wheelarches. Describing the bodywork and paintwork as "very good", the interior trim as "excellent" and the three-speed automatic transmission as being in "good working order", the vendor further informs us that 'HSV 378' has been fitted with a second-hand V8 engine and converted to run on Autogas during his tenure. Noting that "significant question marks have arisen regarding the mechanical condition of the engine and an Engineer's Report is currently underway which should be completed by the time of auction", he is offering the Rolls-Royce for sale with an extensive collection of invoices and MOT into January 2013.