humbucker's 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II
Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 3:41 pm
“Are you starting a wedding-oriented chauffeuring business?” “Have you taken out shares in an oil refinery?” “What’s the capital city of Luxembourg?” These are just some of the questions that have been fired at me following my decision to purchase a magnificent Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II. I’ve had masses of fun wafting along the Norfolk coastline from within the confines of the car’s burr walnut and Connolly-clad cabin ever since, but I thought that I should hop out of the ol’ land yacht for just long enough to address each of these enquiries head-on.
Firstly, let’s deal with idea of me plonking a peaked hat on my bonce and attaching empty baked bean cans to the back of my new motor. In short, that scene is never gonna happen. No siree, this car is not destined become a workhorse; I bought the Silver Mink stunner for the simple fact that I fell in love with it! And what’s not to love? A silky smooth six-and-three-quarter litre V8 propels the 2.5-tonne barge along at “adequate” speeds, while its gorgeous seventeen-foot long body still manages to send pedestrians and fellow road users into a frenzy thirty-five years after Crewe’s very own master craftsmen waved it off the factory production line.
The car’s extraordinary ability to captivate those that find themselves in its company became apparent as I began the four hour journey home after agreeing to part with my hard-earned. As I travelled along the southbound A1 motorway, drivers of less exotic machinery reduced their speeds before positioning their four-wheelers alongside my own. A camera phone or two would suddenly appear pressed against neighbouring windows – with grins of excitement and the occasional ‘thumbs up’ accompanying the odd burst of octane-fuelled flash photography – only for the budding Lord Lichfields to speed off as soon as the money shot had been captured.
Uncontrollably zig-zagging between lanes ahead of me, these very same action snappers were then unable to resist getting a glimpse of the chrome-laden, six-foot wide front end of my pride and joy in their rear-view mirrors before they remembered not to crash. Thankfully, I’m delighted to report that the trip was casualty free, but I can fully understand the need to gawp at such a beautiful profile. Indeed, whether it’s those trademark twin headlamps, the iconic grille, The Spirit of Ecstasy or a combination of each and every one of these superb styling features, a Silver Shadow II is a sight to behold.
As far as the question alluding to the car’s fuel efficiency is concerned, there really is nothing that I can add to the obvious implications of running a Rolls-Royce that averages 11mpg around town while draining a 120-litre fuel tank! Unsurprisingly, I don’t intend to use the large barge as my daily driver, although I must admit to heading out and about in it as often as possible since bringing it home. I realise that there are some who would advise me to fend off the miles, but I fully intend to enjoy driving the car irrespective of concerns about maintaining its supposed value. Besides, it’s a well known fact that the model’s self-levelling hydraulic suspension and braking system will deteriorate through a lack of use. In other words, I can consider jollies behind the wheel to be an essential part of an ongoing maintenance programme! Hoorah!
Talking of which, I was quick to call the UK’s leading supplier of new, used and reconditioned genuine Rolls-Royce and Bentley parts, Flying Spares, for its advice regarding service items for my Silver Shadow II. The family-run firm has been an invaluable resource for owners of post-war Rollers since its inception in 1995, and it really is a company worthy of the ‘run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts’ badge of honour. Moreover, my car’s extensive service history is littered with Flying Spares invoices, and I was keen to continue in the tradition of using a trusted source for all of its Crewe-shaped needs.
Bentley-branded fluids, filters, washers, spark plugs and windscreen wipers (not to mention a beautifully presented leather-bound chrome key fob decorated with the Rolls-Royce emblem) landed on my doorstep soon after I made contact with the Flying Spares sales team, and I’m looking forward to applying these new parts to the car’s V8 powerplant. Servicing requirements aside, its beating heart seems to be in tip-top condition – as does its GM TH400 three-speed automatic transmission – although I don’t mind telling you that I fully expected any ‘hidden’ mechanical complaints to present themselves during the aforementioned maiden voyage home. To my relief, the car ran like a dream, even if I was forced to ignore the unwanted movement and noise caused by a poorly fitted exhaust system! More on that to follow.
The cockpit of a Silver Shadow II is a fantastic place to be, and one can’t help but imagine how awe-inspiring some of the technology present must have seemed at the car’s original point of sale; dual zone climate control air conditioning, eight-way electrically adjustable seats, cruise control and power windows might sound like automotive features that we take for granted today, but it was surely more in keeping with the stuff of fantasy during the mid-to-late 1970s?! I’m also struck by the number of cigar lighters dotted about the place. In the modern world, I’m interpreting these as being handy mobile charging points!
This particular ‘Royce was restored by its previous owner during the summer of 2003. It’s largely-aluminium bodywork underwent a colour change from its factory shade of Caribbean Blue, and I have a stack of documentation that details work carried out at the time. Of course, that was well over a decade ago, and it’s fair to say that the car needs a bit of TLC in order to bring it back to its best. With that in mind, I look forward to writing project reports outlining the highs and lows of Silver Shadow II ownership, and I’ll be sure to let you know if I happen to invest in a supercharged LS7 and air ride along the way...
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the capital city of Luxembourg is the city of Luxembourg. And with that point cleared up, I’m off for another round of wafting! Toodle-pip!
THANKS
Flying Spares Ltd
Rossendale House
Station Road Industrial Estate
Market Bosworth
Warwickshire
CV13 0PE
T: 01455 292949
http://www.flyingspares.com
What a car!
The car in front is a...
Respected Rolls-Royce and Bentley parts supplier, Flying Spares, has provided genuine Crewe service parts for the car. Now all I need to do is find the time to fit 'em!
The firm also sent this nifty key fob. Nice!
The Rolls-Royce six-and-three-quarter litre V8 is a remarkably durable powerplant...
...although the example powering my car could do with a damn good clean!
Connolly beige leather upholstery with special order blue piping makes for a comfortable cabin. The jury is yet to make its mind up regarding the inclusion of that '90s head unit:
There are few automotive mascots as awe-inspiring as The Spirit of Ecstasy:
Oh well close enough, I'm happy with that.. Couldn't remember the model name... Anyway ye looks nice mate, I'd have one for the trunk space and cruising comfort any day...
