The used Rolls-Royce market is funny. Cars that originally cost hundreds of thousands of dollars can sometimes be had for the price of a pre-owned Camry. But as any seasoned collector will tell you, that’s just the down payment. That’s why this 1971 long-wheelbase Silver Shadow with factory division window is worth considering—even with its Buy-It-Now price of $90,000.
These cars are complex and can be stunningly expensive to repair. The adage of buying the best car you can afford has never been more apt. Pay for quality now and save later.
The owner beautifully restored this 1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, so a buyer has to do nothing more than roll up the miles. Or sit in the spacious back seat and spread the Grey Poupon.
The car is in Barrington, Ill. The Buy-It-Now price of $90,000 sounds lofty. But restoring a “cheap” basketcase example of a Rolls is going to cost more than that.
Rolls-Royce only made 500 of the long-wheelbase “limousine” Shadows with the electric division window. The car is handsome in two-tone black over burgundy. It has matching burgundy leather and carpets, and a black vinyl roof. A vinyl roof used to mean something
No-Compromise Restoration of Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Park Ward Motors Museum restored the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. The dealership is the Illinois-based division of an exclusively Rolls-Royce restorer established in Australia circa 1982. Aussie founder Rodd Sala has been dedicated to the Rolls marque since the 1970s.
Two-tone burgundy and black paint suit the car, which received a $30,000 bare-metal repaint. Note the period viny roof.
Among this car’s features are:
- Hand-painted pinstripes
- Separate radio and air conditioning systems just for rear passengers
- A huge section of burl walnut surrounds the division and the radio and climate controls
According to Park Ward, a single caretaker-collector owned the car for the last 20 years. Park Ward explains that the owner “hardly used it and simply admired it.” The no-compromises restoration was undertaken six years ago. It included these upgrades:
- A bare-metal $30,000 repaint that also replaced window gaskets, molding clips, and body hardware.
- All the chrome was polished to a high luster.
- The interior received all new Connolly-equivalent leather. The restorers said this alone was a $20,000 enterprise.
- The African burl walnut received many coats of clear lacquer.
The car reportedly did not need mechanical refurbishment. The seller checked all the systems, including brakes, hydraulics, and drivetrain. The vehicle will get a “pre-delivery commissioning” after the sale. Park Ward says the car “could be shown as-is at your next Rolls-Royce meet.”
Some Help from GM and Citroën
The V-8 engine provides “adequate” power.
Rolls-Royce offered this generation of the Silver Shadow from 1965 to 1976. The model replaced the by-then-venerable Silver Cloud. As a 1971, this car has the 6.7-liter version of Rolls-Royce’s V-8, with 189 horsepower. The automatic transmission came from General Motors, the Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed unit.
The RR grille would add class to any vehicle.
Innovations on the Shadow include unitary construction, disc brakes instead of drums, and independent rear suspension.
Buyers should know that this car has a hydro-pneumatic suspension, licensed from Citroën. The DS19 and 21 used that suspension. When the self-leveling system works, it offers exceptional ride quality.
eBay Motors has nearly 20 Silver Shadows for sale, including two long-wheelbase versions and one $10,750 bargain that “could use some light restoration.” And though this car needs nothing now, it’s nice to know that parts, including new and vintage grilles, are a click away.
Scroll down on the listing for this 1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow to see 200 high-resolution photos.
