Lot 432: 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Saloon

‘To most people, a Rolls-Royce is the ultimate status symbol: you can aspire to nothing higher. Until you drive or even ride in one, it is difficult to appreciate how much lies behind the name. There are quieter cars, there are quicker cars but none cossets its occupants in quite the same manner, none insulates them from the outside world quite so effectively, to the point where rush-hour traffic jams, inclement weather and the other irritations of day-to-day living no longer seem to matter. On top of all this is the immeasurable pleasure offered by sheer unadulterated luxury of the sort that stems only from the use of the very best materials by the very best craftsmen. That is what the Silver Shadow is about.’ - Motor. Almost a quarter of a century after the last example left the Crewe factory, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow - one of this illustrious British company’s most successful models ever - remains an imposing and highly desirable motor car. Incorporating all the ‘Series II’ improvements, the car offered here is a well maintained example. In the current ownership since 1986, it was exported to Greece in 1986 and on its return to the UK in 2002 was repainted and fitted with a new windscreen and sealing rubbers. In 2000 the car underwent extensive refurbishment, the engine and transmission being rebuilt, and the torque converter, engine and suspension mounts, water pump, air conditioning compressor, hydraulic spheres and brake hoses renewed. In addition, the radiator was overhauled, the starter motor reconditioned and under-bonnet wiring replaced. Finished in Champagne with maroon leather interior, the car benefits from the addition of a Harvey Bailey handling kit and new road springs and shock absorbers. It is offered with a quantity of expired MoTs for the period 1984 to date, (copy) Greek registration papers, MoT to November 2006 and Swansea V5 registration document.