Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow - 360° Interactive
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow - Key Specifications
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Full-Size Luxury Sedan |
| Production Years | 1965–1980 |
| Built At | Crewe, England |
| Engine | 6.2L (early) or 6.75L (later) Naturally Aspirated V8 |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Twin SU Carburetors (early) / Bosch Fuel Injection (later US models) |
| Displacement | 6230 cc (1965–1969) / 6750 cc (1970–1980) |
| Power | Estimated 189–220 hp (not officially quoted) |
| Specific Output | ~33 hp per liter (estimated) |
| Torque | ~450 Nm / 332 lb-ft (estimated) |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h / 118 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~10.7 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | ~11.2 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Monocoque Steel Construction |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | 15" Steel Wheels with Chrome Hubcaps |
| Front Tires | 205 R15 |
| Rear Tires | 205 R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc Brakes with Hydraulic Assist |
| Rear Brakes | Disc Brakes with Hydraulic Assist |
| Front Wheels | 15 x 6.5 in |
| Rear Wheels | 15 x 6.5 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent with Coil Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Independent with Self-Leveling Suspension (licensed from Citroën) |
| Curb Weight | 2110–2240 kg / 4650–4938 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front ~53% / Rear ~47% |
| Wheelbase | 3048 mm / 120.0 in (Silver Shadow I) / 3198 mm (LWB Shadow II) |
| Length | 5170 mm / 203.5 in |
| Width | 1803 mm / 71.0 in |
| Height | 1524 mm / 60.0 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed GM Hydra-Matic (early) / 3-Speed GM Turbo-Hydramatic (later) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 18–20 L/100 km / 11–13 mpg (US) |
| Fuel Capacity | 82 liters / 21.7 gallons |
Some Interesting Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Facts
- First Rolls-Royce with Unibody Construction
The Silver Shadow, introduced in 1965, was the first Rolls-Royce to feature monocoque (unibody) construction, replacing the traditional body-on-frame design for improved rigidity and ride quality. - Hydropneumatic Suspension System
It featured a Citroën-licensed self-leveling suspension system, using hydropneumatic technology, which automatically adjusted ride height for supreme comfort, especially under load. - Most Successful Rolls-Royce Model at the Time
With over 30,000 units produced (including Silver Shadow I & II, Bentley T variants, and long-wheelbase versions), it became the best-selling Rolls-Royce model up to that point. - Shared Platform with the Bentley T-Series
The Silver Shadow was also offered as a Bentley T1/T2, with only subtle cosmetic differences. These Bentley variants are much rarer and often more sought-after today by collectors. - Famous for Its Incredible Ride Comfort
Thanks to its suspension and refinement, the Silver Shadow became synonymous with a “magic carpet ride”, setting new standards for luxury car comfort in the 1960s and ’70s. - Luxurious Yet Understated Interior
The cabin was appointed with hand-stitched leather, real walnut wood trim, deep wool carpeting, and analog gauges — showcasing Rolls-Royce's dedication to craftsmanship over flash. - Evolved from Silver Shadow I to II in 1977
The Silver Shadow II introduced improvements like rack-and-pinion steering, updated front suspension, and modernized bumpers, helping the car stay competitive into the late 1970s and early ’80s. - Fitted with a V8 Engine
The car was powered by a 6.2L V8 (later upgraded to 6.75L) mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth, effortless power delivery rather than outright performance. - Hand-Built in Crewe, England
Each Silver Shadow was hand-assembled in Rolls-Royce’s Crewe factory, with production involving extensive human craftsmanship, contributing to the brand’s ultra-premium image. - A Celebrity Favorite
The Silver Shadow was popular among royalty, celebrities, and world leaders. Notable owners included Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, and even Queen Elizabeth II, reinforcing its status as a car for the elite.
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow - Price
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is the first modern Rolls—a hand-built luxury sedan with monocoque construction, hydraulic suspension, and timeless presence. More refined than a Mercedes 600 and rarer than a Bentley T-Series, it’s a blue-chip classic for discreet elegance.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Standard Silver Shadow I (1965–1976)
- Driver-Quality (Restored, 100,000+ miles): €15,000 – €30,000
(Solid mechanics, older paint, minor hydraulic leaks.) - Show-Quality (Concours-ready): €40,000 – €70,000
(Frame-off restoration, perfect chrome, working A/C.) - Barn Find/Project: €5,000 – €15,000
(Complete but needs full restoration—hydraulics are costly.)
Special Versions
- Silver Shadow II (1977–1980): +20% (Improved handling, standard sunroof.)
- Long-Wheelbase (LWB): +€10,000 (Extra rear legroom.)
- Coachbuilt (Mulliner/Park Ward): €80,000+ (Custom bodies, ultra-rare.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Provenance & Authenticity
- Original ownership history adds +30% (ex-royalty/celebrity).
- Matching numbers (engine/chassis) is critical for top-tier sales.
✅ Options That Matter
- Factory Air Conditioning: +€5,000 (Rare and finicky.)
- Laminated Glass: +€3,000 (Quieter ride.)
- Picnic Tables/Veneeers: +€2,000 (Period luxury touches.)
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
- Hydraulic System Failures (€10k+ to rebuild—check for leaks.)
- Rust (Floor pans, sills, and trunk floors rot silently.)
- Non-Original Engines (6.75L V8 must match chassis plate.)
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Official Channels:
- Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UK/EU chapters) (Best for vetted cars.)
- Specialists (e.g., P&A Wood UK, RR Garage Amsterdam)
Private Sales:
- Classic Trader / Mobile.de (Filter for "fully working hydraulics".)
- Auction Houses (Bonhams/Sotheby’s sell top examples.)
Pro Tip:
The Shadow II (1977–1980) is the best driver—better brakes and handling.
4. Market Trends
📈 Stable Appreciation
- Clean cars up 5–7% annually since 2018 (Underrated vs. Phantoms.)
- Coachbuilt models now €100k+.
⚠️ Trap Warning
- "Cheap" sub-€10k cars often need €30k+ in repairs.
- US Imports (LHD is fine, but avoid rust buckets.)
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical:
- Hydraulic Suspension (Should lift smoothly—sags indicate pump issues.)
- V8 Oil Pressure (<20 psi at idle = worn bearings.)
📄 Paperwork:
- RREC Certificate (Verifies authenticity.)
- Service Records (Especially hydraulic overhauls.)
Fun Fact:
The Silver Shadow’s brakes were so overengineered that they never fade, even after 100+ mph stops!
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