Lot : 17

Launched in 1965, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was a bold departure for the Crewe company. Their first monocoque design, it also benefited from olio-pneumatic rear suspension, power disc brakes and GM's smooth 400 series automatic gearbox. Such 'new technology' did not encroach on the luxurious interior with its sumptuous leather hides, rich wood veneers and deep lambswool carpets. Performance from the smooth 6230cc V8 engine (upgraded to 6750cc in 1970) was assured, the car wafting forward on a seemingly unstoppable wave of torque. Still immensely cosseting to drive, Shadows offer a genuinely different ownership experience to their mass made peers.

Finished in white with cream leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Though, he notes that the engine emits "a slight tap when cold which then goes off". The subject of a professional respray, 'TAJ 708R' is further understood to have been reconfigured as "a convertible by Auto Design (Kent) at a cost of some £4,400" and re-upholstered by ex-Royle trimmer John Richardson. While, more recent work has apparently seen the Silver Shadow's door cappings re-polished by Joe Crabtree. Said to have proven "a very successful wedding car" since entering the current ownership three and a half years ago, this individualistic Rolls-Royce is only being offered for sale as part of "a move into vintage cars". Offering 'wind-in-the-hair' motoring for either business or pleasure purposes, 'TAJ 708R' is accompanied by a MOT certificate valid until February 18th 2008.