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1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow - II

Rolls-Royce
Silver Shadow II

Here is a really fine and super stunning example of a Silver Shadow II. Finished in rare Cardinal Red (metallic burgundy) over Garnet (a non-metallic rich plum colour) with tan fine lines to the waist-rails and beauty rings. A very stunning colour combination not often seen here in the US and as the colour-names suggest, very regal indeed. The interior has handsome beige Connolly hides with rich burgundy piping and edging. The Wilton wool carpets are a rich taupe colour with matching beige piping. The same taupe/beige theme carries through to the boot.  

This is a low-mileage – 36,000 -  Californian-most-of-its-life example that has been nicely maintained and presents in excellent condition. This west coast car is very “dry” and has lived a garaged environment. As a result, it has been freed from the perils of harsh weather and is very clean underneath. In only recent years has she resided in Mississippi; always been well maintained and professionally stored when not used.

The body on this Shadow II is very straight and the paint is shiny and very lustrous having undergone a full repaint some 10 years ago at a cost of in excess of $25,000. All in her original colours of Cardinal red over Garnet, she is simply gorgeous. The quality of paint and finish far exceeds that of factory standard. It is entirely consistent, glass-like flat and deep in gloss. There may be some very small and very insignificant marks but very minor indeed. Certainly nothing objectionable and simply pointed out for clear disclosure. Rest assured the paint presents very well as you can see in the photos. When you look down the sides of the car, they are very straight and true. Certainly, the paint needs nothing other than a wax from time to time.

The interior is in excellent original shape if not to be described as superb. The beige leather is in excellent condition with no tears nor fading and true to its Connolly characteristics. For those of you who know me, I am very big on original Connolly hides. Connolly, Vaumol Luxan grain was unique to Rolls-Royce. What you see is not only the beige colour leather but when these hides were tanned, the Luxan process involved the hand-rubbing of a darker tone into the grain of the leather. This gives the leather a rich antique look so you can see the natural features right down to the individual pores. Somewhat like you see on a classical Chesterfield couch. Because leather naturally varies in grain, some sections have more toned-grain than others. The look is truly gorgeous. Some who do not know, might look at this and think the leather is worn or dirty. No! This is the way it is meant to be. If you like perfect one-colour leather, then I respectfully suggest you go buy yourself a new Lexus! And dare I add, if you cannot appreciate the attention to detail as seen with Vaumol Luxan grain by Connolly, that goes into a Rolls-Royce motor car, then perhaps a very original Rolls-Royce such is this one, is not for you. This example has just the right amount of patina whilst the seats remain supple soft.

The burr walnut wood throughout the car is also original. Also something I am a big proponent of. It is rare to see the clear-coat lacquer on the wood not all cracked and peeling. On this one, it is surprisingly good. The driver door has more than one might like, but given the rest of the wood throughout is quite decent, and original, the imperfections in the driver door are worth living with. The dash is literally perfect without a single crack. Of course, the one door capping can be redone and if you would like us to do so, we offer this service in-house. Personally, I would leave it as is. Importantly, we have Mother Nature to thank for its beauty. The rich, dark, heavy earthy grains and pattern, particularly on the dash, presents strikingly. Absolutely stunning!

The head lining is original and in perfect condition. The original Wilton wool carpets with leather binding are in excellent condition. Likewise is the leather finish to the dash and top-roll. Even the boot (trunk) carpet with the same theme is in excellent condition.

The interior is entirely original, right down to the Blaupunkt push-button radio and the Pioneer cassette player.

This example comes with lightly tinted windows (after-market) and can be removed if preferred without.

The tyres on the car are near new Hankook whitewalls, with hubcaps that are simply excellent, having been machine buffed and polished to a mirror shine in recent times. All remaining bright-work is also in stunning condition.

Under the bonnet, the presentation is amazing. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life and a noticeable benefit of it being a clean Californian car to start with. You must take the time to look at the photos of the engine bay as its presentation is like that of only a 5 year old example. Simply stunning!

As you would expect, this Shadow II comes with its original jack, correct tools and operating manual.

Like all our Rolls-Royces, this Silver Shadow II presented here has been work-shop inspected with all work needed to be carried out undertaken by our in-house RR experts. The car is being offered with every major and minor service done. Important costly items such as the hydraulics and brakes are fully gone through and all services brought up to date as required. This includes overhauling of all brake hoses and system pressure tested and bled. Once delivered to the new owner, it only wants to be driven and enjoyed. The odometer shows a low 36,000 and although this is not verifiable, the mileage is commensurate with the condition (particularly when you look at the condition under the bonnet, brake pedal etc). In our professional opinion, the mileage is indeed correct.

It is very quiet and smooth on the road without any of the typical “thumps” and “rattles” typical of poor (or even averagely) maintained examples of this model. When we go through our cars we also ensure all operational features are working as they should; AC, heater, windows, etc. All electrics are checked right down to the smallest and insignificant dash and courtesy light.

The car is of very high standard and is an easy 10 out of 10 driver rating. She is definitely Rolls-Royce show worthy.