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1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow - Wraith II

Here is a really fine and very original example of a Silver Wraith II. It is the rare fuel injection model built specifically and only for the Californian market. These were only built in 1980 – the last year of the Silver Shadow model run. This one is production run 40,770C – the “C” suffix is for California fuel injection model. These are best identified externally by the dual exhaust pipes on both sides of the rear. With the last Silver Shadow/Wraith II being 41,648C, this car is within the last 500 Wraith IIs ever made!

The Silver Wraith II is the long wheel base version of the Silver Shadow II. Easily identified by the same rear window (opera window) and standard fitment Everflex vinyl top, it is 4” longer in the rear door. This provides a noticeable increase in rear passenger space.

This example is finished in 2-tone Silver Sand over Walnut metallic with a contrasting chocolate Everflex top. Dual hand-painted fine-lines in chocolate adorn the waist-rails. The interior is finished in a very rich chocolate to carry through the external colour theme. 

This is a very clean and unmolested example that has been lovingly maintained all its life. It presents in original fashion with its original Blaupunkt push button radio and Pioneer cassette player. A pampered Rolls-Royce, it was owned by a seasoned Rolls-Royce collector and enthusiast that has lovingly maintained the car correctly and regularly. It is a Rolls-Royce that has been regularly driven and even on long tours (1,000+ miles per journey) which is so good for these cars. Having lived most its life in southern states and when not in use, always kept in a garaged environment.

The Silver Wraith II presented here has been recently fully work-shop inspected with all work needed carried out. Important costly items such as the hydraulics and brakes have been fully serviced. It is ready to drive and enjoy. The odometer shows a moderate 87,000 miles and although not verifiable it is justifiable by the overall condition of the car that they are original. In fact, if it was claimed to be only 40,000 miles, I think it would be believable. That's how nice it is.  The car drives straight and true with the fuel injection version offering added engine and driving smoothness.

The interior presents very beautifully with the right amount of patina. The leather finish on this example has a very raw-hide, nicely used saddle look to it. The leather is all original and has a very welcoming burnished patina to it with small nicks, marks and a clearly defined used look to it. We think it is absolutely delightful. Like a well-loved antique Chesterfield couch that shows all the signs of massaged use over many years in front of an open fire. If you like brand new unblemished looking leather, you will want to move on - or buy yourself a new Lexus. The leather here remains true to its Connolly characteristics and can be truly described as beautiful. 

The burr walnut wood finishes throughout appear to have been redone at some point (we estimate in the last 5 years) and were done extremely well presenting in entirely original finish and consistency. The wood can easily be described as flawless. Head-lining is original and in super clean condition. The Wilton carpets are in perfect condition. The boot (trunk) carpet also finished in the same brown theme is also in good condition.

The body on this Wraith II is straight and the paint is shiny and lustrous. The car has had some areas repainted over the years but a lot is also original. It has only the odd and subtle marks from mild use with some minor blemishes here and there (lead-wiping fractures) as you would expect but it is overall consistent, still remains shiny & crisp and presents nicely – certainly, well above average. The Everflex vinyl top is new from a few years ago and so presents perfectly.

The whitewall tyres are in good near new condition with plenty of tread. The hubcaps, unique to the Wraith II, are excellent with no dents or imperfections. All remaining bright-work is in good condition as is glass, electrics and instruments. All electrics have been checked right down to the smallest and insignificant dash and courtesy light. The typical “slow window” syndrome typical of the model have been repaired and so all operate well.

Under the bonnet, the presentation is amazing. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life. You must take the time to look at the photos of the engine bay as its presentation is like that of a near new example. Simply stunning!

The car is of very high standard and is an easy 10 out of 10 driver-condition rating.