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1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow - Wraith II

H ere is a really fine and original example of a last-of-the-series Silver Wraith II. Finished in 2-tone Silver Sand over Athenian Blue with Royal blue fine lines to the waist-rails and matching Everflex vinyl top. The interior has handsome light tan (beige) Connolly hides with Royal Blue piping and Wilton carpets in the reverse theme. The same Royal blue and light tan theme carries through to the boot.

This is an unmolested original example that has been nicely maintained by 2 owners since new and presents in excellent condition. It is primarily all original with no modifications – from the paint, right down to the original Blaupunkt push button radio and separate cassette player. This was a west coast car, owned by its first owner for over 30 years, so it is a “dry” car that has had a private collection museum environment for most of that time. It was owned by a Canadian enthusiast since then and has never been used outside of sunny, summer weather driving. As a result, it has been freed from the perils of harsh weather and is very clean underneath. It has always been well maintained and serviced by authorized Rolls-Royce agents and comes with its original manual.

The body on this Wraith II is very straight and the paint is shiny and lustrous. The car still sports 90% of its original paint (top half completely factory original), which is really quite amazing given that Rolls-Royce used a single stage paint process that generally did not “go the distance”. To wit, most Rolls-Royces of this era have all been repainted. For this one to be original paint and still remain shiny is a testament to its careful ownership. It could only have been stored in a climate controlled environment when not is use for it to be this nice. And, to follow, there can be no doubt the low mileage on this car is original. When you look down the sides of the car, they are very straight and true. The paint presents beautifully with only the most minor little mark here and there from use but consistent with a low-mileage car. Certainly, it needs nothing other than a wax from time to time. The Everflex vinyl top, standard fitment on all Wraith IIs, is also original and overall good condition with only minor blemishes. All original Eveflex tops had a very subtle padding to the mid-section and this one displays this original touch.

The interior of this Wraith II looks close to perfect. The light tan and blue piped Connolly hide leather is 100% original from the factory. It has never been re-dyed and is in absolutely outstanding condition with no tears nor fading and very supple and soft – true to its Connolly characteristics. The leather really has been lovingly preserved and has theta beautiful deep graining look. A great welcome with true original leather is the colour characteristics of a special technique used by Connolly for Rolls-Royce leather known as “Vaumol” hides. If you look at the pictures of the interior, there are some close-up shots that clearly show the colour is not just plain light tan, but with a “burnished” tone to the leather. This is known as “Luxan Grain” and is unique to Connolly Vaumol hides. You can see the beige tan base and then in the fine natural grain and folds of the leather is a darker tone. This natural quasi “antique” leather look (like a Chesterfield couch) was achieved by the hand rubbing Connollising technique that made this leather so famous and for which its name now describes the correct procedure for refinishing leather – “Connollising”. Leather that has been re-dyed by typical methods is “mono-toned” featuring only the 1 primary colour. As such, it lacks depth and richness that unrestored Connolly hide has to offer. This Wraith II leather is simply darling with only the most minimal and correct amount of patina. You may have read this comment in my other listings; the deep Luxan grain look is supposed to look as it does. If you think it looks dirty or soiled then, respectfully, you are not grasping the very concept of the leather and perhaps a classic Rolls-Royce is not for you.

The burr walnut wood throughout the car is stunning. They are also completely original and have not been redone, They are not flawless (not a word you can use flippantly) but in excellent condition with only the most minor imperfections on the front door cappings. Certainly stunning for a 40 year old Rolls-Royce and by no means in need of redoing. The colour is deep, the grain rich and the finish smooth.

The head-lining is all original and in good condition. Likewise, is the leather finish to the dash and top-roll which is contrasted in Royal blue. The matching Royal Blue Wilton wool carpets with light tan leather binding are in excellent condition and nicely protected by the original Royal blue Rolls-Royce “Mouton” (lambswool) rugs which are also in fine condition. The boot (trunk) carpet with the same theme is also in great condition.

The Silver Wraith II presented here has been work-shop inspected where all work needed is carried out. Important costly items such as the hydraulics and brakes are fully inspected and serviced as required. This includes checking of all brake hoses and system pressure tested and bled. It is ready to drive and enjoy. The odometer shows a low 35,000 and the overall condition of the car evidences, without doubt, the mileage is correct (particularly when you look at the condition of the interior, under-hood, brake pedal etc). 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.

The white-wall 235/70-15 Hankook whitewall tyres are in good condition and were the first replacement set since the car was new! The hubcaps are excellent with no imperfections in the stainless rings or caps. The "RR" centres are all in good condition. All remaining bright-work is in good condition. All electrics have been checked right down to the smallest and insignificant dash and courtesy light.

Under the bonnet, the presentation is amazing. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life. The under-bonnet heat pads are like new! 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 Wraith II comes with its original jack, correct tools and operating manual.

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

~~ This stately Silver Wraith II is an excellent condition representation of the marque that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It makes for an excellent driver for either everyday driving or sunny weekend enjoyment. You could easily take her to your next Rolls-Royce meet and attract attention if not a prize – it is that good! ~~