This is a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow saloon by HJ Mulliner Park-Ward. The model is often referred to as a Fixed Head Coupe (“FHC”). This example is of one of the last made, later to be renamed and produced as the “Corniche”. FHCs are becoming a rare find in this condition and are becoming more and more sought by collectors. This one is a very fine early chrome bumper example that suits both the connoisseur driver and collector.
An interesting history to the cars first owner who special ordered her; Mr Clark Hartwell. He was the inventor of a special release mechanism used in aircraft cockpit covers in WWII aircraft and a system later adopted throughout many aviation latch mechanisms (even those latches in aircraft over-head storage compartments). His invention went on to be further adapted by NASA and as such, Mr Hartwell was invited to attend and witness the launch of Apollo 11 and its subsequent lunar landing.
He special ordered this Rolls-Royce with many options and personal touches. The colour; specifically chosen by Mr Hartwell was never used elsewhere and an interesting tit-bit is on the build sheets, it is simply referred to as “green”, with no specific name (see below).
Another noteworthy “special order” on this coupe, is the “wrinkle paint” finish to interior door handles, window switches and various door hardware, along with the centre ash-tray. It was formally referred to as “Black spreckle”. An unusual addition which, although perhaps not to everyone’s taste is a very unique touch. These, of course, could easily be swapped out to the regular chrome finish ones. Further factory additions were the passenger side mounted fire extinguisher and the Lucas “Flamethrower” yellow high beam headlights. These are all things better appreciated when you identify with the Mr Clark Hartwell’s aviation background. All of the options are well documented in the car’s order and build sheets attached below.
A final “special request” by Mr Hartwell when purchasing the car, he requested that it be subject to a 1,000 mile road test before being shipped ~ something one might only expect from a person associated with the aviation industry and its rigorous attention to safety and performance. Mr Hartwell paid extra for this special attention
The exterior “green” is paired up with green Connolly leather interior with matching carpets and floor rugs. The car is finished with hand-painted single dark green fine-line on the body waist-line. The color is an unusual but stunningly elegant combination.
The body on the car is straight and the paint is very nice. It was a California car for most of its life and then spent the last ten years in Texas as part of a private collection. Most of the paint is original, it appears, and is in excellent condition. It presents high in luster, very glossy and no signs of any over-spray on any externally fitted part.
The interior of the car is in stunning condition with completely original Connolly hide leather. The leather has never been replaced, repaired or re-dyed. You can see the original Vaumol hide with its characteristic “burnishing” in the leather grain (this is always lost with aftermarket re-dying – see pic). The leather is soft and supple. It displays a very warming patina that is very natural in its presentation (“patina” does not mean tired, worn or ripped!), elegantly presenting the natural creases in the leather and regularly used areas like arm-rests and seat edges. Very much like an expensive and antique chesterfield couch. If you like ‘as-new’ leather like that in a new Lexus, then this not for you. And please; do not ask us to refinish the leather as we will politely decline from doing so. It is simply so beautiful as she stands. Purists would pay good money to have restored cars with leather like this!
All the wood is in excellent condition with dash and door cappings having recently been redone by Park-Ward. The wood was not “bad” but it did show signs of crazing, rather typical with early Silver Shadows and so we wanted to make it look stunning. This really paid off as they are truly superb and with the grace of Mother Nature lending her hand in the detail of the wood – the knots, the grains and the rich colours – it presents at its finest. When Mr Hartwell ordered this car, he specifically requested he personally choose the veneers and what are marvelous choice he made.
The headlining is in beautiful condition without any of the “grubbiness” often seen on these wool headliners.
All interior feature and functions are fully operational including all electrics – seats, windows, gauges, clock etc. The A/C blows icy cold and heater working well. Everything is all so clean and crisp. It has its original Philips push-button radio and factory installed Radiomobile 8-track cassette – not many left these days.
The chrome and bright work is stunning without any pitting and the rubber around the car is good.
Mechanically, the car is in superior condition and the presentation under the bonnet and under carriage clearly shows that. It has not been “done-up” for sale but maintained in original condition. All hydraulics and brakes have been inspected and tested, working well. Exhaust is good. The car has been fully work-shop inspected. Tyres are brand new. The car comes with the correct jack, tools and operating manual.
This is a 10 out of 10 driver example that needs nothing else doing. It makes for a gorgeous “weekender” that you could take to your next RR meet with pride and joy.
~~ Being a significantly way-above average example of a Silver Shadow 2 door saloon by Mulliner Park-Ward, and being in a stunning colour combination, this will bring a good price. Notwithstanding, it remains sensibly priced. ~~
International bidders are always welcome.
For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below.
The photos are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.
Click HERE to see many additional photos!
For extra photos on this fine example go to the link below.
The photos are of super high resolution so if you right click on any, you can zoom in and see every little detail and defect in considerable detail.
Click HERE to see many additional photos!
