Here is a really fine and original example of a Shadow II. Finished in Masons black with gold/tan fine lines to the waist-rail and hubcap beauty rings. The interior has handsome biscuit tan Connolly hides and contrasting chocolate carpets. The same biscuit tan theme carries through to the boot.
This is an unmolested example that has been beautifully maintained and presents in excellent condition. This was a Texan example all its life but the last 5 years, so it is a “dry” car that has had a garaged environment. As a result, it has been freed from the perils of harsh weather and is very clean underneath. The car was then owned by one of our best clients, a collector who displayed it in his own private museum space and driven only in clean dry conditions. We know its history well, always being maintained and serviced on a regular and as needed basis. It comes with its original manual.
The Silver Shadow 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 inspected and serviced as required. This included brake pumps, accumulators, calipers, all brake hoses and then final system pressure tested and bled. Everything mechanical and operational has been gone thru. It is ready to drive and enjoy. The odometer shows a low 61,000 miles and although this is not verifiable, the mileage is commensurate with the condition (particularly when you look at the condition of the leather, wood, 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 interior of this Shadow is sensational. The biscuit tan Connolly hide leather presents all 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. A great welcome with true “original leather” is the colour characteristics. 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. You can see the biscuit tan base and then in the fine natural grain of the leather is a darker tone. This is unique to Connolly leather and is known as “Vaumol Luxan grain”. 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.
Connolly, Vaumol hide with Luxan grain.
A new Blaupunkt stereo system has been added with blue tooth and auxiliary inputs. Brand new high quality speakers have been discretely fitted throughout.
The burr walnut wood throughout the car is very good. They are also completely original and have not been redone, The dash is excellent but there are some minor imperfections via seat belt chips on the driver door capping and lacquer cracking on right rear door. Notwithstanding these flaws, we believe originally outweighs refinishing and for a 44 year old Rolls-Royce they are gorgeous and should be left to be preserved. The colour is deep, the grain rich and the finish smooth.
The head lining is brand new and correct Rolls-Royce Broad cloth wool. It was only redone because of a 1″ tear above the rear passenger area. It is now, of course, perfect. The carpets are in good condition. Likewise is the leather finishes to the dash and top-roll. The boot (trunk) carpet with the same biscuit tan finish is in excellent condition.
The body on this Shadow II is very straight and the paint is shiny and lustrous. The car was repainted some 15 years ago and was a high quality job ($20,000+). The finish is entirely consistent. 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 and does have some of the Rolls-Royce signature stressing at the base of the A pillar, but is otherwise entirely consistent with a low-mileage, good quality paint job. Certainly, it needs nothing other than a wax from time to time.
The tyres are period correct whitewalls which drive smooth and comfortably but could do with replacing simply because of age which we will change as part of our Predelivery Commissioning program that all our cars go through. ** Please note: As of “going to print”, we have already changed the tyres to Avon Turbosteels 235/70-15 WSW – the best tyre of choice for a Silver Shadow II. The hubcaps are excellent with no imperfections in the stainless or painted trim rings. The pin-striping on the beauty rings are finished in the original hand-painted technique. All remaining bright-work is in excellent condition as is glass, electrics and instruments. All electrics have been checked right down to the smallest and insignificant dash and courtesy light.
Under the bonnet, the presentation is amazingly clean and original. It has not been precision detailed but simply kept clean and tidy throughout its life.
The car has its original jack (still in its original wax paper), correct tools and operating manual.
The car is of very high standard and is not only an easy 10 out of 10 driver rating but a Rolls-Royce show contender.
~~ This immaculate and stately Shadow II is an excellent condition representation of the marque that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It makes for an excellent example for either everyday driving or sunny weekend enjoyment, as well of “preservation class” quality. You could easily take her to your next Rolls-Royce meet and take a prize for originality! ~~
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 some 150 high resolution photos
Click HERE to see some 150 high resolution photos
