1968 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

Chassis No. - SRH3951

Registration - JEY 532F

M.O.T. - EXEMPT

The majority of Rolls-Royces most produced and much loved model have by now been restored to one degree or another, so it’s always rewarding to find one that remains unmolested, as has ‘JEY 532F’. Supplied new in 1968 by Jack Barclay Ltd it is finished in a dark shade of blue and trimmed in grey hide. By the vendor’s admission the paintwork would now benefit from a mop polish or light refurbishment, while the veneer door cappings also deserve attention. However, currently displaying a total mileage of 73,665 the car ‘runs and drives’ and is being offered complete with its original radio, owners’ manuals and lots of history.

The Shadow’s arrival in 1965 was none too soon and did much to reverse the notion that Rolls-Royce was falling behind the times. It resulted in many firsts for the company, including: unitary construction rather than separate body/chassis units, disc rather than drum brakes and independent rear suspension. Though shorter and narrower than the Silver Cloud III it replaced, the John Polwhele Blatchley-penned Shadow nevertheless possessed greater space for both luggage and passengers and certainly boasted far more modern looks.

At launch it was powered by a 172bhp V8 engine of 6230cc, though this was enlarged to 6750cc during 1970. Early cars employed the same GM automatic transmission as the Silver Cloud, but this was superseded by the much vaunted Turbo Hydramatic system from 1970 onwards. The car’s famed ‘magic carpet’ ride was achieved courtesy of a high-pressure hydraulic system licensed from Citroen. Initially it featured self-levelling at both ends, but this was deleted from the front in 1969.

In summary:

• Very original unrestored Shadow I
• Comes complete with lots of history
• Just four owners and 73,665 miles from new