Silver Shadow: the modern Rolls-Royce, 1965 to 1980
Unveiled in 1965, the Silver Shadow broke with the Silver Cloud on almost every point: a monocoque body in place of the separate chassis, disc brakes on all four wheels, independent suspension and hydraulic self-levelling.
It kept the light-alloy V8 of the Silver Cloud II, at 6.25 litres, enlarged to 6.75 litres in 1970, paired with an automatic gearbox, a three-speed General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic on most cars. The family comprises:
- the Silver Shadow four-door saloon, joined at the end of the 1960s by a long-wheelbase version;
- the two-door coupé and convertible bodied by Mulliner Park Ward, renamed Corniche in 1971;
- the Silver Shadow II (1977–1980), with rack-and-pinion steering, automatic split-level air conditioning and a front air dam;
- the Silver Wraith II (1977–1980), the long-wheelbase version of the Silver Shadow II;
- the Bentley T1 and then T2, mechanically identical and recognisable by their radiator grille.
How does the Silver Shadow hydraulic system work?
This is the car’s defining feature. Derived from Citroën’s systems and built under licence, a high-pressure circuit serves the brakes and the self-levelling: two engine-driven pumps charge the accumulators, which store the pressure needed for braking on independent circuits.
The system runs on a specific fluid, RR363, which is different from the mineral oil adopted on the following generation, that of the Silver Spirit. The two must never be mixed: the wrong fluid swells the seals and ruins the entire circuit. The pressure warning lights, the accumulator recharge time and the condition of the hoses tell you much about the health of the system.
What are the common problems with a Silver Shadow?
The Silver Shadow is robust, but its age and complexity call for methodical checks. The workshop systematically examines:
- the hydraulics: accumulators, pumps, seals, hoses and height-control valves, often tired on cars that see little use;
- body corrosion: sills, wheel arches, floors, boot and the mounting points of the front and rear subframes;
- the cooling of the light-alloy V8, which needs well-maintained coolant to protect the block, heads and liners;
- the electrical equipment: windows, seats, air conditioning and gear selector, whose motors and contacts age;
- the bushes and suspension components, on which the silence and smoothness of the ride depend;
- the woodwork, period leather, carpets and brightwork, whose condition weighs heavily in the character of the car.
Restoring a Silver Shadow: where to begin?
With the structure. On a monocoque body, rust is not merely cosmetic: it affects the rigidity and safety of the car. Restoration therefore starts with a full inspection on the lift, followed by an estimate itemised line by line; it can go as far as a bare-metal body, panel work, primer and paint, in a single colour or two-tone.
Then come the mechanics, the hydraulics and the brakes, rebuilt with original, equivalent-quality or reconditioned parts, their origin stated; then the brightwork, upholstery and woodwork. The general method, shared with the Silver Cloud, Corniche and Camargue, is set out on the Rolls-Royce restoration page. During the work you receive photographs of the key stages, and nothing is undertaken without your approval.
Servicing a Silver Shadow: what matters
Servicing a Silver Shadow follows the manufacturer’s programme, with particular attention to the hydraulic system: fluid level and condition, bleeding, and checks on the accumulators and pumps. Greasing of the suspension, ignition and fuel settings on the V8, the cooling system and the gearbox complete each service.
A car that has stood for a long time is checked before being recommissioned: fluids, seals, tyres and rubber parts age even at rest. Servicing a classic Rolls-Royce has its own page, and the workshop’s detailed invoice then serves as a service record.
Period leather, veneers and carpets
The interior of a Silver Shadow accounts for a large share of its value: leather on the seats and door cards, lacquered burr veneers, wool carpets.
Rolls-Royce upholstery is carried out entirely in the workshop, faithful to the original or in a colour scheme of your choosing: respecting the car or interpreting it is always your decision. The restoration of the woodwork is organised within the same project.
What the workshop does for a Silver Shadow
Based in Mougins since 2017, the independent Original Classic & Luxury Cars workshop takes care of the servicing, mechanics, bodywork, upholstery and full restoration of the Silver Shadow, Silver Wraith II and Corniche, as well as their Bentley T-Series cousins. A single team follows the car from first inspection to final road test.
For a first opinion, an estimate from photographs and videos can be prepared remotely; transport of the car is arranged on request, within France and across Europe, on terms set out in writing before departure.