Rolls Royce Silver Shadow: Underrated Without A Cause

ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SHADOW

Words: Roberto Marrone

When it comes to Rolls Royce, the Silver Shadow is certainly the best known model, classic like few others, big but not overwhelming and also affordable without having to spend big bucks. Surely the convenience is given by the fact that RR built it in the highest number of units – the project, carried out for many years, it was started from the need to renew the outdated Silver Cloud and for creating a more modern car. The great changes in the traditions of the brand were also a possible risk and the Silver Shadow in fact abandoned the separate frame, presenting only two small frames for the independent suspension, front axle with triangular arms and coil springs, while the lower arms were connected by a stabilizer bar, and the silent block back deck and hubs were applied to the axle shafts and the helical springs. In the suspension compartment we find the self leveling system on all four wheels (since 1969, however, it was eliminated at front, as it was unnecessary, bringing this change to all those previously sold) and the system allowed the car to be able to also travel with a full luggage load without undergoing unstable behaviours for those at the wheel; finally, also the excellent steering ensured a fast and smooth ride.

Even the contemporary press praised the road manners of the new Rolls Royce, equipped with four disc brakes, despite initially was fitted with cross-ply tires instead of radial ones. The weight was considerable and would stop the scales at around 2.100Kg, but its acceleration was almost like that of a sports car. The braking was assisted by a hydraulic system with triple circuit, of which one was dealing with a 47% of the braking power splitting it to the two axles, the second with 31% on the front wheels and the third 22% only displaced to the rear axle – finally, a controller connected to the hydraulic pressure of the rear wheels avoided the wheels from locking. The Shadow model was introduced in sedan, coupe and convertible variants, the last one produced in the subsidiary workshop of Mulliner Park Ward. Essential goal was to maintain the same habitability of the preceding Cloud and even if the exterior dimensions of the Shadow were more contained, the result was satisfactory, also favored by the squarer shaped cockpit. The lower width limited a little space for the fifth passenger, but the need to place the classic partition led, in 1969, to the realization of a long wheelbase model, only 10cm more that seemed fundamental. The turning point dictated by the passage to the construction with bearing body, in addition to carrying large production changes with relative restructuring in the factory was also the cause of the sudden drop of requests for realization of custom-built models, with the consequent end for the last remaining craftsmen. As one of the last representative of the category we can name some Shadows designed by James Young, who began his career in 1863.

The Shadow was a car that owners loved to drive, the driver, in many cases, was no longer required. The sedan for export was equipped with a new Hydra-Matic automatic transmission courtesy of General Motors, as well as all possible comforts. Since 1968 the new gearbox was fitted to all RR and the engine capacity increased from 6,230 to 6,750cc, with the disappearance of the generator that was replaced by a new alternator. In 1977, at the Geneva Motor Show, was the turn of the Shadow II, which did not demonstrated substantial differences at first sight, improving the steering and the subsequent grip on rough terrains, before criticized by many; it presented the automatic speed control system, the carburetor adjusted by electronic control, both aspects that would bring benefit to fuel efficiency. Outside we find bumpers without bolts and protected by a thick rubber strip with corner protectors profiles, below the front bumper you notice a small spoiler that helped to improve air flow allowing the Shadow II to reach 193 Kph. The new front also made necessary a new radiator, the air inlets under the headlights were eliminated, now also equipped with headlights washers – also new door handles. Obviously, since the acquisition of Bentley, alongside the Shadow we have the Bentley branded version with the variants of the front grille, logos and mascots. Inside, the Shadow II offered a completely redesigned dashboard, with even more space to fine wood on the dashboard and on door panels, mounted a more modern two-spoke steering wheel, front headrests and wider rear ones. For the US market, energy absorbing bumpers were needed such as a different compression ratio in order to remain within the limits imposed by the control of emissions. From the Shadow we can safely state that the Corniche is the consequent model, which from 1971 becomes an autonomous model, following in the various series aesthetic and mechanical changes of the sedan.

The Shadow II, certainly convenient, welcomes you in an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel out of time. The skin scent envelops you, the wood all around satisfies sight and touch, everyone easily finds the perfect driving position at the thin steering wheel. After turning on the engine, silent and without any crunch, you move and it seems to travel a few centimeters from the ground, but if you think it’s a quiet sedan, you realize that if you accelerate, it goes away with an unexpected decision. Road trips are relaxed, be careful only not to make sudden movements with the steering wheel as the excessive power steering can make it very light and sensitive beyond all expectations. Also handy as a toy in traffic, you have to accept the fact of being target for teasing or unpredictable maneuvers by some less gentleman motorist. The eye can not dwell on that statue that towers on top of the bonnet and thinking about the true story of the brand, everything takes a richer flavor of history and nobility. While cruising you have to keep in mind its weight and soft suspension, but it can’t be considered a flaw – if you drive it like a Lotus, it makes you realize that it is not one, and if you do, then you can’t blame the car because maybe you’ve chosen the wrong one. A Rolls Royce has to be driven with gentleness and respect. Something that makes me a bit angry is that these cars are priced too low for what they really are, what they offer and what they represent. Do I recommend it? Yes, no doubt. Be sure to pay attention only on excellent condition models, from mechanics, to the interior and to the whole bodywork. Then you can have a pretty endless colors choice, different interior/exterior combinations and even fantastic double tone models. Some with vinyl roof, that have to be checked carefully to ensure that does not conceal rust. Yes, because even the noblest do that, but with style and little by little.