1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

Silver Shadow Sedan

6.75L V8

Automatic

SRB17211

Clear

Gasoline

I offer for your consideration today, my 1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow saloon. Finished in green over gold, a very period correct combination, with tan Connolly hides and brilliantly appointed dark burled high gloss wood on the interior. Sitting down into this vehicle brings you into an air of luxury and opulence. This RR is incredibly nice throughout its interior and exterior. This particular Shadow’s history shows it to have spent a majority of its life in southern Arkansas, and therefore has no rust on the body or under bracing beneath the chassis. Some surface rust does exist on the exhaust system. It was originally purchased at Albers Rolls Royce and remained in the area until 1976, where it then went toArkansas. This vehicle was owned by a gentleman who inherited it from his father when he passed several years ago, approximately around 1997. At this time, the vehicle began long periods of hibernation inside indoor storage. This Shadow has sat for close to a decade currently. Two years ago, the gentleman who inherited the Shadow, brought it to a Rolls Royce specialist to bring it back to driver status. After a few months, this gentleman too passed away and the car went up for auction in his estate, where I purchased it. I purchased this wonderful Shadow to complete the repairs and be its caretaker. I have a clear title in hand and can be easily transferred to its new owner. This Shadow needs to be brought back to running and driving status. Currently, the carburetors have been removed, as well as the ‘A’ Bank rocker cover from the engine. I inspected the brake reservoir and found very little sediment in the fluid, a great sign. That fluid, while dirty, hasn’t turned into any type of insoluble sludge. All parts that were removed have been checked and are present to return this car to its previous glory. I, with recent changes in my life no longer have the time to dedicate to this project, and will relinquish it to another capable caretaker. As for its condition, the following is what I know: EXTERIOR: All trim and pieces are present; no parts have been removed from the exterior of this vehicle. The paint, while driver quality does show quite well. If I had to approximate its age, I would say the paint appears to be 15 years old. The green portion does have some ‘checking’ on the hood, roof and boot that are noticeable from approximately 2-3 feet away. Other small blemishes do exist, and are less than would be typically expected of a vehicle this age with 96,000 miles on it. The chrome trim, bumpers and bright work around the exterior all show very well. All the panel gaps are straight and all doors, hood and boot open and close with minimal effort as one would expect from a Rolls Royce. INTERIOR: The interior, while driver quality, is finished in tan hides, and has a fantastic mellow patina to it that feels very comfortable when stepping inside. The scent of leather resounds in the cabin and the extremely high quality of the materials surrounding you as you sit in the driver seat instantly remind you that you are not sitting in just any car. The wool cloth headliner is in excellent shape, as well is the interior wood. The detailed patterns on the door capping are a sight to behold in itself. The original carpets show very well without stains, odors or abnormal wear. The original footrests are present for the rear passengers. ENGINE: The 6 and ¾ litre aluminum V8 Rolls Royce engine is a powerful, yet relatively simple engine. Its smooth torque output is amazing when tuned properly. The engine compartment does currently have the carburetors and ‘A’ bank rocker cover removed. While this was removed, I did take the liberty of inspecting the oil galley areas of the engine and found no sludge present. While speaking with the shop that was working on this vehicle, when it was brought to them, the engine did run, but had fuel overflow issues with the carburetors, thus necessitating their removal for service. The engine does turn over properly with the starter, and when performing a cold compression test, all cylinders were within 5% of each other. This is a fantastic sign for an engine with 96,000 miles. Do take away from this though; the fuel system does need reassembly for this vehicle to run. TRANSMISSION: The transmission in this vehicle appears to be in good order, but that is only a visual assessment, as I have never driven it during my ownership. I did remove the transmission pan for inspection, and to see if any internal transmission material was present in the bottom of the pan. No abnormal material was found, and a fresh filter and pan gasket were installed into the transmission. The electric shift actuator works properly in sync with the gear shift lever on the steering column as well. The driveshaft U joints have no play in them. SUSPENSION: The suspension on this vehicle appears in good order. While aged, the rubber bushings are not torn or broken. All ball joints, steering linkages and pieces appear in good order with no play in the various joints. The bonded coupler for the steering column shaft has been replaced as well as the lower “Detroit” joint in the steering column was serviced at the same time. The vehicle sits level and all components appear ready for use. I am sure due to the amount of time in hibernation, that the shocks will need replacement. While they appear ok visually, a set of replacement tires should also be considered as the current ones would be considered past their useful life in years. BRAKES: While I do not have exact history on them, the brakes appear as if they were serviced before the vehicle was parked. The front, as well as the rear, pads and discs show almost no wear. The flexible hoses appear to have been replaced as well. I found the original flexible lines inside a plastic bag in the boot, so this further verifies work performed on the braking system. The master cylinder in the rat trap does appear to function, and from rolling speeds, will stop the vehicle. The emergency brake does hold this almost 5000lb car while on a hill and put into neutral as well. During the process of bringing this Rolls Royce back to life, I know for sure the brake system will need a proper flushing and refilling with RR363. ELECTRICAL: The battery on this vehicle is approximately 1 year old, and holds a charge even when left hooked up for several months indicating no electrical draws. All exterior lamps work properly, as well as the wipers, gear shift actuator, electric antenna, radio, gauges and interior lamps. All door locks work properly. The driver’s door lock knob does not move up and down with the lock solenoid. The interior blower motor for the climate control system works properly on all speeds. The a/c system appears to all be intact. OVERALL: Once this Shadow is reassembled by its new caretaker, it will be a wonderful driver quality vehicle. It has excellent character and so far all that have seen it, fall in love with it instantly. This Shadow is in need of someone with more available time than me. Mechanical knowledge of Rolls Royce would help, but wouldn’t be 100% needed if you have the ability to take it to a local Rolls Royce specialist for reassembly and to put it back to its former glory. While extremely reluctant to see it go, I wish for this Shadow to find a new owner and give them many years of joy. I also have the original build sheets from the Rolls Royce Factory for this particular car, and they will be included. I have purchased some parts along the way, and all will be included with the vehicle. If you have any additional questions, or would like additional photographs of any particular area, please feel free to let me know.