1973 Rolls-Royce

Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

LRB15876

Gasoline

This is a 1973 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow long wheel base. I bought this car at the beginning of the summer for a restoration project. I have restored other Rolls Royce cars, and was intrigued with the simplicity of this particular year. Mostly no catalytic converter which resulted in rusted out floor boards and burned up carpets. Also no automatic climate control, which when they work, they're great,but when they don't they take on a mind of their own. Which will either freeze you out in the winter, or cook you out in the summer.Also, from 1977 on they had rack and pinion steering, which leaked or failed often,and is costly to repair. These are chronic problems in later years. The vehicle was advertised as a parts car, but I felt it looked worth saving. Unfortunately, I am in the middle of a Jaguar restoration and have not had time to deal with this automobile. Depending on your expertise this is restore-able or a very complete parts car. I am not trying to paint any pictures. As far as I can tell, I would say the motor is partially seized. It will turn over, but very slowly. I drained the oil which was heavily contaminated with water (light gray sludge) which probably means head gasket. Transmission has been forced to the point that the parking pall will not hold the car in place. Paint is a cheap repaint over original. Both are in very poor condition. Don't let the pictures fool you, there is no ever-flex roof, it is some kind of painted on texture. I have no idea on the condition of the brakes or accumulators. This would be for the new owner to figure out. Surprisingly, the windshield appears brand new. All other glass is good. Grill is Good. No dings or bent fins. The interior is actually tan with a medium brown piping that probably harmonized with the original color. The doors shut better than any other Rolls Royce I have ever had. This being a big plus as this is a major problem with Rolls Royce. Because Rolls Royce used stainless steel hinges, and claimed they never needed to be lubricated, it often resulted in bad wind noise, or poorly fitting doors later on.That cannot be fixed by adjusting the striker or receiver. Unfortunately , there are no brakes, and the park position will not hold the vehicle. It is totally fee wheeling. Which you would want to make sure your shipper understood. Also, I liked the all chrome bumpers. In 1973 the U.S. was pressuring Rolls Royce for 5 mile and hour bumpers, hence you have probably seen many Rolls Royce with the big bumpers with the black rubber inserts. This has the graceful chrome bumpers that somehow managed to slip through before the law was enforced. Or as Rolls Royce liked to put it "American Federal isms." These models carry more of the genes of the Silver Cloud, and are much more unique to work on. In 1977 the Silver Spur and Spirit were supposed to make their debut, but were far from ready to meet the public. Hence the Silver Shadow 2 and the Silver Wraith 2 got the new dash and steering and suspension modifications meant for the new upcoming models the Spur and Spirit. This car reflects the more true traditional Rolls Royce and I hate to see this car go to parts, but do whatever best meets your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. Mark at 801-671-3668.