agree, it's a crime how many great old cars have been rotting in sheds for years waiting for an even older geezer to "get around to" getting them back on the road.
We're trying our best! I've recently entered my 30s but even so I'm now committed to saving as many of the lovely old cars I grew up with as possible, especially the more forgotten, everyday and less "desirable" ones that are now sadly in very short supply.
When we got married we hired a Mercedes,it broke down just before it was supposed to pick up the bride! So they sent a Rolls instead it made our day even better.
Reminds me of when we went to Athens & the hotel didn't have our standard king sized bed with bathroom so they gave us the penthouse! It had a big terrace & we could watch the night time light show on the Acropolis. Wish all hotels had that policy!
In 1985 Rolls put a one-off full page ad in Architectural Digest Magazine. Just a photo of a red Corniche and a quote from Frank Lloyd Wright - "Give me the luxuries of life and I will gladly do without the necessities."
Hello, Steph. New to the channel, and I just wanted to share a quick story about a fine British chap I used to work with here in the United States that owned this very car. His name was Alan, and he even wore a Bowler Cap like the one Winston Churchill wore. When Alan moved to the states, He brought his father's Rolls Royce with him. One day, I came in to work and saw Alan's Rolls with the front bumper missing. I asked him and he told me he bumped into another car, and had the bumper shipped back to England to be properly fixed. It looked so strange without the bumper. Great review of this old Beauty. Instantly Recognizable profile and a truly one-of-a-kind Brand, both then and today.
My great uncle had one of these Rolls when I was a kid. The actual experience cannot be fully described. These cars are truly special. Thanks so much for sharing. I know this is one of your earlier videos, but I just stumbled across it and it brought back so many memories. Keep up the outstanding efforts to set the record straight on these and other magnificent British cars of the 70's and 80's.
Really enjoyed the video, by the way, you don;t need that background music while you are talking , please leave it out, it's a bit repetitive and annoying. Thank you.
I own a Shadow (II) and it is indeed a very lovely vehicle to both behold and drive. Beware though that the series I cars had quite bad steering qualities not being rack and pinion like the later ones. Still a wonderful motor! From Holland, Cheers, Joachim
I remember the first time I drove one, it was in the early 90's. I'm not sure of the cars date of manufacturer or it's model name, but it looked very similar to what you're driving here, only difference being the color & it was LHD as I am in the US. We had been making some repairs to it at the shop I worked at & I remember thinking that the car was built more like a truck than a car, IMO, everything under the car was heavy duty. I also remember thinking that everything about it was way different than the USA idea of the luxury automobile. I would like to see you one day maybe compare a 70s or 80s RR to a Bentley of the same era. Great video Steph
You got to the top now. I hired one for my carer and myself for three hours in Ayr. However, I got five hours drive around Ayrshire. It took my wheelchair alright in that cavernous boot. One of the best afternoons in my life! Youenjoyed it too!
I am lucky to own a 1990 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II . I purchased the car in the UK then drove over to Spain where I live . I have done this trip a number of times in other cars but the trip in the Rolls Royce was something special . No matter where I go in Spain people want to know all about the car and compliments come thick and fast . Always wanted one , now I have fulfilled my wish .
American luxury cars had all the things you commented about back in the 50's. But, with rare exception, they didn't have that lovely craftsmanship. And they certainly didn't have independent rear suspension. On an unrelated note, Cameron is adorable and should be featured in more videos. Oh, to be 20's again . . .
Knew this would be worth the wait. You just levelled up. What a car. Creme of the crop. Nice one Steph. Really good vid and review. Edit. Thanks to Cameron for letting do this review mans a star for this.
Great review of a gorgeous car. Cameron does it proud with the way he takes care of it. The leather, by the way, is Connelly hides. They are from Belgium, as barbed wire was banned there, resulting in fewer scars and blemishes in the hides. A side note about the automatic gearbox. For a number of years, GM supplied both the 4 speed Hydramatic and later 3 speed Turbohydramatic 400 transmissions. Later, Rolls-Royce began making the gearboxes under license. They were mystified at first, as the early units did not work well after they moved production in house. Turns out that the machinists at Rolls-Royce were too careful. They had to force themselves to do a more rough and ready job of machining, and let the various pieces wear into each other during break in. Once they did that, the gearboxes proved strong and durable, well able to handle the torque of that glorious 6¾ litre engine. Suspension is almost identical to the Citroën DS cars. Not sure about Shadows, but many standard model saloons had bodies built entirely at Pressed Steel, the same manufacturer as Rover used for body shells. The shells were then transported to Crew for finish and final assembly. As a final note, well done, Cameron. The wind split on the bonnet is right way round. Too many have the point at the front rather than the rear as yours is.
My uncle Joe bought a new Rolls Royce, silver shadow , sand over sable color, in 1970. I was 11. GORGEOUS CAR. IN 1974, He taught me how to drive in it. In July, 1975, the day after my 16 th birthday we went to the DMV, And I took my driving test in it. Passed. I loved that car, and taking long trips in it . Nothing drives, feels or smells like a ROLLS. He had it till 1977 when he traded it in for a Porshe Carrera. That was about as different a car as you could get! But boy was it awesome and fun . I'll always have very fond memories of that Silver Shadow. The following year he taught my sister in it too. I hope it still exists, and that someone loves it today. Thanks fo bringing back those memories.
I love my 1970 Shadow, the car rides and drives like no other. One effortlessly floats along the highway with all the power one requires and smooth braking from discs all round. Mine was one of the last made by the original Rolls-Royce company, with a Rolls-Royce engine. Nowadays it's a BMW one. Tax exempt and classic insurance less than £150 fully comp. The car is approximately 17ft long and six wide, but square ended, so easy to judge length. Don't buy cheap, it'll cost you a lot to put right! Mine is still excellent after nearly 40 years. As Sir Henry Royce said, 'The quality will remain long after the price is forgotten'. He was right...
Series 1 Shadow, the worse RR ever made. It did not handle well and it drank fuel. I owned a series 1 and 2 different series 2 that are so much better. I also owned a Spur and a Spirit. Its possible to get almost 20MPG from the later Rolls Royce 5.7 litre engine which was fitted for another 25 years after yours was built. Unfortunately now its just krout krap wearing a RR badge.
Rolls did not like taking chances with new innovations. They were the last car to go to disc brakes. But their drum brakes were so good that stopping was never a problem.
Steph - Can I tell you how much I absolutely adore you?! No worries, I'm gay and 62. LOL! Love, love, love your videos and so great to see a young woman who is so passionate about classic cars :-)
@idriveaclassic Steph, new subscriber here, and I'm really digging your channel! (wondering why the YT algorithm only recently recommended you?) You are delightful, and your enthusiasm makes me happy in these dark times. I'm off to watch Capri Mk II next! Wishing you much success with yor channel! Cheers
'At 70mph the loudest thing you can hear is the ticking of the dashboard clock.' Another RR advertising quote. OK, it would get them in trouble with the ASA today but what a wonderful way to get the message across that this car is QUIET. I have long wanted a Shadow and this video has only increased my yearning. They are just so affordable but I don't have a spare garage. I wonder how well it would stand up to being parked outside all year round. I'd hate to inflict that on such a gorgeous old lady. One day…
Great Rolls. I worked at a Cadillac dealer and we shared our shop with the Bentley dealership. Every now and then one of these would show up for matinance. Quite pricey to maintain. As big as they are a customer brought in a 76 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. These are gigantic! 233.7 inches long, 79.8 inches wide with a 133 inch wheelbase. Seeing one now makes all the Japanese and Korean things look like toys. Check one out on the internet. The ultimate is the Talisman. Love your channel.
I think what astonishes me the most about these cars is that these were hand built by a bunch of blokes in overalls with fingers like carrots and with rudimentary tools. There were no robots, very little machinery and the quality control was performed with the human eye. It’s amazing to think what can be achieved by people when someone invests in training them and allows them to develop experience over the years. There’s a very good reason why modern cars are soulless, it’s because with these old cars, the people who made them had a relationship with them and a wee bit of their soul is in every one of these machines. Thank you for uploading a brilliant vid of such a beautiful machine 😀
What an enjoyable review. Hat off for Camry (if that is his name) for owning a car like this at his age and dealing with it. It has a lot of spirit and soul. I started driving a 1973 Cadillac when I was 25 and used it as a daily driver for 9 years. It was with this experience I started driving a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II on a regular basis as chauffeur when I was in my early 30's. Was I impressed? Well - as long as the road is straight - it is fine, but once you start getting into curvs, it is an experience of it own in a Rolls Royce with Citroên suspension. It feels like cornering a dresser with heavy loaded top drawers. I much rather corner in a 1973 or my later 1978 Cadillac On long drives I do sit more comfortably and relaxed in the Cadillacs (or the Continental I have now) with even armrests for both arms and a steering wheel I can tilt. A Rolls Royce is predominantly a car to be enjoyed from the back seat. I have tried that in model that came after the Silver Shadow II with square headlights and enjoyed it. What surprised me in your enjoyable review is the fact that you are treated disrespectfully in traffic. I did not expect that in the birth place of this iconic car.
@@byteme9718 I looked this reference up, but it is not new to me. Have always know this: Hydropneumatic suspension is a type of motor vehicle suspension system, designed by Paul Magès, invented by Citroën, and fitted to Citroën cars, as well as being used under licence by other car manufacturers, notably Rolls-Royce (Silver Shadow),
@@@byteme9718 Does this explain why you never see a Silver Shadow drop flat to the floor, whilst parked like you occaisionally will see Mercedes 450 and 600 do?
Loved her fascination of the electric antenna. On my '86 Corvette, the antenna extends when the radio is turned on and retracts when the radio is turned off or when the key is turned off if the radio is on when you turn off the engine. BTW.....if you're in Kentucky for a visit, you're welcome to review it.
Now that you’ve driven the Roly-Poly, try a Series 3 Jaguar or Daimler V12. The silence is uncanny and the silky power delivery is phenomenal. Handling and suspension in the XJ cars is much different to the R-R...Would be really interesting to see you do that...unless you’ve done it already. Try for a late car. Enjoyed your review of this Shadow...
Around 1978 I bought a 1968 Shadow 1 for £9000 as a promise to my self at the time and got involved with wedding hire .I soon learned that my car had a 4 speed "Crew box"that made a MPG painful 8MPG.I later had a 1971 Bentley Sports in RR livery that had a GM 3 speed box and improved the MPG to a princely 12 MPG.Along with most cars at that time both cars suffered from constant rust .It should be noted that these cars were basically kit cars that used many parts from other makers including the Citroen suspension and braking systems.
Very nice Shadow 1 and yes they are a dream to drive, I run a 1980 Shadow 2 and now a days you get a lot of car for your money.I have always wondered why Rolls Royce never fitted a near side driving mirror. Love your channel and will keep watching.
Thanks for that bit of info I see were your coming from because I did have one eventually fitted to mine in the garage I use and with me sat in the drivers seat it took two of the lads to position it and to mark were it was going,it's an improvement but not perfect.
@@kevinkeeney6693 Pretty sure there's no way a Rolls Royce would have a triangle of doom ... I reckon HubNut would love it since he likes a car that wafts
Ian Seabrook (Hubnut) produced a great article on the Bentley T series (mk1 Chippendale dash) in a recent magazine article. I believe he was a car magazine editor before Hubnut days. He clearly is very familiar with these cars.
My wife hired me a Shadow 2 for my 40th birthday. It was a great experience. However, in the first ten minutes I had three ‘white van men’ types shout ‘f...... c....’, signal hand gestures and were generally very aggressive. I found nobody let me out of junctions. It quite put me off owning one. It also suffered brake failure.
If you’re ever in the U.S. you’re more than welcome to come and review my 1966 Cadillac Edlorado! It’s 19 feet long which is I think 5.8 meters. Lol that’s really long for a convertible but it really is fun to drive. (I’m in western North Carolina)
@@mscott3918 Well thats a 4 litre R-R in reality hahah, the body was designed by Pininfarina built by BMC the same company that produced the Shadow body in reality as they where built at pressed steel so it really is a mini Rolls-Royce hahah
Steph is a natural , I don't watch TV , but if she doesn't get signed up for a television programme , they're missing out. A good clear speaker , a lovely warm personality , an attractive lady , and a true car enthusiast .
What an amazing car Steph and so jealous about you driving it, those cars werent just big lumps of metal they could shift when you needed to. I love all classic brit motors but puts my ford sierra to shame lol
The Rolls is a great car but the Americans were way ahead with driver convenience. Ford introduced an electric metal folding roof back in 1957 on the Fairlane 500 Skyliner. Mercedes followed a bit later in 1996, LOL!
Steph, there is still a BL connection. As the Silver Shadow was the first Rolls-Royce (always hyphenated) car with unitary construction, the pressings were made by Press Steel, which was bought by Morris many years ago.
G'day. Lovely looking Rolls-Royce. That's what I consider the *"classic"* Rolls-Royce look. I've seen my share of these Rolls-Royces, but I've never ridden in one.
Not only was it the same steel but The Pressed Steel Company was owned by British Layland, it was acquired in 1965 by BMC who then merged with Layland Motors in 1968.
Quite a few Long term RR Owners were disparaging when this car was Launched..it was said to be' Modern and Vulgar' I call it very good and nicer to drive than most of it's Forerunners.
What a stunning car, I would be very privileged to drive something like this, its huge. How big is the boot Steph? I recently drove my friends mk5 cortina and that was brilliant fun.
What a gorgeous looking car, love the colour! Stunned when you mentioned the prices of them... In the meantime I'll cruise round in my Rover 75 and pretend! 🤣🤣🤣
You really suit a Roller of this era. Always makes me smile when you get excited about electric windows and seats as most of my classics have been 70's to 90's barges although my Land Rovers would make a Morris Minor look like a luxury car. Amazing job as always x
For most people nowadays yes these are massive cars. But this is the short wheelbase version of the Silver Shadow, and relatively speaking they were at best mid-sized compared to American "road barges" of the day. I will grant you though that is a very tall aerial. Good going to Cameron for taking on the care and custody of one of these old "survivors". Always wanted one (actually a Silver Wraith II) and while I can afford to buy one, unfortunately I can't afford to maintain one and to let it run down would be an absolute crime against engineering and art.
Hi Steph, another great review. I really enjoy your channel. Your reviews are so well done. You always research every car that you review in depth with lots of fascinating facts.. Such a diverse range of cars, every one of them interesting. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to see what car you review next.
"Gratuitous chrome everywhere!" LOL. I loved this review. Many of the things that you found most impressive were standard on high-range American cars at that time: V8 engine, power seats & windows, auto transmission, etc. In fact, RR did not develop their own auto tranny, they used the GM Turbo Hydramatic. But then, no Buick had matched real wood veneer. If you can, I would love to see you drive an Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. I know they are rare, but they were wonderful automobiles, and we never got them here.
Lovely, and I'm so glad that you were chauffeured home, with the dignity you deserved! Do we call you 'Your Ladyship' now? :-) Honestly, god video Steph! And lovely to see your beautiful smile as you enjoyed yourself! One thing I didn't hear you speak of, is the incredible strength of the bumpers! Years ago, I was working in a local garage when a farmer drove his Bentley (Same car essentially, but a Bentley badge, and woodland green paintwork) into our workshop. His offside front bumper end was ever so slightly out of line, so I asked what'd happened. He told me that he'd had a slight contretemps with a Renault 4. Then he exclaimed "Oh! Here it is now!" The Renault looked like it had been in a train crash! The Bentley'd ripped most of the side out, and pushed it into a tree! The Bentley owner sheepishly admitted full blame, and gave the Renault owner a lift to the nearest Renault garage, and bought him a brand new one! Lets face it, his Bentley was probably worth 30 Renault 4's! :-O
Wonderful presentation and charming video! I drive one of these daily, and you have got it right! One minor note- it's not the "parts" that cost terribly much but the labor and expertise involved that makes them expensive to run.
Very nice video it was setup quite well. I'm not sure in Europe but the reverse snobbery is rather odd here. People with no use for one, whether utility or off road will buy a pickup truck or sport utility. Spending for a full size up to 70k-100k (pickup-suv) if not more with rims making it virtually useless as one. Yet they will look down on luxury car owners as snobs. Even when their truck cost considerably more due to capabilities that will not be used. While the luxury car is always playing it's role and as shown here need not be brand new to do so.
Hey Steph, I have started my Rolls Royce search journey and stumbled across your channel. This review was one of the best I have seen! I also enjoyed your Silver Spirit review so much! Between yourself and Cameron, I am more convinced the Shadow is the model for me. I would love to ask Cameron some questions about his journey - perhaps you can pass on my comments to him and he could contact me... I'm in Australia :-)
Isn't that the radio is built into the center console? The upper void in the dashboard may have been a that Kenwood unit with a cassette tape player. Probably impossible to find a replacement for that today. Of course, it could have been a radar screen that M used to track 007.