Silver Shadow
(1965-1977)
No Made : 16,717
Engine : 8 cylinder 90 degree V configuration
Transmission : Rear wheel drive, 4 speed automatic gearbox with torque converter
Chassis : 5 seater 4 door saloon, steel monocoque, separate sub frames front and rear
Dimensions : Wheelbase 119.5 inches
Performance : Max speed 118 mph (190 km/h)
When the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was released to the public in October 1965 the development department were showing the result of work carried out over a period of some ten years.
The new series was characterised by surprisingly modern features and with their development Rolls-Royce broke new ground and broke away from many sacred design principles.
The new models were technically striking in three ways : a monocoque chassis was used; all wheels were sprung independently and four wheel disc brakes now ensured stopping power of the sort that had come to be expected in a modern car.
Under the bonnet the V8 engine that had been introduced in the Silver Cloud series was employed. The old four speed automatic gearbox which had been in service since the early fifties continued to be fitted, although selecting the gears had been made easier because actuating rods attached to the fear lever had given way to an electrically powered control unit.
The Rolls-Royce development department came in for a good deal of praise for their outstanding work in the new models. Further development went on and in July 1968 the Hydramatic gearbox was replaced with a modern three speed torque gear box. Scarcely noticeable alterations to the tyre specifications were carried out. Originally tubeless crossply tyres had been fitted but a change to radial tyres was carried out in 1972.
The Silver Shadow was destined to become (along with the Bentley T models) the most successful in the history of Rolls-Royce. The company's records show 20,605 Silver Shadows to have been delivered from 1965 to 1977.
The extemely rigid monocoque body was of advanced design for the day. Front and rear sub-frames, which are attached to the body by resilient metal mounts, carry the engine, gearbox and suspension units and a separate flexibly mounted cross-member carries the final drive unit. Independent suspension is provided on all four wheels by coil springs. Automatic height control is fitted, which ensures constant riding height whatever the load.
The highly successful, 6230cc,
eight cylinder aluminium engine which powered
the Silver Shadow and T-Series Bentley when it was first introduced
was fitted with redesigned cylinder heads to give even greater efficiency.
The improved fully automatic transmission, with electrically operated gear
selection gave smooth gear changes throughout the four forward gears and
reverse.
From the Sales Brochure
Colours
The colours listed are the standard paints available, The car could be finished in a single colour or a two tone scheme, selected from the standard range. Coachwork by H J Mulliner, Park Ward, or James Young, could be finished in any colour to the customers choice.
Black, Shell Grey, Tudor Grey, Black Pearl, Astral Blue, Sand, Sable, Sage Green, Smoke green, Garnet, Dawn Blue, Regal Red, Velvet Green, Caribbean Blue.
Upholstery
Seats and doors are upholstered in specially selected top grade English Hide
Colours Available
Beige, Grey, Red, Scarlet, Tan, Green, Blue, Black
Carpets
Deep pile carpets moulded to fit the floor and bound with matching Hide were available in the following colours to harmonize with the upholstery.
Colours available
Beige, Blue, Grey, Green, Fawn, Maroon, Red.
Headlining
A durable, washable material is used to trim the headlining.
Colours available
Grey, Light Fawn, Pale Green, Mushroom