Silver Shadow II

(1977-1980)


1979 Silver Shadow II previously owned by me.


Total Made: 8,425 Silver Shadow II's. 2,145 Silver Wraith II's. 558 Bentley T II's. 2 Bentley T II's Long wheelbase

Engine : 8 cylinder, 90 degree V configuration

Transmission : Rear wheel drive, 3 speed automatic gearbox

Chassis : 5 seater, 4 door saloon, steel monocoque, separate sub frames front and rear

Dimensions : Wheelbase 120 inches

Performance : Max speed 120 mph (193 km/h)


1981 Silver Shadow II also previously owned by me


In February 1977 the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II was introduced. Outwardly the models were identifiable by bumpers with rubber inserts and edges made from polyurethane. This was not new, however, to owners in the USA. There, all Silver Shadows since Autumn 1973 had been delivered with these special bumpers and a changed radiator.

The modifiction to the radiator, which allowed the bumper to slip under it, was dictated by US regulation that required a bumper to be fitted that would absorb an impact of 5 mph without causing permanent damage to the vehicle.

Those cars not destined for the USA received a front air dam. This hinted at the extensive wind tunnel testing to which the car had been subjected, where the installation of this item had convinced designers of the need to provide better stability at high speed.

The driver found several particular changes that made it more comfortable to drive in traffic. The recirculating ball steering of the earlier models had been replaced by a rack and pinion arrangement. the new unit felt crisper and reacted more quickly. The latter resulted from the newly tuned front suspension which led especially to a more precise wheel attitude.

Combined with the gear selector was a switch for speed control, which enabled a chosen speed to be maintained without operating the accelerator pedal. The dashboard had a new layout. In a similar manner to that of the Bentley of the period, guages for oil pressure, cooling system temperature, fuel and generator were combined in one circular instrument, rather than being scattered in the form of single units over the facia.


1981 Silver Shadow II also previously owned by me