For many, the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was the epitome of the company. It was large, opulent, exclusive and entirely old school, and it was the preferred ride for many members of the old money club. But by the early 1960s, competition was outpacing Rolls-Royce’s stoic nature and costing sales. Simply put, old money was gravitating to new ideas and something had to be done. The Silver Shadow was introduced for 1965 and absolutely shocked the world, especially traditionalist Rolls-Royce customers. The new Shadow was beyond just new, it was earth shattering. It featured unibody construction, an independent rear suspension, disc brakes and a very unique twin-circuit braking and hydraulic leveling suspension system used under license from Citroen. It was smaller all around by outward dimensions, but it offered more interior and trunk space than the outgoing Cloud, thanks to the unibody construction. Nicely, too, Rolls-Royce was aggressive about improving the new car as time went on. The leveling suspension was revised and improved, and the engine increased from 6.2L to 6.75L; a two-door coupe and convertible became available, and a short time after that, a more opulent long-wheelbase version was offered. Hugely popular, by the time Silver Shadow production ceased in 1980, over 30,000 had been sold. By comparison, Silver Cloud production from 1955 to 1966 totaled roughly 7,000. To date, the Silver Shadow remains the sales record holder of the Rolls-Royce family. This 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is finished in blue with full-size wheel covers surrounded by white-stripe tires. The infamous vertical grille is topped by the equally famous Flying Lady mascot, with both flanked by dual headlights. The interior is shod in tan leather, with carpeting and piping that matches the body color. Polished wood stretches across the dashboard, along the door tops and the center console, with Smiths instruments and an Alpine stereo nestled within; the entire scene creates an unmistakably luxurious environment that’s the envy of most other cars. With this Silver Shadow powered by the 6.75L V-8 engine and an automatic transmission, drivers will adore the speed control on longer journeys, as well as the power steering and power brakes that make the 4,700-pound car more manageable. Of course, everyone will appreciate the air conditioning, centrally located dash clock, power windows and other amenities. To be sold with the books and tools, this Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is one of those modern classics that’s instantly recognizable, well respected and an easy classic to cruise in.
