1969 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I

Registered on the 4th of November 1969, this stunning Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I has been meticulously maintained by just five previous owners over the past 55 years. 

The current owner has cherished it since acquiring it in 2000. The car, affectionately nicknamed 'Henry' in honour of the vendor's late uncle, who was the previous owner, underwent a significant refurbishment when the vendor assumed ownership in 2000. 

The refresh ensured that the vehicle retained its elegance and functionality and has been well-documented in the history file, which consists of several folders containing notes and invoices reflecting just how much care and pride have gone into preserving this classic Rolls-Royce.

Externally, the Silver Shadow presents extremely well with an air of elegance, finished in the Shell Grey over Tudor Grey colour scheme.

Starting at the front, the chrome work is all in excellent condition with no signs of tarnishing across the bumper or iconic Rolls-Royce grille and flying lady. The headlights are free from cracks in the lenses, and the reflectors appear to be in good condition. There are a couple of minor stone chips to the front end, as you would expect, however not a great amount when you consider the car was repainted 24 years ago.

From the side, you can see the subtle but elegant colour scheme with the slightly darker Tudor grey lower section, and there is also a thin red pinstripe which finishes it off just nicely. There don’t appear to be any dings or dents when looking down the flanks of the Rolls, and the door gaps appear to be equal on both sides. All of the windows are reported to work correctly with no noticeable scratches other than a few light age-related marks. The chrome trims are in good condition with a bright finish. The only thing we did notice is a small amount of perishing to the rear window seal, but this wouldn't be a difficult item to replace if you wished.

Around to the rear and just like the front, the chrome is in excellent condition, as is the boot handle and Rolls-Royce badge. The boot lid also aligns as it should, and a period-correct black and silver registration plate sits well against the Shell Grey paintwork.

The wheels are in good condition and finished with chrome hubcaps, highlighted with a Tudor Grey section and red pinstripe to match the sides. These are shot in a matching set of Avon Turbosteel tyres, which have plenty of tread remaining.

Opening the door of the Silver Shadow, you are faced with an abundance of red leather and burr walnut which is all thought to be original.

The red leather seats are in excellent condition for their age, showing just the slightest amount of patina, mainly noticeable on the driver’s seat, as you would expect. The rear seat is in excellent condition and doesn't appear to have been used an enormous amount over the years. All of the door cards are in good condition with no signs of damage, and the walnut door cappings are in very good condition with a high-shine finish.

Behind the original steering wheel, which is in very good condition, you are faced with the lovely burr walnut fascia that is free from damage and, like the door cappings, has a high-shine finish. The Smiths instruments are reported to be working as they should, present well, and the odometer has a reading of 27,486 miles. All of the switchgear is superb with no signs of age to the lettering, which is below and around the switches. The only small indication of use is around the ignition switch.

As you look up, the headlining is excellent, with no signs of sagging or discolouration; the same can be said for the plush red leather-bound carpets, which show minimal signs of age. Also in place are the rear footrests for that perfect passenger seating position and a full set of lambswool mats.

Inside the boot, the original jack is in place, complete with its storage bag, and for added safety, a warning triangle and fire extinguisher are present. Topping off the boot area is a complete tool kit.

Sitting within the superbly presented and well-detailed engine bay is the famous L-series six-and-a-quarter-litre V8 engine. The engine has also been detailed nicely with polished SU carburettor dashpots and a satin silver inlet manifold. The engine fires up instantly with no problems or untoward noises reported.

The automatic gearbox has a smooth change moving up and down the gears, and there are no unwanted noises coming from the transmission.

On the road is where you can feel the quality of the Silver Shadow; the suspension soaks up the road with ease, giving an extremely comfortable ride. Stopping the car is easily done having recently had two new brake calipers and new brake flexible hoses fitted.

Looking at the underside of the car, this appears to be in good condition with minimal signs of surface corrosion that we could see. There have been some new ball joints fitted, and also, the Bilstein shock absorbers don’t look to have been on for a significant amount of time.

Henry has been known very well by three of the five keepers; before the vendor’s uncle owned the car, it belonged to his friend, who bequeathed him the Rolls-Royce; as we mentioned earlier, it then went to the vendor in 2000.

Since the restoration was carried out by the vendor and a team of skilled classic car restorers, the car did suffer a small fire within the engine bay during the RREC AGM meeting as it was approaching corner 5 on a parade lap. Thankfully, the damage was repaired quickly and Henry has gone on to win various awards, one of which was the Concours First Place at the RREC Annual Rally. This shows the level of detail and huge amount of effort which has gone into maintaining the high standard of this 1969 Silver Shadow.

Alongside the excellent condition is a well-documented history file with photographs and invoices, together with a six-folder workshop manual set and the original owner's handbook.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was a fantastic luxury car built in relatively high numbers for a car coming from the Rolls-Royce factory in the late 1960s. High numbers do mean there are a number of examples to choose from. However, finding one in such nice condition isn’t always going to be an easy task.

This award-winning Silver Shadow is a well-known car within enthusiast circles; it has been meticulously maintained and wanted for nothing since its restoration was completed in 2000, and as you can see, the condition speaks for itself.

We estimate this beautiful 1969 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I will fetch in the region of £20,000 - £30,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.