1978 ROLLS-ROYCE Silver Shadow II

The car comes with plenty of history and has been brought to us by a vendor who is helping a friend dispose of cars within the collection of a deceased estate.

We know from the history files, which contain a full set of construction and test records from the car’s production, that it started off in life with a ‘Regency Bronze’ exterior and ‘Magnolia’ piped ‘Dark Brown’ upholstery.

It was resprayed in this dazzlingly bling shade of gold in 1990, at which point the mileage was recorded as being 91,000.

Today the odometer reads 97,099 miles.

On the occasion of its 2006 MoT it had covered 96,022 miles.

We have driven the car and can confirm that it works well and wafts along with all the smooth aristocratic poise you would wish for.

Given the car’s lack of activity over recent years, it’s perhaps not entirely surprising that it feels as if it needs a service and some light recommissioning.

We noticed a ticking sound from the engine and a faint rumble from the region of the rear axle.

But it pulled well, picked up speed impressively, went round corners as and when requested, and felt competent and sorted throughout the time we were driving it.

We’re guessing from the roll of white satin ribbon in the glove compartment that it has previously been employed as a wedding car.

With one or two largely cosmetic asides, this seems to us to be a pretty solid example of the model.

Please note that the private registration in the photographs is being retained by the vendor; on sale the car will revert to its age-related plate that is shown on the V5 document in the gallery.

The bodywork is pretty much straight and untroubled by any dinks, dents or creases of significance.

The panels, panel gaps and shut-lines are consistent and even throughout.

The wheels are in very good condition, as is the chrome work, badging, trim and other exterior fixtures and fittings.

The gold paintwork, too, is broadly excellent in most places.

But it’s not perfect and there are one or two relatively minor issues to consider.

There’s some bubbling around the o/s/f wheel arch and beneath the swage line on the front wing on the same side.

There are some scuffs on the n/s/r wing and a little bubbling and flaking on the n/s/r wheel arch.

We also noticed some cracks to the paint around the base of the rear screen.

The condition of the interior seems to be entirely commensurate with its exterior counterpart – pretty good with just one or two minor things to consider.

The cream-coloured upholstery at the front is free of any rips or tears that we can see, but there is some creasing in evidence and the whole interior looks as if it could do with a decent clean.

As is usually the case, the upholstery in the rear looks to have hosted far fewer posteriors and, in this case, hasn’t earned even a noticeable patina of age or use.

The headlining is decent, as are the door cards, aside from some signs of wear on the front door armrests.

The dark brown carpets (piped in Magnolia) are in good condition.

The rear foot rests are still in situ and looking fine.

The wood veneers on the dashboard, rear picnic tables and rear door cappings are all good. Those on the front door cappings have some cracked and/or missing lacquer in places.

As far as we’re aware, all knobs, levers, buttons, toggles and switches on the dashboard are still doing what they’re supposed to do.

Everything in the engine bay appears to be clean, dry, right and proper.

The undersides of the car look to have a decent amount of structural integrity.

Clearly, you’ll want to see for yourself and reach your own conclusion.

The car’s life and work are very well documented and all the paperwork has been meticulously curated.

This Silver Shadow II comes with a variety of bills, invoices, photographs and receipts attesting to its many episodes of use, maintenance, servicing and repair.

There are plenty of old tax discs (laminated) and MoT certificates (also laminated), plus all the factory specification and build sheets dating from the time of the car’s creation.

We think this car has sufficient underlying quality to reward its next owner with many years of faithful and very classy service - once it’s been given a fresh dose of fluids, a good health check and the chance to open up its valves on the open road.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £10,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.