1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

We’re told this Shadow was restored in Portugal during the 1990s, and it looks to have been kept in fine shape since this time. However it was once owned by Wing Commander Kenneth Wallis MBE, and for this please read on to the History section of this listing for details...

We know colour is a subjective matter but Larch Green is a particularly fetching shade, and suits a 1970s Shadow extremely well in our view. It looks to have been well applied too, and maintains a decent sheen.

It’s not perfect – there are blemishes at the lower corner of the rear screen on the driver’s side, on the offside rear wing and wheelarch, and at the joint between the roof pillar and wing on the same side. Other smaller paint defects are shown in the pictures – please study them carefully.

The paint on the nearside front wing is lifting in the joint between the upper and lower sections, and the rear wheel arch on the same side shows some slight bubbling.

In addition there is a small area of corrosion at the very rear end of the driver’s side sill panel.  

All the bright work appears to be in great shape, no doubt helped by the car’s spell in Portugal, and the shut lines and panel gaps all look good.

A towbar? On a Rolls-Royce? Good grief Sir – have you lost your mind? Not in the least, and said accessory is connected to James Bond, no less... 
 

Oh for the days of a Rolls-Royce without bling. If you’ve seen a modern one you’ll know they’re long gone, but in here it’s serene, quiet and classy. No untoward flashness, just sumptuous luxury. The two-spoke steering wheel is beautiful in its simplicity, with the merest of shiny embellishments.

The right hand stalk is an electrical switch that controls the GM TH400 automatic gearbox, an indicator window mounted on top of the steering column showing in which direction you’ve chosen to proceed.

The interior looks original and as such shows its age, although that’s not meant to be a negative comment, as a nicely patinated Silver Shadow cabin is a lovely place to pass the time, whether you’re towing anything or not.

The driver’s seat has signs of use, but such is the quality of leather used in these cars that it almost enhances the charm. Everything else is in good order, although we don’t know whether all the electrical items work, so would recommend any potential buyers to come and see the car for themselves.

There are some rather unsightly aftermarket speakers set into all four doors. Something a little more discrete would suit the cabin rather better. These are partnered with a non-period stereo system set into the dash.

Some of the carpets are a little worn here and there, but all the woodwork looks to be in excellent shape.
 

The Rolls-Royce V8 is a remarkable powerplant in many ways. It sits below a pair of SU carburettors, and an electro-mechanical automatic choke is on hand for cold starting duties.

The car’s age is apparent under the bonnet, but not in any unpleasant way. There’s some corrosion on metal parts – in particular the top of the reservoir that contains the mineral oil used for the rear suspension and the brakes.

Internet warriors have in the past claimed the all alloy Rolls V8 is in fact a rebadged Cadillac engine, but this is nonsense – it was designed by Rolls-Royce in England and continued in service right up to the Bentley Mulsanne Turbo, where, with the addition of a large turbocharger, it made more than 400 horsepower. It was in production from 1959 to 2020 – a staggering 61 years.

Here, in very unstressed naturally aspirated form, it starts easily and settles to an almost silent idle. We didn’t notice any untoward smoke from the exhaust. 

We do believe a new battery is required. The car has been on a trickle charger whilst in our care but the battery is reluctant to hold any charge. 
 

This Silver Shadow comes with a huge history folder, starting with the original bill of sale from February 10th 1972. The original dealer was C A Britten Ltd of Liverpool. In addition to this the original build sheets are included.

There is a large selection of historic road tax discs with the car, old MoT certificates and a vast stack of old invoices going right back to the early 1980s.

However... the car was owned at this point by Wing Commander Kenneth Wallis MBE, a decorated war hero who flew 28 bomber operations over Nazi Germany during WW2.

Apart from being an aviator Wallis was an inventor, and developed autogyros after the war. So successful was he that he worked as Sean Connery’s stunt pilot in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, and his autogyro, Little Nessie, features in the film.

The Silver Shadow’s tow bar was fitted by Wallace so that he could transport Little Nessie around Europe with him, and the history file includes correspondence between him and Rolls-Royce regarding the car. There is also correspondence between Wallis and the car’s last owner, who has sadly passed away. It is being sold by his children.

Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists Balmoral have maintained the car in recent years and there are many invoices from them in the file, adding up to many 10s of thousands of pounds. Work includes a major engine overhaul and rebuilding the rear self-levelling suspension.

In addition there are photographs of the car’s restoration during the 1990s. The documents section of this listing also includes a history of the car written by the last custodian.
 

This car provides what looks to be a solid basis for improvement – and it’s certainly worth improving thanks to the fabulous history file and its links to James Bond films. Definitely one worth viewing.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.