1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Long Wheelbase Saloon
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
When launched in 1965, the Silver Shadow represented a radical departure from what a traditional Rolls-Royce was thought to be. Styled by John Polwhele Blatchley, the new Rolls-Royce's slab-sided design allowed the car to be 3.5 inches narrower and 7 inches shorter while increasing interior space when compared to its immediate predecessor, the Silver Cloud. The Silver Shadow also presented a large technical advancement at Rolls-Royce with the introduction of disc brakes, independent rear suspension, and its first design to utilize unitary construction instead of the traditional body-on-frame design. Often described as the “Definition of luxury,” vintage Rolls-Royces have a charm all their own as is clearly evident with this example.
Highlights
One of just 2,780 long wheelbase Silver Shadows produced from 1969 through 1977
Featuring a four inch longer wheelbase than a standard Silver Shadow
Displaying just over 33,000 miles at the time of listing which are thought to be original
Finished in Garnet with a Black Everflex roof
Interior upholster in Tan Connolly leather with solid wood trim with walnut veneer and Wilton wool carpets
Powered by a 6 ¾ liter V8 mated to a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 transmission
Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension
Features
Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament
15 inch wheels with full wheel covers
Air conditioning
Cruise control
Solid wood trim with walnut veneer
Column mounted gear selector
Power steering
Center armrests front and rear
Electric rear window demister
Power radio antenna
Electric clock
Power windows
Philips AM/FM and shortwave radio
Door mounted map pockets
Front seat back mounted map pockets
Rear footrests
Twin spoke steering wheel
Known Imperfections
Paint blemishes
Distressed trunk carpeting
Cracked dash wood trim
Paint overspray
Minor paint imperfections throughout the exterior
Included
Owner’s handbook
Tool set
Lamb's wool over mats
Rolls-Royce Foundation documentation
Ownership History
With documentation from the Rolls-Royce Foundation, this 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Long Wheelbase Saloon was ordered by Mr. and Mrs. Brody through Peter Satori Co. Limited of Pasadena, California, after delays caused them to cancel their Bentley “T” Long Wheelbase Saloon. With the invoice sent from Rolls-Royce on 18 March 1970 to confirm the order of the Silver Shadow, the car arrived and was then purchased by Olive Behrendt on 15 July 1970 for a grand total of $21,481 with a fire extinguisher, lamb's wool mats, and a carpeted trunk. Service records for warranty work completed show that Mrs. Behrendt retained the car through at least February 1973. Since then, the car has remained in the southern California area with it being donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum in March 2020.
