Auction Pick of the Week: 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Long Wheelbase Saloon

Our auction pick of the week is this stately piece of British luxury, a 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Long Wheelbase Saloon. This model marked several major changes for Rolls-Royce, as it was the company’s first model to ditch a solid rear axle in favor of independent rear suspension while also becoming the first to evolve from body-on-frame to unit construction. The former provided an improved, compliant ride, while the latter allowed for the Silver Shadow to offer increased interior room than the longer, wider Silver Cloud it replaced. Of course, part of that efficiency can be chalked up to the Silver Shadow also ditching its predecessor’s prominent fenders and tumblehome to become more upright. The Silver Shadow also became the first Rolls-Royce to ditch drum brakes in favor of discs, helping the heavy coach with a major boost to stopping power.

The luxo-cruiser is powered by Rolls-Royce’s long-lived 6.75-liter V-8 which routes its power through a rugged and reliable column-shifted GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox isn’t the only bit of borrowed kit, as its cushy hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension was licensed from Citroën. Rolls-Royce wasn’t big on touting power levels at the time, although when pressed, the company listed the output of the twin one-barrel V-8 at 189 hp. That’s not a particularly impressive figure, although the big V-8 was tuned for quiet, low-speed torque and delivered in that regard.

To give its rear-seat occupants even more posh seating accommodations, this model is equipped with a stretched body that added four inches to the wheelbase compared to a standard Silver Shadow. Only 2,780 versions of the 123.5-inch-wheelbase Silver Shadow were built over the model’s nine-year run from 1969–1977, less than 20 percent of total production. Inside, the cushy seats are upholstered in tan Connolly leather, with wool Wilton carpets and contrasting solid wood trim covered in walnut veneer. Rear seat passengers can enjoy their extra legroom and ride in comfort with wool floormats and fold-down footrests, while the driver and front seat passengers are treated to comfortable seating of their own, with individual armrests.

This fine example of Rolls-Royce craftsmanship is being offered by the Petersen Automotive Museum, which received the car in 2020. It has just over 33,000 miles on the odometer. Included in the sale are the original owner’s manual and a tool kit that includes a pair of pliers, a spanner (wrench, for us Yanks), and some spare bulbs. Given its unique implementation of a Citroën suspension and rather uncommon engine, we imagine the car will require a specialist’s care and a more comprehensive toolset, to say the least. However, aside from a few paint blemishes, some worn trunk carpet, and a crack in the dash trim, the car appears to be in good shape given its age and should give its next owner plenty more miles of quiet, elegant motoring.

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