CALIFORNIACLASSIX Exceptional 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow I {63 Photos}

Strawberry Fields Forever: 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow I

On more than one occasion, ngland's Rolls Royce has been named "The best car in the World," saluting the utmost effort and meticulous attention to detail applied in manufacturing each and every one of these majestic motorcars of timeless beauty.

For 15 years, rom 1965 to 1980, he factory's mainstay was the famed Silver Shadow model. All Shadows were beautifully built, rom highest quality materials, ffering the prospect of a very long service life.

Change for the sake of change was avoided in Crewe, nd today especially the Series I cars, uilt until 1976, re highly coveted by aficionados of the marque for their purity of design and lack of complicated electronics. An added bonus in California is that cars built before 1976 are exempt from the dreaded biennial smog inspections.

The fabulous 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow I prominently presented here, IN *SRC 18456*, s such a rare gem. Built during April of 1974, t was sold new on October 23, 974 by BMC Distributors of San Francisco to a retired M.D. from Hillsborough, alif. After the first owner's passing, he car was cherished for many years by a real estate tycoon from Shell Beach, alif., ntil we purchased it earlier this year from British Sports Cars in San Luis Obispo who performed the regular maintenance on the car.

This Rolls Royce is a 100% numbers matching motorcar.

The Shadow comes with its complete array of books, till inside the brick red vinyl pouch.
Included are the original warranty card, wner's instruction handbook, ully stamped service book, ealer directory, adio supplement, missions booklet, nd even the original, redit card-sized owner ID plate. A small stack of old registrations is also present.

Having lived a sheltered life in a climate controlled environment, his Rolls Royce has never suffered from any kind of corrosion, or has it ever been damaged in any way. It's virginal, traight as an arrow, ith perfect gaps and shut lines throughout, uilt to a standard that has never been matched.

The Cardinal Red Metallic finish is superbly preserved. There are no dings, ents, cratches or any other blems that would cause a Rolls Royce enthusiast sleepless nights.

Motorvation comes from Rolls Royce's mighty 6¾-liter V-8 engine, uilt to aircraft standards, irtually unbreakable unless horribly abused.
This particular specimen of British engineering tradition fully delivers on its promise, unning as smooth as a Swiss watch, ith no untoward noises, npleasant smoking or worrisome oil leaks. The hydraulic suspension and brake system was serviced by us, ines replaced as necessary, nd is thusly in 100% perfect working condition.

Only the finest materials have been used to create this bespoke interior, orthy of a King and nothing short of breathtaking. Time has just added character to it and even forty-one years have not in the least diminished its impact on the first-time passenger. The experience commences with a dose of the unmistakable CONNOLLY aroma, ontinues with the tactile pleasures only the finest bovine hides can afford, nd ends with the visual confirmation that virtually all interior surfaces are covered with the coveted material, eaturing a most pleasing beige color.

Oatmeal-colored headliner is made from Wilton wool and is free from rips or tears. All of the dome lights and vanity lamps work as they should.

Featuring a real dashboard made from real wood and covered with fabulous walnut burlwood trim and a matching wood steering wheel, he pilot's view is absolutely breathtaking. This Rolls has never been smoked in; ash receivers and lighters are unused!

All lights, witches, nd gauges work, ven the cruise control, ap light, nd VDO clock. Factory-installed BLAUPUNKT Frankfurt AM/FM stereo radio with automatic power antenna and separate RADIOMOBILE 8-Track unit deliver excellent aural pleasures.

Above photos show the interior in more detail. Enjoy!

Only THE BEST would do for a mid-century Rolls Royce; subsequently, he multi-adjustable front seats, oving on electrically powered tracks are lavishly covered in the finest Connolly beige leather hides.

The rear passenger compartment is a very nice place to be, ndeed! Spacious, et cozy and somehow removed from the world's hubris, he rear cabin features wood-framed vanity mirrors and reading lamps, s well as the traditional foot rests.

Ready for a test drive?
So are we, owever, e'd like to take a good look at trunk and undercarriage first.

Cavernous trunk is fully carpeted with leather-bound WILTON. Battery and small tools (including spare light bulbs) hide in special compartment on the left, eavy tools are concealed to the right.

Clean undercarriage has that typical, ery busy Rolls Royce appearance. Having always been cared for properly, egardless of cost, nd garaged most likely every night of its life, he car has never suffered from abuse, nd it definitely shows!

Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view
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Photos above show the Rolls' superbly preserved undercarriage in more detail.

October 1, 015, urned out to be another fabulous autumn day here in our small California mission town. Temperatures in the mid-70s and blue skies with not a cloud in sight provided us with the opportunity to experience traveling like the British Royal family.

Magnificent would be the most fitting word to describe this car's performance. The powerful engine -- inaudible at idle -- whispers, he GM-sourced TH 400 automatic transmission shifts almost imperceptibly, he compliant suspension fully lives up to its reputation, he ventilated, ower-assisted disc brakes respond to the softest touch and anchor the heavy vehicle with authority.

On the road, ne is always pleasantly aware of Emily, he Flying Lady mascot, masterpiece of fine English silversmithing. It feels wonderful to drive this Rolls!

The old adage "they don't make 'em like this anymore" does apply here. While production methods may have improved in regard to precision and output, ot even a brand new Rolls Royce or Bentley can deliver the allure and ambiance of its entirely hand-built predecessor!

"Buy the best example you can afford" has been and still is very sound advice, nd this fully sorted, ow mileage classic certainly is a worthy candidate for those lusting for a vintage Rolls Royce. In fact, e have never owned one that's in better condition: original, nmolested, lways loved like a favorite child, erviced by the book. Plus, t's the best-driving Silver Shadow we've ever encountered. Depreciation is a non-issue; to the contrary, rices are going to rise as more and more collectors realize the inherent quality of these early Silver Shadows.

You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, y appointment, uring the auction, r have someone inspect it for you. Please, erform your due diligence before you bid.
Please, ote that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551.

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