Always wanted a Shadow as a kid , finally got one aged 40 and kept it as my daily driver for 6 years. Put it into storage and it got written off when the storage facility flooded. Car cost me £9000 which was the going rate for a nice shadow in the 90's and after 6 years of use daily the insurance paid out £8800 so I only lost £200 , not bad for owning it for 6 years.
I'll probably look to sell her in the Spring so that I can move on to another project. It's been great fun and a very worthwhile experience. I hope it gives some the confidence to track a good one down and buy it.
Thoroughly enjoying your videos, very much appreciated. Watching Harry’s Garage sparked my interest in Shadows, I’m just at the start of my journey researching into buying one so your films have been very informative. Coming from the same neck of the woods as you, and having a couple of older cars, you’re doing exactly the right thing not using them over the winter. Anyone advising otherwise clearly doesn’t appreciate the environment we live in. Thanks again, and please continue with the blogs.
Thanks for that Calum. I get a lot of comments on not having it parked up for periods but you are very much of the same mind. It's so bad with both salt spray and the potholes here that it remains in the bubble until March. Don't get me wrong I do turn the engine over every few weeks and rotate the tyres so it's not as if it gets ignored! I've seen Harry's garage and he did take on a bit of a project there. Give him his due it performed exceptionally well over his arctic circle adventure. Good luck in the search!
Beautiful Shadow in the best colour, Le Mans Blue. I have 1996 model Bentley Brooklands (it’s based on an RR Silver Spirit). The Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit family of cars (and their Bentley equivalents) are very special motor cars.
Nice video, yes I'm of a certain age that admired these beautiful cars as a kid growing up in the sixtys. Liked and subscribed. Keep it, love it, enjoy it. It's a Rolls Royce...
If I were to focus on my knowledge of mechanics then I don't think I'd have many viewers on my Vlog! Us car fanatics all have dreams and all I am trying to show is that if you do your homework up front and get a good one, then hopefully it won't cost the earth to enjoy.
Bob, thank you for sharing the journey of you and the Rolls Royce with us. One of the videos appeared in my feed (who knows why - maybe the YT algorithm has pigeon-holed me as discerning) and I just had to watch all of the RR series. I love your understated style and appreciate the dry sense of humour too. There are some things you just have to get out of your system and as a car lover this must be on the list of many of a certain age. Best of luck in all that you do, and that at least you get to do some memorable road trips in the Rolls before you part company. PS: I have just checked your AT advert - I think you are setting a low bar, there are buyers, not many, but three will come along all together like the proverbial double decker busses.😉
Thanks for the comments. Yes very surprised the advert has not led to a sale yet. It's a specialised market. Not many under 30's probably appreciate the car. I'll wait however. Have had a few enquiries but nothing concrete. Maybe that dry sense of humour is putting people off!
I installed a car lift and my last service cost 300 euros for the engineer and 200 or so for the Flying Spares service package. I have an 88 Silver Spirit. The cars are very basic but lovely and should not cost a fortune to own.
In 2014, I developed a strong desire to own an early [2005] Bentley Continental coupe. I dreamed about this car all the time, and finally found a perfect, low-mileage example at my local Bentley dealership. But, I slowly learned that there could be many costly repairs associated with this model. For example, when the vacuum hoses needed to be replaced, the engine had to be taken out of the car first! The rear brake light on the roof was a very costly part to replace, and the leather headliner tended to come loose over time. And, then there was the air suspension system, etc. My mechanic convinced me that this was not the car to buy. I still dream about this sporty Bentley, but I realize that i saved an enormous amount of money by buying a Genesis G90 instead a few years later.
I had 2 Continental GT's and both were covered by the Bentley Warranty (expensive, but worth it). Apart from servicing and warranty costs it worked out not too bad money wise. Maybe I just got lucky!
I've got a similar Shadow 2, and it's a fabulous driving experience. Massively better than the old Clouds, which look fantastic but are like piloting a boat, but to my mind, much more character than the later Arnage. The Spirit is a similar or maybe even better driving experience to a Shadow 2, though I prefer the looks of the Shadow. I think a good Spirit is a fantastic buy. Costs shouldn't be drastic so long as you drive and service regularly, and what an experience. I guess that there are fewer classic enthusiasts now than there were, but the car gets a fantastic reception and feedback wherever you go, especially from young lads, so there is always hope. F--k EV's.
I have never experienced having a CLOUD so can't comment. I enjoyed my Arrange for the time that I had it. Again, I've never driven a SPIRIT but do agree the SHADOW is a far nicer looking car. I have to admit my daily driver is an EV!!!
Glad to see you driving the RR. They were meant to do that, and not sit around. Hope you keep it, and enjoy it for many years to come. I have 2 Shadows, and have loved these cars since I was a kid. Was always my dream car! Enjoy! Thanks for the upload! Would love to visit Scotland one day!❤️
@@rowebbroadking7237 the trip to Scotland is on my bucket list! Want to see the Loch Ness Monster and go on a whisky tasting tour! Want me o kiss a pretty Scottish girl too, but my wife doesn’t like that idea!😂🤣😂
Always desired one of these old ladies, fine driving experience. Living in Perth West Australia we don't have the choice of maintenance providers. With the low Aussie dollar will keep my old Mercedes, one that I can do the sevice myself
I own a Bentley T1 1970. I have spent thousands in the 16 years of ownership. In the region of £50k. Upholstery £10,400. Rebuild brake system £7,500. Suspension £3,500. Bare metal respray,new floor pan, inner and outer scills, box sections, 4 wheel arches inner & outer. Re-calibration of speedo and speed cable.£14,500.L.P.G. conversation £1,700. Carpet set £1,200. Stainless exhaust £1,000. Re-venneer door cappings and dash £1,000. Electrical ignition & bright light upgrade £1,300. Re-chrome bumpers & overriders £1,650. Hand painted coachlines £200. It just goes on and on. At the moment being re-wired. Engine & gearbox not been worked on yet. So far I haven't done 2 thousand miles in the car in 16 years. I can safely say I'm either a slave to this car or in need of a psychiatrist.
Jesus! I'm glad I never got to read this before I bought the Shadow. You are averaging approx. £3K per annum then on maintenance & repairs.I note the low mileage and that is a continuing piece of advice I keep getting from owners......use it regularly! I hope the engine and gearbox show no issues and thanks for your comments.
Brilliant video, very informative, you're an excellent presenter and held my interest right to the end. They're a beautiful car, many people (including me) would love to own a Rolls but worry about the costs. This is true of any car but especially with an old Shadow, you need to 'exercise' everything regularly. Operate the windows, the power seats, run the heater/aircon controls, operate all of the locks, handbrake etc.. Like the human body, you need to keep everything moving regularly otherwise things seize up! You no doubt have great support for them in the U.K. but down here in Melbourne there's probably only a couple of decent R.R. specialists you'd trust. I've been looking at our local 1970's Holden Statesman Caprice and Ford LTD as alternatives but you jump in a Rolls Royce and the build quality is in a completely different league - there's a reason why they cost five times more when new. Ironically, a 1970's Caprice or LTD is now worth twice as much as a Silver Shadow in Australia! Put that down to much cheaper maintenance costs and national pride in the locally made product I guess.
Thanks for the comments, not sure about my presentation skills though. It helps having a trusted source of support to look after these cars. I don't think I would have pursued the purchase had I not had assistance from Mike Scott, when purchasing, and Ross McLeod at Mulsanne Motors who service it for me here.
I appreciate hauling one half way around the world has it's costs. You also need a local and competitively priced mechanic to look after them and I don't know how well you are suited down under to have that.
My dad had a shadow 2 in the late 70s early 80s it was slightly longer with a smaller read window ,warmth possibly? Same blue and interior as you're Years later I have a mulliner damage my dad would have loved it
I think the 'Shadows' had a very long production by RR, with the 6.75 litre V8 engine coupled to the GM 3 speed 'Hydramatic' transmission also fitted to many GM vehicles in the USA, and luxury GM in Australia. From what you are presenting, it would be clear that at this time, your Shadow would be at its peak in motoring value. Only minor faults have been seen, and I would say much to do with how they are driven. In Australia I have a Toyota Camry which gets used every day, and has done 320,000km, where at the 200,000km point, timing belt, oil seals, coolant pump, radiator were replaced at about the value of the car ($A2,500.00). Since then, only minor work necessary...
Surprised that you had little interest from potential buyers. Considering what you paid and the work you had done I would have thought Ghost Motors would have been keen to buy it back at the price you were asking? It's a very nice car and the Morgan isn't too bad.😉
Yes it surprised me too. The market is littered with 'bargain buys' and if you don't know what you are doing then that can be costly. I see a number of Shadows which look in good condition and that can be deceiving. I am happy to keep the car rather than reduce the price further so we'll see what happens. As for the Morgan, well that's for another video!
Both for sale now John! Morgan.....absolutely stunning piece of art....but after 12 months it's not me! Ghost Motors would sell the Shadow on my behalf I think but I would rather deal directly with the next buyer.
Well if I was to drive it in the wind, rain and snow here in Bonnie Scotland....it wouldn't stay in the condition it's in! Yes it is frustrating waiting for the 'driving season' to come around every year.
Should have bought a Mk.6 or R Type. Nice to drive. zero depreciation. MOT, road tax and ULEZ exempt and lower fuel consumption than a Shadow. I ran my Mk.6 on an RAF Corporals pay without breaking the bank.. .
guys in their 50s to 60s want one as they were given a corgi toy model of one as kids............young folk dont want them or even newer versions...........they dont appreciate quality and want novelty........they would rather have a mini with hugo boss written in pink writing on the side than a rr or bentley badged car...........the even younger generation will be wanting rainbow coloured cars when they hit 50-60.
@@rowebbroadking7237 .... its very sad......im a volvo person myself but love all old cars no matter their age.........your RR is beautiful,low mileage and lovely colour - hang into it if you can.
You're in a country where you can get the car fixed by professional mechanics if you're in America by the time you get a professional mechanic who can fix it they rob you blind. I had to sell my two Silver Shadows that's right two of them and kept my third Rolls-Royce to Silver Spirit and it's been sitting for 12 years because of the Year 2008 that nearly put me in the poor house acting actually it did but I managed to keep the car. I replaced it with a dozen other American cars that I can get parts for and I can repair myself. But if you live in England have a Rolls Royce it's so easy to get them service and repaired got competitive rates unlike once you step off the British into another country.
Always wanted a Shadow as a kid , finally got one aged 40 and kept it as my daily driver for 6 years. Put it into storage and it got written off when the storage facility flooded. Car cost me £9000 which was the going rate for a nice shadow in the 90's and after 6 years of use daily the insurance paid out £8800 so I only lost £200 , not bad for owning it for 6 years.
Not bad but a sad end to the car though.
Great video and certainly doesn’t come across as showing off. Good to see you enjoying the fruits of your hard work 👍
Happy to see that you decided to keep the old girl, use her as much as you can and continue to enjoy her.
I'll probably look to sell her in the Spring so that I can move on to another project. It's been great fun and a very worthwhile experience. I hope it gives some the confidence to track a good one down and buy it.
She's a beauty. My girlfriend's dad was a surgeon and had a new one. He also had a Ford Cortina for popping to the shops.
Mk3 Cortina GXL with the twin headlights was my favourite!
Thoroughly enjoying your videos, very much appreciated.
Watching Harry’s Garage sparked my interest in Shadows, I’m just at the start of my journey researching into buying one so your films have been very informative.
Coming from the same neck of the woods as you, and having a couple of older cars, you’re doing exactly the right thing not using them over the winter. Anyone advising otherwise clearly doesn’t appreciate the environment we live in.
Thanks again, and please continue with the blogs.
Thanks for that Calum. I get a lot of comments on not having it parked up for periods but you are very much of the same mind. It's so bad with both salt spray and the potholes here that it remains in the bubble until March. Don't get me wrong I do turn the engine over every few weeks and rotate the tyres so it's not as if it gets ignored! I've seen Harry's garage and he did take on a bit of a project there. Give him his due it performed exceptionally well over his arctic circle adventure. Good luck in the search!
Beautiful Shadow in the best colour, Le Mans Blue.
I have 1996 model Bentley Brooklands (it’s based on an RR Silver Spirit). The Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit family of cars (and their Bentley equivalents) are very special motor cars.
Thanks for sharing!
Nice video, yes I'm of a certain age that admired these beautiful cars as a kid growing up in the sixtys. Liked and subscribed. Keep it, love it, enjoy it. It's a Rolls Royce...
I will do my best. You only look after these for a set period of time and then it's time to pass them on to somebody else to look after them.
Thanks for the comments.....I'm trying too!
Interesting and down to earth point of view, nice to see you being realistic and not focusing on the mechanics but actually using it…. Cheers
If I were to focus on my knowledge of mechanics then I don't think I'd have many viewers on my Vlog! Us car fanatics all have dreams and all I am trying to show is that if you do your homework up front and get a good one, then hopefully it won't cost the earth to enjoy.
Bob, thank you for sharing the journey of you and the Rolls Royce with us. One of the videos appeared in my feed (who knows why - maybe the YT algorithm has pigeon-holed me as discerning) and I just had to watch all of the RR series.
I love your understated style and appreciate the dry sense of humour too.
There are some things you just have to get out of your system and as a car lover this must be on the list of many of a certain age.
Best of luck in all that you do, and that at least you get to do some memorable road trips in the Rolls before you part company. PS: I have just checked your AT advert - I think you are setting a low bar, there are buyers, not many, but three will come along all together like the proverbial double decker busses.😉
Thanks for the comments. Yes very surprised the advert has not led to a sale yet. It's a specialised market. Not many under 30's probably appreciate the car. I'll wait however. Have had a few enquiries but nothing concrete. Maybe that dry sense of humour is putting people off!
Beautiful, and a stunning color ❤
Thank you! 😊
Thank You. Yes it was the colour that attracted me in the first place.
I installed a car lift and my last service cost 300 euros for the engineer and 200 or so for the Flying Spares service package. I have an 88 Silver Spirit. The cars are very basic but lovely and should not cost a fortune to own.
Really great presenting with a beautiful Rolls Royce.
Thank you for the video
Glad you enjoyed it. Not sure about the presenting, I just try and tell it how it is.
Quite a few people comment on my 'presenting style'. I don't see it myself. Maybe apply for a job on Top Gear....with a wee Scottish slant!
In 2014, I developed a strong desire to own an early [2005] Bentley Continental coupe. I dreamed about this car all the time, and finally found a perfect, low-mileage example at my local Bentley dealership. But, I slowly learned that there could be many costly repairs associated with this model. For example, when the vacuum hoses needed to be replaced, the engine had to be taken out of the car first! The rear brake light on the roof was a very costly part to replace, and the leather headliner tended to come loose over time. And, then there was the air suspension system, etc. My mechanic convinced me that this was not the car to buy. I still dream about this sporty Bentley, but I realize that i saved an enormous amount of money by buying a Genesis G90 instead a few years later.
I had 2 Continental GT's and both were covered by the Bentley Warranty (expensive, but worth it). Apart from servicing and warranty costs it worked out not too bad money wise. Maybe I just got lucky!
I've got a similar Shadow 2, and it's a fabulous driving experience. Massively better than the old Clouds, which look fantastic but are like piloting a boat, but to my mind, much more character than the later Arnage. The Spirit is a similar or maybe even better driving experience to a Shadow 2, though I prefer the looks of the Shadow. I think a good Spirit is a fantastic buy. Costs shouldn't be drastic so long as you drive and service regularly, and what an experience. I guess that there are fewer classic enthusiasts now than there were, but the car gets a fantastic reception and feedback wherever you go, especially from young lads, so there is always hope. F--k EV's.
I have never experienced having a CLOUD so can't comment. I enjoyed my Arrange for the time that I had it. Again, I've never driven a SPIRIT but do agree the SHADOW is a far nicer looking car. I have to admit my daily driver is an EV!!!
Glad to see you driving the RR. They were meant to do that, and not sit around. Hope you keep it, and enjoy it for many years to come. I have 2 Shadows, and have loved these cars since I was a kid. Was always my dream car! Enjoy!
Thanks for the upload! Would love to visit Scotland one day!❤️
Great fun driving them. They just have a presence when you see them on the road.You should book that visit!
@@rowebbroadking7237 the trip to Scotland is on my bucket list! Want to see the Loch Ness Monster and go on a whisky tasting tour! Want me o kiss a pretty Scottish girl too, but my wife doesn’t like that idea!😂🤣😂
If you want to see the Loch Ness Monster it's best that you do the whisky tour first!
@@rowebbroadking7237 HaHaHa!!!🤣😂 (good point!)!🤣
That’s one beautiful, Car always wanted one but was put off by the potential maintenance cost. Thank you for this video
Thanks for watching!
Hope it helps!
Always desired one of these old ladies, fine driving experience. Living in Perth West Australia we don't have the choice of maintenance providers. With the low Aussie dollar will keep my old Mercedes, one that I can do the sevice myself
You got the weather we got the maintenance providers!
Yes, a good honest reliable mechanic is a must. Fortunately Mulsanne Motors here fulfil that for me here in Scotland.
More update please - one of the best RR SS II I have seen for a long time. Greetings from a German RR addict.
More to come!
Always wanted one. Thanks
Follow your dreams. I just got lucky.
Follow your dreams Richard.
beautiful rr you purchased the right model and year! drive the hell out of it!! you only live once!!
I'm trying!
I own a Bentley T1 1970. I have spent thousands in the 16 years of ownership. In the region of £50k. Upholstery £10,400. Rebuild brake system £7,500. Suspension £3,500. Bare metal respray,new floor pan, inner and outer scills, box sections, 4 wheel arches inner & outer. Re-calibration of speedo and speed cable.£14,500.L.P.G. conversation £1,700. Carpet set £1,200. Stainless exhaust £1,000. Re-venneer door cappings and dash £1,000. Electrical ignition & bright light upgrade £1,300. Re-chrome bumpers & overriders £1,650. Hand painted coachlines £200. It just goes on and on. At the moment being re-wired. Engine & gearbox not been worked on yet. So far I haven't done 2 thousand miles in the car in 16 years. I can safely say I'm either a slave to this car or in need of a
psychiatrist.
Jesus! I'm glad I never got to read this before I bought the Shadow. You are averaging approx. £3K per annum then on maintenance & repairs.I note the low mileage and that is a continuing piece of advice I keep getting from owners......use it regularly! I hope the engine and gearbox show no issues and thanks for your comments.
I'll need to delete your comments from my stream!!! Nobody will ever consider buying one now! I sympathise totally!
Hi Rowebb are you planning on using the car this year? Would love another update! Great content 👍
A couple of new videos should be out in the next few weeks to keep you updated.
Brilliant video, very informative, you're an excellent presenter and held my interest right to the end. They're a beautiful car, many people (including me) would love to own a Rolls but worry about the costs. This is true of any car but especially with an old Shadow, you need to 'exercise' everything regularly. Operate the windows, the power seats, run the heater/aircon controls, operate all of the locks, handbrake etc.. Like the human body, you need to keep everything moving regularly otherwise things seize up! You no doubt have great support for them in the U.K. but down here in Melbourne there's probably only a couple of decent R.R. specialists you'd trust. I've been looking at our local 1970's Holden Statesman Caprice and Ford LTD as alternatives but you jump in a Rolls Royce and the build quality is in a completely different league - there's a reason why they cost five times more when new. Ironically, a 1970's Caprice or LTD is now worth twice as much as a Silver Shadow in Australia! Put that down to much cheaper maintenance costs and national pride in the locally made product I guess.
Thanks for the comments, not sure about my presentation skills though. It helps having a trusted source of support to look after these cars. I don't think I would have pursued the purchase had I not had assistance from Mike Scott, when purchasing, and Ross McLeod at Mulsanne Motors who service it for me here.
Stunning. They are very few & far between here in NZ
Long way to travel in a container I suppose.
I appreciate hauling one half way around the world has it's costs. You also need a local and competitively priced mechanic to look after them and I don't know how well you are suited down under to have that.
Good choice of Morgan! Join the club, plenty of events to go to and enjoy fun with other owners. Plus cheaper to run than your Rolls.
It is Peter but unfortunately it's not a car for me I'm afraid.
You’ve kept the car very well - it looks beautiful
Thank you!
I like the colour and yes it does get pampered.
I try!
I love that colour. :P
That's what attracted it to me in the first place, Le Mans Blue.
Me 2!
My dad had a shadow 2 in the late 70s early 80s it was slightly longer with a smaller read window ,warmth possibly?
Same blue and interior as you're
Years later I have a mulliner damage my dad would have loved it
Thanks for your comments.
For warmth read Wraith perhaps, which was the stretched version(4 inches) and often had a smaller rear window and a vinyl roof to cover the welding.
I think the 'Shadows' had a very long production by RR, with the 6.75 litre V8 engine coupled to the GM 3 speed 'Hydramatic' transmission also fitted to many GM vehicles in the USA, and luxury GM in Australia. From what you are presenting, it would be clear that at this time, your Shadow would be at its peak in motoring value. Only minor faults have been seen, and I would say much to do with how they are driven. In Australia I have a Toyota Camry which gets used every day, and has done 320,000km, where at the 200,000km point, timing belt, oil seals, coolant pump, radiator were replaced at about the value of the car ($A2,500.00). Since then, only minor work necessary...
I would definitively keep it ! What are your tires pls ?
Avon tyres all round. Time for a change!
How much are you looking to get or the Rolls Royce if I may ask.
Watch Parts 7 & 8 due out in the next week or so.
Surprised that you had little interest from potential buyers.
Considering what you paid and the work you had done I would have thought Ghost Motors would have been keen to buy it back at the price you were asking? It's a very nice car and the Morgan isn't too bad.😉
Yes it surprised me too. The market is littered with 'bargain buys' and if you don't know what you are doing then that can be costly. I see a number of Shadows which look in good condition and that can be deceiving. I am happy to keep the car rather than reduce the price further so we'll see what happens. As for the Morgan, well that's for another video!
Both for sale now John! Morgan.....absolutely stunning piece of art....but after 12 months it's not me! Ghost Motors would sell the Shadow on my behalf I think but I would rather deal directly with the next buyer.
Hi beautiful car! Who helped you buy it please? You said a rolls royce mechanic?
Mike Scott, Scotts RR & Bentley Specialists, Hayling Island, Hants. Lovely guy!
@rowebbroadking7237 thank you for your reply, may speak to him then.
Where is this vehicle up for sale
Autotrader UK
You have seasons for driving cars?
For this one certainly!
Well if I was to drive it in the wind, rain and snow here in Bonnie Scotland....it wouldn't stay in the condition it's in! Yes it is frustrating waiting for the 'driving season' to come around every year.
Should have bought a Mk.6 or R Type. Nice to drive. zero depreciation. MOT, road tax and ULEZ exempt and lower fuel consumption than a Shadow.
I ran my Mk.6 on an RAF Corporals pay without breaking the bank.. .
Thanks for sharing
It can be done!
guys in their 50s to 60s want one as they were given a corgi toy model of one as kids............young folk dont want them or even newer versions...........they dont appreciate quality and want novelty........they would rather have a mini with hugo boss written in pink writing on the side than a rr or bentley badged car...........the even younger generation will be wanting rainbow coloured cars when they hit 50-60.
Sad isn't it?
@@rowebbroadking7237 .... its very sad......im a volvo person myself but love all old cars no matter their age.........your RR is beautiful,low mileage and lovely colour - hang into it if you can.
I'm trying, but I want to move on to my next project!
Geoff, and therein lies my problem!
Please keep us updated did you ever sell the beautiful car
That accent 😊
Yea, I've had quite a few comments on that! Must talk s l o w e r!
Had one, the only thing English about them is the driver, citroen suspension, blmc wipers and indicators, the list goes on.
Steady on......Scottish driver please!
Better than a BMW though
Had one my arse you no nothing about them.stick with your crappy little suzuki van.
Still a lovely car.
Wraith
or Ghost....?
Crystal ball!
Hmm what a Dialekt
Non englisch speakers Like me wondering is this englisch 😂🎉
Methinkso!
You're in a country where you can get the car fixed by professional mechanics if you're in America by the time you get a professional mechanic who can fix it they rob you blind. I had to sell my two Silver Shadows that's right two of them and kept my third Rolls-Royce to Silver Spirit and it's been sitting for 12 years because of the Year 2008 that nearly put me in the poor house acting actually it did but I managed to keep the car. I replaced it with a dozen other American cars that I can get parts for and I can repair myself. But if you live in England have a Rolls Royce it's so easy to get them service and repaired got competitive rates unlike once you step off the British into another country.
Much as I love the old 50/60's American classics, that's exactly the same reason I wouldn't consider one here.