When I was a kid I saw these and found them to be the most perfectly proportioned cars I had ever seen. Magnificent. An excellent presentation. Thanks.
“The ability to appreciate nuance, is a virtue.” That needs to be on a tee shirt, Ed! Brilliant. If I’m not mistaken, these cars used to have a reputation for Arsis Collapsis- that could be expensive to repair. Probably because, as you said in the vid, the suspension was R-R’s own variant of the Citroën original.
I’ve never heard of or seen one collapse, but the Citroën systems have a horrifically unfair reputation for poor reliability. People don’t question hydraulic power steering, but it seems people are sceptical of suspension control.
@@TwinCam Maybe it’s an Irish thing, Ed ! Have seen a good few with the back ends sitting down. Citroen got a bad name here in the 60s and 70s - mostly because mainstream Irish mechanics didn’t bother to learn how to work on them. The Rollers hadn’t a chance… and second hand Rollers were bought by people who just wanted the badge, but really couldn’t afford the maintenance. They really should’ve been in a Cortina or a Morris Oxford !
I agree, I have owned and run daily a Citroen with the glorious floating suspension and the car will be 20 years old this November, this car is regularly serviced and never any issue with the suspension at all !
Sounds a little similar to criticism of BMC's Hydrolastic and Hydragas. People complained that they occasionally leaked or needed pumping up, but nobody complains when a radiator hose leaks or a conventionally sprung car cracks a spring or needs shock absorbers at regular 6 year intervals...
Another splendid video, Ed, and top marks to you coming from a lifelong Rolls-Royce and Bentley owner who has driven over 750,000 miles in SY (Silver Shadow) series cars. With all due respect, there was never a Bentley “T1” or Rolls-Royce “Silver Shadow I”. It is simply Bentley T and Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (1965-77) and Bentley T2 and Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II (1977-80). The 1968 car in your video looks quite original, apart from the radio, and the fact that the bonnet centre strip is positioned backwards (the pointed end should face the windscreen, as shown in the handbook and original factory photos and brochures). That indicates a respray with lack of attention when things were put back together. Another indication of that is that Silver Shadow and Bentley T series cars did not receive double fine lines to the body or wheel discs until halfway into 1972 - the wheel disc trim rings on this car look original. A detail point is that the front door armrests on this particular car need to be swapped - the tapered end on early T and Silver Shadows faced the rear. Bonnet rubber stops, radiator sensor cover and a few other bits in the engine compartment are missing or incorrect, and the sagging tailpipe indicates close inspection of the exhaust is in order. Again, many thanks for this lovely video presentation. Kind regards, John
Excellent introduction Ed. There has to be a sequel at some point! A drive of course and review perhaps of the updated Shadow II and T2 with their much improved rack and pinion steering and suspension. It’s my understanding that the first model Bentley you have here was simply known as the 'T' rather than 'T1'. Much like the original Shadow was just the ‘Shadow' rather than ‘Shadow I'. I had a 75 and nerds like me like that kind of detail!
My Bentley T1 1970 is Masons Black,Magnolia upholstery piped black, Twin magnolia coach lines,black top roll,black carpet,the door cards have black carpet inserts. When I restored the car I wanted to have just two colours a mono theme. I have kept to original as possible but the original upholstery was Portland grey and the carpets beige it looked unusual. My choice of colour I think makes it look more classy and dignified. Less is more. I often have complimentary comments. I have replaced the points for an updated electric ignition. Uprated light bright bulbs. Stainless exhaust. L.P.G. gas converted. New braking system £7,500. New wings,cills inner & outer, complete new floor pan, bare metal respray.
Fantastic video. It’s a car that always maintained that timeless elegance and presence. On another note, I hope to see that prefacelift E23 on a future video 😊
Thanks as always mate! Oh I wish I could, but if you think this Bentley is a little... well-used... then the E23 is sadly falling in half! Very much being auctioned as a project, but it's remained unsold on a few occasions now :( There is a tasty orange E12 I know of though... ;)
When Rolls Royce announced that they were going to build the Silver Shadow; my Great Uncle said: "Gentlemen, you have at last produced a motor-car which looks little better than a Ford Consul - and which may not be as well cinstructed. I bid you goodbye!" He then left the boardroom, was driven home in his 1948 Hooper bodied Sedanca de Ville. He never set foot in Rolls Royce premises again! He had joined Messrs Rolls and Royce in May 1905! I happen to like the Shadow, although it's a very thirsty car indeed, returning no more than 16mpg at 70mph on a motorway. I also find the 1956 Silver Cloud a more comfortable car. Of course those are just my personal views.
Thanks mate :) The Bentley was £61 cheaper than the Rolls-Royce in 1965, but that wouldn't have turned anyone towards the Bentley, in reality, and the sales figures show that. Both were ruinously expensive next to ordinary cars. The average buyer could stretch the extra £61 on a whim.
You know, if I were in that niche at all, I’d always prefer the Bentley. Apart from any other nuance, I just like the B grille better. By a lot. That Pantheon set up always looks off to me
Lovely old cars, this is what I think of when somebody mentions they got a “Roller” at one time you could pick one up on the used market for a reasonable amount of money for a Regal motor although I’d imagine they’ve gone up much further in price nowdays. I think they’r a bit of a speciality kind of classic car these days as they generally get driven about by upper middle class and gentry although I don’t see many reasons why an average Joe couldn’t own one if they’r in the market for a Rolls Royce although you couldn’t be “missed” on the roads as they are pretty big ostentatious cars. Thanks again Ed for an interesting and well researched video.
Another great video, Ed. I love these old Rolls Royces and Bentleys. They just exude class and style. To me, and probably most people of my age they will always be thought of as a 'proper Rolls Royce.' As for the modern offerings, to me they are the polar opposite. Brash, ostentatious, and in my opinion down right ugly.
I hope with time you see the error of your aesthetic judgement. You think these cars are not beautiful; one cannot disagree. But to think the drivel BMW and VW give us can be ??? with the proper spec ... I am mystified.
Another great video but there was one thing you didn't seem to mention regarding the car's smaller size which was very important to the Shadow's success. To export to the US, cars had to be under a certain length to avoid extra import duties. The smaller Shadow just fitted inside this limit IF they took the bumpers off and then refitted them in the US, so that's what they did. The lower import duties made them more competitive in this vital export market and was one of the main reasons why it was so successful. I got that from one of Iain Tyrrell's RUclips videos about the Shad. 😉
@@TwinCam Hi, it was on Iain's channel in the video 'Bentley T2 and Turbo R - A Fond Farewell to the Big V8.' Watch the bit about the 'Tibet' and 'Burma' versions of the new Shadow (8:15 onwards). The US limit was 17 feet exactly, the Shad's length is... 17 feet exactly! but Iain added that they took the bumpers off too. Love the channel BTW. Being a designer, I like it when you discuss all the design aspects in some depth.
The Jaguar Mk X failed to be elegant or tasteful? Maybe with the two-tone pictured. Or just didn't cost enough. You picked the worst pic of a Mk X. Did England's upper claaass really think that? Today they're being restored to better than new! Great video!
As ever a masterful use of descriptive and lively English for this motoring icon, but being an old codger, they may be mechanically interesting but physically, boringly predictable: they lack real presence and awe. If I were to own a Roller, I would plumb for earlier models which had presence by the bucketful. As you elegantly say, change had to come (I suppose) but as it meant aping the Germans, then its not for me. And in many things, slow evolution and not revolution wins the day: radical change is not always the best. And of course not being able to take the beast for a spin in this video lacks the essential Ed grin and sensual pleasure that driving brings to your fans But I understand and you musta times do what brings in the production costs! Keep 'em coming, Ed. I eagerly await and enjoy every one! Rob
I really do think it’s the familiarity and subsequent stagnation that breeds that sense of indifference. The press reaction of 1965 paints such a contrast in attitude to their perception even ten years later.
PS the Best carbs in the World would be su carbs, i have a Austin 1300 gt 4 Doors saloon engine 1275 cc vinyl roof, 1972 model, and a morris marina 1800 tc coupé souped it up awsome 150 hp, this baby is moving so fast, PS i AM a mecahnic and in bmc cars
In the unlikely event that I'll ever be able to afford one, I think I'd have a Bently. 🙂 I think the Silver Shadow was a bit of a let-down. But "citron"? Really? If you're going to talk about something it's a good idea to learn how to pronounce it. Or are you saying that Citroëns are lemons?
That is how every single person in the UK pronounces Citroën. I’d sincerely love to be able to, but it’s socially unacceptable, just as it is to pronounce Lancia correctly, which you conveniently ignored. Regardless, why do you think the Shadow was a let-down? I can’t see anything in its development or history that’s sub-par or relegated it to mediocrity.
I have a 1975 Bentley in Morelands Green with tan leather and it's beautiful. A more subtle car than the Rolls and because of the relatively low production numbers much more desirable.
@@TwinCam I used to do work for Mazda UK and the Japanese pronouciation is roughly Mat-sue-da but their management didn't really care in the same way Jaguar aren't really bothered by the American pronouciation of their cars. It goes back to when Mazda started importing in the 60s and the concessionaires thought using an anglicised pronunciation would make them easier to advertise (Mazda was also an unrelated brand of lightbulbs so Brits were used to pronouncing it as written). If you get the chance, do a review of a wankel engined Mat-sue-da. Fascinating development story.
They’re another one that I regularly pronounce correctly when I’m talking to myself, but I’ll fall into British social standards when around non-car people.
@@TwinCamcompletely agree with your repost, sorry I mean riposte,. It's like we say Porsche (porsh) not porsha. We also say Jaguar without pronouncing the silent W that the Americans have apparently found. Maybe we should all have lessons in how to pronounce Peugeot or those new crop of Asian and Chinese cars? Or shall we just speak our own language our own way with our own dialect, after all it's Paris not Paree 👍? Lol
Great video Ed! As an eight year old kid in 1969, in the States, a Silver Shadow was one of my first Matchbox cars. I had seen someone driving a "real" one in the dignified, sedate, monied part of town and it stopped my clock. So when I saw the Matchbox version at the drug store, It was mine. I still have it, and it sits on my desk fifty something years later. That is how good the style was, and is.
I remember those Matchbox Silver Shadows!.. they were garnet-red in color! I owned one too :) then later was able to buy the real car. I had it for over 20 years. Wish I never sold it to a friend. Wonderful riding car & a pleasure to drive. -Greg in California
Despite the Silver Clouds had that architecture of establishment, and beautiful for it, I regarded the Silver Shadows my favourite double R . Possibly because I grew up in the 1960s/70s . The scene from the original , and best , Thomas Crown Affair with Steve McQueen pulling up in the cemetery in his MPW coupe to collect his stolen loot , one of the coolest car film clips ever! Did you know a Rolls Royce has been featured in more James Bond films than any other - little known fact! The Silver Shadows and Bentley T models are still possibly the best value classic car on the market today . Great video again
Rolls-Royce bodies were built in the same factory as Rootes bodies for a period, but not by Rootes. The company that made the bodies was called Pressed Steel Fisher, based across the road from Morris in Cowley, and they were absorbed by BMC, later British Leyland, in 1965. I don’t know about Rootes, but they kept building Rolls-Royce and Bentley bodies for many years, and what was PSF is now part of the MINI Plant Oxford.
Are you not referring to the fact that Rootes had bought the bespoke coachbuilder Thrupp and Maberly, who made the bodies for the Super Snipe and the Imperial/Pullman of the 1950's? At this time they did of course also provide coachwork for Rolls Royces. The RR/PSF venture was a different (and later) chapter in connection with the RR "Burma" prototypes, one of which you illustrated, but I think without any Rootes Group participation. @@TwinCam
Very interesting, Ed. Beautiful car indeed and in rather nice nick. The retention of drum brakes was all about the quietness. When it was figured out how to have disc brakes that did not squeal, they were adopted. In a cosmetic note, the wind split on the bonnet is back to front. The blunt end goes forward as it meets the grill surround. The pointy but faces the windscreen as it is a more finished look when it terminates without meeting another bit of the car.
The Silver Shadow is a superb car but its not perfect. It is IMO the last Rolls thats actually worth owning long term especially if your an enthusiast. And in this respect it is vastly better than the Mercedes 600 or 6.3. And I have owned and restored 4 6.3 M100 Benz and comprehensivly restored a Shadow. So what am I talking about? Shadows are not rare and there are a range of excellent businesses around the world where you can obtain parts. Indeed many parts are relatively inexpensive eg rebuilding the SU carbs. But the M100 Mercedes is now a night mare parts are catastrophically expensive and some eg head gaskets are almost unavailable. A complete gasket set for a Mercedes which includes that fuel injection system is eye watering money. Now a rebuild of a Shadow engine suspension and brake system is very expensive. Eg an engine can cost you 10 times the cost of say an Austin Healey 100/4 ! However you can get the parts easily enough. But if you wonder why old Shadows can be so cheap its because they are not remotely viable to repair. A good Shadow restored to its former glory is a wonderful car to drive. They are lovely. But dont buy a poor one and think you can fix it up on the cheap. You cannot. These are complex cars that require real knowledge skill and real money. It is easy to spend 300 hours of labour in just one bill. As I have done So be very careful and perform your due diligence and go in with your eyes wide open. And in summary technically the 600 is a better car. But today I would not touch one not unless money really really doesnt matter.
4:55 "A monocoque had become the norm because it's just better." Wow. I'm awaiting Lincoln Town Car enthusiasts with their pitch forks! 😂 [While I agree, that's honestly the exactly opposite of what you will read in the comments under a Lincoln Town Car video (or Crown Vic video), where Town Car enthusiasts seem to loathe cars that do not have the body rubber mounted over the chassis (while indeed raving about the "Rolls-like" ride of their air suspension equipped Town Cars)...🤔] Thanks for the superbly-made film!
When buying a older "unibody" car check for rust, if the doors look like they're sagging or don't shut correctly the unibody could be starting to sag in the middle. Look for Bondo with a small strong magnet as a rusty unibody is a "magnet" for the stuff. Always wanted a 1930 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre, Supercharged of course...... Thanks Ed.
The new owners of these automobile manufacturers should take a look backwards for some real inspiration. What the two of them produce today should embarrass the people who can afford them but it shows how crass and crude the "rich" of today have become. They must actually think the cars are beautiful. Human devolution continues apace with those at the top showing the most corrosion.
i have always loved the Rolls Royce silver shadow and if i had the income i would buy one like a shot, the Bentley version does have the same appeal but not quite like the flying lady on the bonnet. I did own a Bentley continental flying spur for a year or so but as this was in the age of multiple sensors it was very costly to maintain although the ride and driving experience was sublime
Until Jeremy Clarkson said it on Top Gear, I'd never heard of the Mercedes-Benz 600 being referred to as the Grosser. To me, that name goes with the 770K of the 1930s. It was popular with certain prominent political figures in Germany at the time.
I think it was the standard back then for Mercedes models to gain almost factory-approved nicknames, like Ponton, for example. I have a Mercedes-Benz model line-up pamphlet from around 1972/3 that calls it the 'Mercedes-Benz 600', but refers to it in the text as the 'Grosser'.
I have mixed feelings. I don't like values increasing because it pulls their availability away from many potentially loving owners, but on the other hand, them being more valuable means people will put the money into maintaining them and restoring them, rather than letting them rot into the ground.
Talking of the Mercedes-Benz 600. I think it had the most comprehensive hydraulic system fitted to a passenger car. I know the windows open and close hydraulically. I think the seats were powered in the same way. The boot lid was also powered, closings like a guillotine at the press of a button (don't try to close it manually, unless you are prepared for a big bill). I'm trying to remember if the central locking was hydraulic too?
A very "adequate" video Ed. These were almost invisible in a way. they defined elegance but also demoted their own status by becoming a victim of their own sucess. If you wanted to be truly regal in the sixties and seventies, you needed a Phantom, the sort of "old money" RR.
In the woke world of today you can't give these away. No one wants what they represent or stand for. Some will see you drive by and follow you home to rob you. If at a stop light/sign or fuel station may outright attack or damage the car. Currently i've been seeing hundreds of RR's for sale on YT. All thinking someone will still pay half a mill for a car requiring $70K for a typical servicing. I'd say just put it in a museum but even the museum's are trying to get rid of them. These days are gone.
Probably showing my ignorance here, but where does the Corniche fit in? Were they related? (To my non-specialist eyes, there is a certain resemblance.)
The Corniche was a two-door convertible version of the Shadow. It was developed independently and later than the saloon by Mulliner Park Ward, and taken on by Rolls-Royce as a production model. Initially, it was badged as a Silver Shadow, but quickly renamed Corniche.
The Shadow was indeed a huge shift for RR and I for one was delighted to see the self levelling rear suspension licensed from Citroen to aid the coil springs. The high pressure pump was camshaft driven instead of belt drive in the Citroen, and it was quiet. No chirps as the pump cut in and out. It believe it also had an anti sink device. In 1978 at the age of 24 I had the privilege of taking delivery of a new Silver Shadow II plus a new CX Prestige 2400 EFI 5 speed. The RR 'Waft' factor was wonderful. The change to rack and pinion steering turned it into a quite fun car to drive briskly on medium twisty roads. Unfortunately the late 1970s British wobbly build quality that meant you needed 2 Jags to keep one on the road. This also filtered into Crewe's vehicles. I refused to take delivery at Conduit Street as there were no seat belts fitted in an Aussie spec car. Near the ignition switch there was a small cluster of bubbles in the woodwork the size of a thumb nail. There was a mis-moulding on the hub the steering wheel. I opened the boot and the carpet was covered in aluminum filings from drilling out the number plate. The cruise control was not operational as they were waiting for a modified part from the US. So, did it behalf after delivery? Well, no... First time outside London. "Failed to proceed." Sunday emergency service - the main aluminum plug for the wiring harness had dropped out. I have a photo with the RR mechanic with a pair of multigrips crimping it together. Twice lost power steering fluid with the pump yodelling as it ran dry. Once in London, once in Norway with my parents on board. Came back from one service with rear of car far too low. Suspension height corrector not doing its job. 3 Blaupunkt cassette players, 1 aerial. In Ron in Sweden took the local police chief for a run on a moonless night. 105 kph on a sweeping bend and all the lights went out. After pressing the reset buttons and checking fuses we only had high beam until we got back to England 1 week later.... Eventually the bugs were cleared after 2 weeks remedial therapy at RR in Lausanne Switzerland. It was good fun youth hostelling in it... Like 6,000 Aussies in 1978 we saved 92.85% import duty and sale tax bringing our Volvos, Porsche, Benzs, Ferraris, Citroens, Jags, Peugeots, etc. 17 Dec 1978 they canned that concession. Later they dropped the import duties to make the Aussie car industry compete. Eventually we had no car industry. AND - the Shadow II finally behaved itself back in Australia after all the bugs were exorcised.... Passengers found the CX Prestige more comfortable and roomy. But the RR won out for sheer presence and waft factor. The CX was amazing to drive fast like a mad Frenchman.
Don't agree with your comment that "...both cars have been knocked back on to their original orbit". During the period of joint marques, both cars were the epitome of 'class'. Grossly understated, relative to the role of the owner/user. Everything was total quality, but nothing shouted "look at me". As you say, "...fast forward 92 years..." and Rolls Royce is about as luxurious as Hip Hop and Gangsta Rap. In some ways, that's not a criticism of BMW - their 7 series is the understated luxury car and they have to differentiate Rolls somehow. Bentley differentiated from Audi in a sporty way. But, in my opinion, the Rolls/Bentley combo (up to the sale to BMW/VW) has more in common with today's Toyota Century than it does today's Rolls and Bentley cars. Rolls/Bentley would never have approved the Cullinan or Benteyga, because it's not good form to have your luggage travel in the same compartment as yourself. You can argue that's the new tradition, but BMW's 7 series doesn't come in a Ranchero - it's protected.
I don't think that's true at all. The Shadow might have been understated, but its predecessors certainly were not, and its pre-1931 ancestors were the same on both sides of the Rolls-Royce/Bentley divide. They were outward displays of luxury and wealth. As for the Cullinan and Bentayga, I think you're forgetting the fact the BMW X7 exists! I hate SUVs, but they are popular, just as the Shadow was back in the '60s and '70s.
True that in the chassis times, many owners would have bought a chassis and had their own, lavish, coachwork put on. And, yes, I forgot about the BMW X7. But, I still feel that after BMW took over Rolls Royce, it is selling pimped-up cars straight from the factory where Rolls never did. You might not think that's a significant change, but my opinion's different. At the end of the day, we can both vote with our feet according to how we feel.
Based on just the recommendation on yt, I’ll watch on after this: the Shadow was at the crux. Before, Royces were mobile castles. A sort of stately, motorised caravan. After, wannabe modern sedans. This was spot on. Classy but practical enough to work as a car. Too bad Bob the Bookie took to them in after market sales. Cougar skin upholstery and Flamingo longdrinks do mark it down awfully
Stunning superb car, i have driven a Austin Princess 4ltr rools royce engine back in the days 1972, wow what a dream car, like riding on cloud No 9, and a brand New jaguar xj 6 in 73 "both cars so smoth, and a westminster and Princess 3 ltr wanden plas, holy Moses you Can just ride along so in these wonderfull cars and never forget Them, first class cars from 😇 England
You know so much and remember much more! I enjoyed all the detail and the story you told about the car. I also liked the photos. 📷📷📷🚗🚘 It still looks luxurious💰💰TY for sharing this video. You are right that luxury is about materials and comfort not about the technology, I think.
This is also in an elegant colourway. It will last over several generations. I remember these way back. I'd be in my mid teens at the time. Nearly all cars were a bronze or brown - very much a colour of the time. Here, you have a car that doesn't stand out as so different from those around it. It seems more acceptable now than ever before.
Hello Ed , great video loved it love this car i would be curious to know what price range a car like this would sell for , it need quite a lot of TLC to bring it back.
It's made rather a big deal of in the United States especially, but owners of all kinds of old British cars rarely have electrical issues barring rusty connections from fifty-odd years of life.
The rose tinted glasses are doing some heavy lifting here. A heck of a lot of Silver Shadows went to questionable regimes, dodgy businessmen, and TV personalities with abhorrent private lives. These kind of buyers are part of why they gained a sub-par image. The current Rolls-Royces have an impeccable image in comparison.
The Silver Shadow’s front clip lived until 1995 on the Corniche, as well. So the look had been around 30 years by the time Rolls finally moved on. They probably could have kept it going until the 2000 version, if they hadn’t been too bothered by it competing with the Azure.
@@TwinCamThe general style, yes. The actual body panels and chassis underpinnings carried through 1995 with the last Corniche IV and Continental convertibles.
@@1258-Eckhart that's not an unreasonable opinion, they were a favourite car of the Krays. I love them, the cars, not the Krays 😁 but I can see that their image is a bit "Marmite" I also love early '60s to mid '70s American cars, so you can see where I'm coming from.
You have a problem with jeans and t-shirts? Really? 🤣🤣 Plus, you haven’t got a clue as to the situations that preclude me from driving the cars. If I could, believe me I would. But if I had driven this, I’d potentially have been arrested.
@@TwinCam me? No. I am a jeans t-shirt sneakers guy myself. Purely blue collar. But I’ve driven Porsches, M3’s, Astons… and such a lot of classics. But it does occur to me that you don’t drive a lot of the cars in your vids, and I think you should and deserve to. Whatever the speedbumps, you deserve to. You definitely won’t get arrested, not unless you get really naughty. It’s free advertising! Don’t sell yourself short there
It's illegal to drive on UK roads without valid motor insurance. My cover only refers to cars privately owned with existing policies for their owners. This car doesn't fall under that sphere, so it's illegal, and if stopped, I could lose my licence.
When I was a kid I saw these and found them to be the most perfectly proportioned cars I had ever seen. Magnificent.
An excellent presentation. Thanks.
“The ability to appreciate nuance, is a virtue.” That needs to be on a tee shirt, Ed! Brilliant. If I’m not mistaken, these cars used to have a reputation for Arsis Collapsis- that could be expensive to repair. Probably because, as you said in the vid, the suspension was R-R’s own variant of the Citroën original.
I’ve never heard of or seen one collapse, but the Citroën systems have a horrifically unfair reputation for poor reliability. People don’t question hydraulic power steering, but it seems people are sceptical of suspension control.
@@TwinCam Maybe it’s an Irish thing, Ed ! Have seen a good few with the back ends sitting down. Citroen got a bad name here in the 60s and 70s - mostly because mainstream Irish mechanics didn’t bother to learn how to work on them. The Rollers hadn’t a chance… and second hand Rollers were bought by people who just wanted the badge, but really couldn’t afford the maintenance. They really should’ve been in a Cortina or a Morris Oxford !
I agree, I have owned and run daily a Citroen with the glorious floating suspension and the car will be 20 years old this November, this car is regularly serviced and never any issue with the suspension at all !
Sounds a little similar to criticism of BMC's Hydrolastic and Hydragas. People complained that they occasionally leaked or needed pumping up, but nobody complains when a radiator hose leaks or a conventionally sprung car cracks a spring or needs shock absorbers at regular 6 year intervals...
@@TwinCam That’s it - they want convention - because they’re not switched on enough to … appreciate nuance !!!!
Another splendid video, Ed, and top marks to you coming from a lifelong Rolls-Royce and Bentley owner who has driven over 750,000 miles in SY (Silver Shadow) series cars.
With all due respect, there was never a Bentley “T1” or Rolls-Royce “Silver Shadow I”. It is simply Bentley T and Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (1965-77) and Bentley T2 and Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II (1977-80).
The 1968 car in your video looks quite original, apart from the radio, and the fact that the bonnet centre strip is positioned backwards (the pointed end should face the windscreen, as shown in the handbook and original factory photos and brochures). That indicates a respray with lack of attention when things were put back together. Another indication of that is that Silver Shadow and Bentley T series cars did not receive double fine lines to the body or wheel discs until halfway into 1972 - the wheel disc trim rings on this car look original. A detail point is that the front door armrests on this particular car need to be swapped - the tapered end on early T and Silver Shadows faced the rear. Bonnet rubber stops, radiator sensor cover and a few other bits in the engine compartment are missing or incorrect, and the sagging tailpipe indicates close inspection of the exhaust is in order.
Again, many thanks for this lovely video presentation.
Kind regards,
John
suspension kits state - silver shadow 1 or series 2 - for spare parts .
Thanks for clarifying the T1 designation. It had me confused for a bit but glad to know that there was only ever a T. No T1 period.
Excellent introduction Ed. There has to be a sequel at some point! A drive of course and review perhaps of the updated Shadow II and T2 with their much improved rack and pinion steering and suspension. It’s my understanding that the first model Bentley you have here was simply known as the 'T' rather than 'T1'. Much like the original Shadow was just the ‘Shadow' rather than ‘Shadow I'. I had a 75 and nerds like me like that kind of detail!
Yes, though the Bentleys are retrospectively called such :)
My Bentley T1 1970 is Masons Black,Magnolia upholstery piped black, Twin magnolia coach lines,black top roll,black carpet,the door cards have black carpet inserts. When I restored the car I wanted to have just two colours a mono theme. I have kept to original as possible but the original upholstery was Portland grey and the carpets beige it looked unusual. My choice of colour I think makes it look more classy and dignified. Less is more. I often have complimentary comments. I have replaced the points for an updated electric ignition. Uprated light bright bulbs. Stainless exhaust. L.P.G. gas converted. New braking system £7,500. New wings,cills inner & outer, complete new floor pan, bare metal respray.
I think those were possibly the best looking models they ever made👍
Fantastic video. It’s a car that always maintained that timeless elegance and presence.
On another note, I hope to see that prefacelift E23 on a future video 😊
Thanks as always mate!
Oh I wish I could, but if you think this Bentley is a little... well-used... then the E23 is sadly falling in half! Very much being auctioned as a project, but it's remained unsold on a few occasions now :(
There is a tasty orange E12 I know of though... ;)
@@TwinCam oh no, I just had a look at the listing. What a shame!
Yes, I’d like you to have a go on the E12 once it’s sorted. 😀
Jaguar and Dunlop were the pioneers of the disc brake.
When Rolls Royce announced that they were going to build the Silver Shadow; my Great Uncle said: "Gentlemen, you have at last produced a motor-car which looks little better than a Ford Consul - and which may not be as well cinstructed. I bid you goodbye!" He then left the boardroom, was driven home in his 1948 Hooper bodied Sedanca de Ville.
He never set foot in Rolls Royce premises again!
He had joined Messrs Rolls and Royce in May 1905!
I happen to like the Shadow, although it's a very thirsty car indeed, returning no more than 16mpg at 70mph on a motorway. I also find the 1956 Silver Cloud a more comfortable car. Of course those are just my personal views.
I think the success of the Shadow proved him wrong!
And of course a few ended up in swimming pools. Great video again.
Thanks David :)
In the early 80's my parents had a mk1 silver shadow ( TYK 22F) which had a factory metal sliding sunroof which was apparently a rare option?
To me,this is the car I think of as a Rolls Royce.
Excellent video as always...there was a rumour at the time that you bought a Rolls if you couldn't afford a Bentley...how true that is I don't know.
Thanks mate :)
The Bentley was £61 cheaper than the Rolls-Royce in 1965, but that wouldn't have turned anyone towards the Bentley, in reality, and the sales figures show that. Both were ruinously expensive next to ordinary cars. The average buyer could stretch the extra £61 on a whim.
You know, if I were in that niche at all, I’d always prefer the Bentley. Apart from any other nuance, I just like the B grille better. By a lot. That Pantheon set up always looks off to me
Lovely old cars, this is what I think of when somebody mentions they got a “Roller” at one time you could pick one up on the used market for a reasonable amount of money for a Regal motor although I’d imagine they’ve gone up much further in price nowdays.
I think they’r a bit of a speciality kind of classic car these days as they generally get driven about by upper middle class and gentry although I don’t see many reasons why an average Joe couldn’t own one if they’r in the market for a Rolls Royce although you couldn’t be “missed” on the roads as they are pretty big ostentatious cars.
Thanks again Ed for an interesting and well researched video.
Thanks mate :)
While they're certainly appreciating a little now, they're still very much affordable.
Lovely Bentley. I hope you do a vid on the 7 series in the background
I'm afraid it's rather a wreck.
Another great video, Ed. I love these old Rolls Royces and Bentleys. They just exude class and style. To me, and probably most people of my age they will always be thought of as a 'proper Rolls Royce.'
As for the modern offerings, to me they are the polar opposite. Brash, ostentatious, and in my opinion down right ugly.
I like the modern Rolls-Royces, but as ever, they have to be in the right spec.
I hope with time you see the error of your aesthetic judgement. You think these cars are not beautiful; one cannot disagree. But to think the drivel BMW and VW give us can be ??? with the proper spec ... I am mystified.
Great video as usual. Hope you can make a video about the E23 that's showing in this video
Thanks mate, but the E23 will not be videoed. I'm afraid it's rather a wreck.
awesome video keep it up
Another great video but there was one thing you didn't seem to mention regarding the car's smaller size which was very important to the Shadow's success. To export to the US, cars had to be under a certain length to avoid extra import duties. The smaller Shadow just fitted inside this limit IF they took the bumpers off and then refitted them in the US, so that's what they did. The lower import duties made them more competitive in this vital export market and was one of the main reasons why it was so successful. I got that from one of Iain Tyrrell's RUclips videos about the Shad. 😉
Ah I thought that was an unfounded rumour, but if Iain said it, it's probably true!
@@TwinCam Hi, it was on Iain's channel in the video 'Bentley T2 and Turbo R - A Fond Farewell to the Big V8.' Watch the bit about the 'Tibet' and 'Burma' versions of the new Shadow (8:15 onwards). The US limit was 17 feet exactly, the Shad's length is... 17 feet exactly! but Iain added that they took the bumpers off too.
Love the channel BTW. Being a designer, I like it when you discuss all the design aspects in some depth.
A common sight at celebrity golf tournaments of yesteryear
Very much part of the problem, I feel, with their post-middle age perception :(
BMW e23 spotted in that video!
Well done Ed. Your videos set the standard - incisive, intelligent, subtle.. Most other videos of this type are full of bullsh1t.
Thanks Nik :)
I like it 🏴👍 god save the king 💪🏴
Even my girlfriend glanced at the video and said ‘why are they talking about a Rolls Royce when that’s a Bentley’
No she didn’t. I think you need to grow some ears and gain some listening skills.
@@TwinCam wierd comment little man, I’m speaking facts but you wouldn’t know about that your mum brought you up on lies
What lies are they then?
The six and three quarter litre V8 engine l just like that l don't know why but it is so Rolls-Royce and Bently still a very luxurious car
How does the Shadow compare to a Jaguar XJ12 with regard to ride quality and engine smoothness? Anyone have any first hand experience?
I'd love to have a go in both!
The Jaguar Mk X failed to be elegant or tasteful? Maybe with the two-tone pictured. Or just didn't cost enough.
You picked the worst pic of a Mk X. Did England's upper claaass really think that? Today they're being restored to better than new!
Great video!
Well, that was always the consensus in period, and it showed in the MkX's total failure.
Weird to think that one of these beautiful, elegant cars can be bought for as little as £5,000 now.
Maintenance costs on a 5000pound RR/Bentley would be horrifying
@@nikjames2965 Definitely.
Jacob Rees-Mogg has a similar Bentley T1 as one of his classics.
A man of taste, I have a 1975 example.
That's a shame.
A stopped clock is right twice a day.
@@TwinCam The other time must have been when he bought his 1936 3.5-litre Derby Bentley! 😂🤣 I normally try to avoid politics when talking about cars.
As ever a masterful use of descriptive and lively English for this motoring icon, but being an old codger, they may be mechanically interesting but physically, boringly predictable: they lack real presence and awe. If I were to own a Roller, I would plumb for earlier models which had presence by the bucketful. As you elegantly say, change had to come (I suppose) but as it meant aping the Germans, then its not for me. And in many things, slow evolution and not revolution wins the day: radical change is not always the best.
And of course not being able to take the beast for a spin in this video lacks the essential Ed grin and sensual pleasure that driving brings to your fans But I understand and you musta times do what brings in the production costs!
Keep 'em coming, Ed. I eagerly await and enjoy every one!
Rob
I really do think it’s the familiarity and subsequent stagnation that breeds that sense of indifference. The press reaction of 1965 paints such a contrast in attitude to their perception even ten years later.
4:52
"Well, a monocoque had already become the norm for the rest of the motor industry"
*Except Triumph.
To be fair, by 1965, I’d argue they had too. The Triumph 1300 all but replaced the Herald in the same year, and the 2000 launched two years prior.
And Volkswagen.
@@TwinCam
Good points !
I was thinking of the TR6 and Herald/Vitesse.
Ah yeah I’d forgotten about the TR6!
Was the Beetle not monocoque?
PS the Best carbs in the World would be su carbs, i have a Austin 1300 gt 4 Doors saloon engine 1275 cc vinyl roof, 1972 model, and a morris marina 1800 tc coupé souped it up awsome 150 hp, this baby is moving so fast, PS i AM a mecahnic and in bmc cars
Before 1930 Bentley and Rolls Royce were competing against each other big time....
I see an e23 is still taunting in the background 😅
A very rusty E23!
I see the aircon doesn't work. Nice thing otherwise.
No need for it in Britain. Texas on the other hand...
In the unlikely event that I'll ever be able to afford one, I think I'd have a Bently. 🙂 I think the Silver Shadow was a bit of a let-down.
But "citron"? Really? If you're going to talk about something it's a good idea to learn how to pronounce it. Or are you saying that Citroëns are lemons?
That is how every single person in the UK pronounces Citroën. I’d sincerely love to be able to, but it’s socially unacceptable, just as it is to pronounce Lancia correctly, which you conveniently ignored.
Regardless, why do you think the Shadow was a let-down? I can’t see anything in its development or history that’s sub-par or relegated it to mediocrity.
I have a 1975 Bentley in Morelands Green with tan leather and it's beautiful.
A more subtle car than the Rolls and because of the relatively low production numbers much more desirable.
@@TwinCam I used to do work for Mazda UK and the Japanese pronouciation is roughly Mat-sue-da but their management didn't really care in the same way Jaguar aren't really bothered by the American pronouciation of their cars. It goes back to when Mazda started importing in the 60s and the concessionaires thought using an anglicised pronunciation would make them easier to advertise (Mazda was also an unrelated brand of lightbulbs so Brits were used to pronouncing it as written). If you get the chance, do a review of a wankel engined Mat-sue-da. Fascinating development story.
They’re another one that I regularly pronounce correctly when I’m talking to myself, but I’ll fall into British social standards when around non-car people.
@@TwinCamcompletely agree with your repost, sorry I mean riposte,. It's like we say Porsche (porsh) not porsha. We also say Jaguar without pronouncing the silent W that the Americans have apparently found. Maybe we should all have lessons in how to pronounce Peugeot or those new crop of Asian and Chinese cars? Or shall we just speak our own language our own way with our own dialect, after all it's Paris not Paree 👍? Lol
2nd
Great video Ed! As an eight year old kid in 1969, in the States, a Silver Shadow was one of my first Matchbox cars. I had seen someone driving a "real" one in the dignified, sedate, monied part of town and it stopped my clock. So when I saw the Matchbox version at the drug store, It was mine. I still have it, and it sits on my desk fifty something years later. That is how good the style was, and is.
So very timeless without the later bumpers!
I remember those Matchbox Silver Shadows!.. they were garnet-red in color! I owned one too :) then later was able to buy the real car. I had it for over 20 years. Wish I never sold it to a friend. Wonderful riding car & a pleasure to drive.
-Greg in California
Hi I was 7 back in 69 and I also have a matchbox version of one
Always loved the silver shadow . They especially look gorgeous in green or burgundy red
Despite the Silver Clouds had that architecture of establishment, and beautiful for it, I regarded the Silver Shadows my favourite double R . Possibly because I grew up in the 1960s/70s . The scene from the original , and best , Thomas Crown Affair with Steve McQueen pulling up in the cemetery in his MPW coupe to collect his stolen loot , one of the coolest car film clips ever! Did you know a Rolls Royce has been featured in more James Bond films than any other - little known fact! The Silver Shadows and Bentley T models are still possibly the best value classic car on the market today . Great video again
Thanks Martin 🙂
Fun fact, Humber. Aka Rootes . Used to build the Rolls Royce body's.
So when I drive my Humber super snipe I think I'm the king of the road
Rolls-Royce bodies were built in the same factory as Rootes bodies for a period, but not by Rootes. The company that made the bodies was called Pressed Steel Fisher, based across the road from Morris in Cowley, and they were absorbed by BMC, later British Leyland, in 1965.
I don’t know about Rootes, but they kept building Rolls-Royce and Bentley bodies for many years, and what was PSF is now part of the MINI Plant Oxford.
Are you not referring to the fact that Rootes had bought the bespoke coachbuilder Thrupp and Maberly, who made the bodies for the Super Snipe and the Imperial/Pullman of the 1950's? At this time they did of course also provide coachwork for Rolls Royces. The RR/PSF venture was a different (and later) chapter in connection with the RR "Burma" prototypes, one of which you illustrated, but I think without any Rootes Group participation. @@TwinCam
@@TwinCamyes correct. PSF Cowley built bodies for other makes too, including Peugeot. I had a fascinating tour of the site in the 1980's.
Very interesting, Ed. Beautiful car indeed and in rather nice nick.
The retention of drum brakes was all about the quietness. When it was figured out how to have disc brakes that did not squeal, they were adopted.
In a cosmetic note, the wind split on the bonnet is back to front. The blunt end goes forward as it meets the grill surround. The pointy but faces the windscreen as it is a more finished look when it terminates without meeting another bit of the car.
Ah that makes a lot of sense. You learn something new every day!
The Silver Shadow is a superb car but its not perfect. It is IMO the last Rolls thats actually worth owning long term especially if your an enthusiast. And in this respect it is vastly better than the Mercedes 600 or 6.3. And I have owned and restored 4 6.3 M100 Benz and comprehensivly restored a Shadow.
So what am I talking about?
Shadows are not rare and there are a range of excellent businesses around the world where you can obtain parts. Indeed many parts are relatively inexpensive eg rebuilding the SU carbs. But the M100 Mercedes is now a night mare parts are catastrophically expensive and some eg head gaskets are almost unavailable. A complete gasket set for a Mercedes which includes that fuel injection system is eye watering money. Now a rebuild of a Shadow engine suspension and brake system is very expensive. Eg an engine can cost you 10 times the cost of say an Austin Healey 100/4 ! However you can get the parts easily enough.
But if you wonder why old Shadows can be so cheap its because they are not remotely viable to repair.
A good Shadow restored to its former glory is a wonderful car to drive. They are lovely.
But dont buy a poor one and think you can fix it up on the cheap. You cannot. These are complex cars that require real knowledge skill and real money. It is easy to spend 300 hours of labour in just one bill. As I have done
So be very careful and perform your due diligence and go in with your eyes wide open.
And in summary technically the 600 is a better car. But today I would not touch one not unless money really really doesnt matter.
4:55 "A monocoque had become the norm because it's just better." Wow. I'm awaiting Lincoln Town Car enthusiasts with their pitch forks! 😂 [While I agree, that's honestly the exactly opposite of what you will read in the comments under a Lincoln Town Car video (or Crown Vic video), where Town Car enthusiasts seem to loathe cars that do not have the body rubber mounted over the chassis (while indeed raving about the "Rolls-like" ride of their air suspension equipped Town Cars)...🤔] Thanks for the superbly-made film!
Defender folks will be screaming incessantly too lol
Possibly the most handsome four door automobile ever built.
When buying a older "unibody" car check for rust, if the doors look like they're sagging or don't shut correctly the unibody could be starting to sag in the middle. Look for Bondo with a small strong magnet as a rusty unibody is a "magnet" for the stuff. Always wanted a 1930 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre, Supercharged of course...... Thanks Ed.
The new owners of these automobile manufacturers should take a look backwards for some real inspiration. What the two of them produce today should embarrass the people who can afford them but it shows how crass and crude the "rich" of today have become. They must actually think the cars are beautiful. Human devolution continues apace with those at the top showing the most corrosion.
i have always loved the Rolls Royce silver shadow and if i had the income i would buy one like a shot, the Bentley version does have the same appeal but not quite like the flying lady on the bonnet. I did own a Bentley continental flying spur for a year or so but as this was in the age of multiple sensors it was very costly to maintain although the ride and driving experience was sublime
Progress in the carworld doesnt seem to be progress at all🤨🙁😩 Sorry,but give me this oldskool stuff over modern cars any day!🎉🎯🤠
Until Jeremy Clarkson said it on Top Gear, I'd never heard of the Mercedes-Benz 600 being referred to as the Grosser. To me, that name goes with the 770K of the 1930s. It was popular with certain prominent political figures in Germany at the time.
I think it was the standard back then for Mercedes models to gain almost factory-approved nicknames, like Ponton, for example. I have a Mercedes-Benz model line-up pamphlet from around 1972/3 that calls it the 'Mercedes-Benz 600', but refers to it in the text as the 'Grosser'.
I hate to say this but after the Silver Cloud it went downhill , that is to me the absolute Rolls Royce .
Always a bit suspicious of two tone that they have sprayed the sides to lessen the cost of a full respray, thereby hiding repairs.
Any chance of doing a video on a ALVIS TF Series or the Jensen Interceptor?
The Bentley grill is much better than the Rolls 'Greek Temple' portico.
Silver Shadow is one of the most pretty cars ever build
Like how you like small economical cars. Next week is a Fiat 500 ;-)
A good Shadow is a joy to own. It's pleasing to see to values increasing.
I have mixed feelings. I don't like values increasing because it pulls their availability away from many potentially loving owners, but on the other hand, them being more valuable means people will put the money into maintaining them and restoring them, rather than letting them rot into the ground.
Ed. This is brilliant. Best review I’ve ever seen of the Shad - my favourite Royce.
Thanks Philip, very kind of you to say :)
Talking of the Mercedes-Benz 600. I think it had the most comprehensive hydraulic system fitted to a passenger car. I know the windows open and close hydraulically. I think the seats were powered in the same way. The boot lid was also powered, closings like a guillotine at the press of a button (don't try to close it manually, unless you are prepared for a big bill). I'm trying to remember if the central locking was hydraulic too?
I think it was, as it being electric while everything else was hydraulic would be most confusing! :)
A very "adequate" video Ed. These were almost invisible in a way. they defined elegance but also demoted their own status by becoming a victim of their own sucess. If you wanted to be truly regal in the sixties and seventies, you needed a Phantom, the sort of "old money" RR.
I think you've hit the nail on the head there. A little like the first VW-era Bentley Continental GT in a respect.
In the woke world of today you can't give these away. No one wants what they represent or stand for. Some will see you drive by and follow you home to rob you. If at a stop light/sign or fuel station may outright attack or damage the car. Currently i've been seeing hundreds of RR's for sale on YT. All thinking someone will still pay half a mill for a car requiring $70K for a typical servicing. I'd say just put it in a museum but even the museum's are trying to get rid of them. These days are gone.
‘Woke’ 💀🤣🤣🤣
This review is as magnificent as the car! Fantastic entertainment and information!
Thanks mate :)
As he says, they became criminally cheap. Back in the late 1980s I remember seeing Shadows going for as little as £6,000 in Exchange & Mart.
They were still around £6000 in 2010!
Probably showing my ignorance here, but where does the Corniche fit in? Were they related? (To my non-specialist eyes, there is a certain resemblance.)
The Corniche was a two-door convertible version of the Shadow. It was developed independently and later than the saloon by Mulliner Park Ward, and taken on by Rolls-Royce as a production model. Initially, it was badged as a Silver Shadow, but quickly renamed Corniche.
The Shadow was indeed a huge shift for RR and I for one was delighted to see the self levelling rear suspension licensed from Citroen to aid the coil springs. The high pressure pump was camshaft driven instead of belt drive in the Citroen, and it was quiet. No chirps as the pump cut in and out. It believe it also had an anti sink device.
In 1978 at the age of 24 I had the privilege of taking delivery of a new Silver Shadow II plus a new CX Prestige 2400 EFI 5 speed. The RR 'Waft' factor was wonderful. The change to rack and pinion steering turned it into a quite fun car to drive briskly on medium twisty roads. Unfortunately the late 1970s British wobbly build quality that meant you needed 2 Jags to keep one on the road. This also filtered into Crewe's vehicles.
I refused to take delivery at Conduit Street as there were no seat belts fitted in an Aussie spec car. Near the ignition switch there was a small cluster of bubbles in the woodwork the size of a thumb nail. There was a mis-moulding on the hub the steering wheel. I opened the boot and the carpet was covered in aluminum filings from drilling out the number plate.
The cruise control was not operational as they were waiting for a modified part from the US.
So, did it behalf after delivery? Well, no...
First time outside London. "Failed to proceed." Sunday emergency service - the main aluminum plug for the wiring harness had dropped out. I have a photo with the RR mechanic with a pair of multigrips crimping it together.
Twice lost power steering fluid with the pump yodelling as it ran dry. Once in London, once in Norway with my parents on board. Came back from one service with rear of car far too low. Suspension height corrector not doing its job. 3 Blaupunkt cassette players, 1 aerial.
In Ron in Sweden took the local police chief for a run on a moonless night. 105 kph on a sweeping bend and all the lights went out. After pressing the reset buttons and checking fuses we only had high beam until we got back to England 1 week later....
Eventually the bugs were cleared after 2 weeks remedial therapy at RR in Lausanne Switzerland. It was good fun youth hostelling in it...
Like 6,000 Aussies in 1978 we saved 92.85% import duty and sale tax bringing our Volvos, Porsche, Benzs, Ferraris, Citroens, Jags, Peugeots, etc. 17 Dec 1978 they canned that concession. Later they dropped the import duties to make the Aussie car industry compete.
Eventually we had no car industry.
AND - the Shadow II finally behaved itself back in Australia after all the bugs were exorcised....
Passengers found the CX Prestige more comfortable and roomy.
But the RR won out for sheer presence and waft factor.
The CX was amazing to drive fast like a mad Frenchman.
Sehr schönes Fahrzeug 👍👍👍
Yeah, but how fast is it around the Nurburgring? 😂😂😂 lovely car, great review 😀👍
GM gearbox.
GM AUTOMATIC
Don't agree with your comment that "...both cars have been knocked back on to their original orbit". During the period of joint marques, both cars were the epitome of 'class'. Grossly understated, relative to the role of the owner/user. Everything was total quality, but nothing shouted "look at me". As you say, "...fast forward 92 years..." and Rolls Royce is about as luxurious as Hip Hop and Gangsta Rap. In some ways, that's not a criticism of BMW - their 7 series is the understated luxury car and they have to differentiate Rolls somehow. Bentley differentiated from Audi in a sporty way. But, in my opinion, the Rolls/Bentley combo (up to the sale to BMW/VW) has more in common with today's Toyota Century than it does today's Rolls and Bentley cars. Rolls/Bentley would never have approved the Cullinan or Benteyga, because it's not good form to have your luggage travel in the same compartment as yourself. You can argue that's the new tradition, but BMW's 7 series doesn't come in a Ranchero - it's protected.
I don't think that's true at all. The Shadow might have been understated, but its predecessors certainly were not, and its pre-1931 ancestors were the same on both sides of the Rolls-Royce/Bentley divide. They were outward displays of luxury and wealth. As for the Cullinan and Bentayga, I think you're forgetting the fact the BMW X7 exists!
I hate SUVs, but they are popular, just as the Shadow was back in the '60s and '70s.
True that in the chassis times, many owners would have bought a chassis and had their own, lavish, coachwork put on. And, yes, I forgot about the BMW X7. But, I still feel that after BMW took over Rolls Royce, it is selling pimped-up cars straight from the factory where Rolls never did. You might not think that's a significant change, but my opinion's different. At the end of the day, we can both vote with our feet according to how we feel.
Based on just the recommendation on yt, I’ll watch on after this: the Shadow was at the crux. Before, Royces were mobile castles. A sort of stately, motorised caravan. After, wannabe modern sedans. This was spot on. Classy but practical enough to work as a car. Too bad Bob the Bookie took to them in after market sales. Cougar skin upholstery and Flamingo longdrinks do mark it down awfully
Another Brilliant and well researched Video Ed.
Stunning superb car, i have driven a Austin Princess 4ltr rools royce engine back in the days 1972, wow what a dream car, like riding on cloud No 9, and a brand New jaguar xj 6 in 73 "both cars so smoth, and a westminster and Princess 3 ltr wanden plas, holy Moses you Can just ride along so in these wonderfull cars and never forget Them, first class cars from 😇 England
So why the Bentley as your thumbnail?
Please watch the video.
Badge Engenering Deluxe
Nice vid Ed, but I was waiting for you to jump behind the wheel and go for a spin.
Unfortunately insurance precludes me!
@@TwinCam ☹
Top notch as always Ed!
My late father bought a Shadow LWB with glass division in 1970.He used to drive me to school.
Great video
Thanks
thank you for the video
You know so much and remember much more! I enjoyed all the detail and the story you told about the car. I also liked the photos. 📷📷📷🚗🚘 It still looks luxurious💰💰TY for sharing this video. You are right that luxury is about materials and comfort not about the technology, I think.
Thank you :)
This is also in an elegant colourway. It will last over several generations. I remember these way back. I'd be in my mid teens at the time. Nearly all cars were a bronze or brown - very much a colour of the time. Here, you have a car that doesn't stand out as so different from those around it. It seems more acceptable now than ever before.
I absolutely agree that this thing is beginning to age well. You could still park this very example up and it wouldn't look too old. Just elegant.
Hello Ed , great video loved it love this car i would be curious to know what price range a car like this would sell for , it need quite a lot of TLC to bring it back.
I couldn't say with any certainty, best to see what price it ends up going for at the auction on 16th September!
I thought the biggest problem with all British cars of that era was Lucas electrics otherwise known as the Prince of darkness.
It's made rather a big deal of in the United States especially, but owners of all kinds of old British cars rarely have electrical issues barring rusty connections from fifty-odd years of life.
The organization and delivery of this review was excellent. Great work!
Thanks mate :)
My favourite interior with the chippendale dash. I can almost smell the leather from here!
Me too, also with the metal door handles before they changed them to leather.
that's another real Rolls for gentlemen...
not the modern rubbish for russians and chinese....
The rose tinted glasses are doing some heavy lifting here. A heck of a lot of Silver Shadows went to questionable regimes, dodgy businessmen, and TV personalities with abhorrent private lives. These kind of buyers are part of why they gained a sub-par image. The current Rolls-Royces have an impeccable image in comparison.
@@TwinCam Sir, look at Monaco and you'll see who's driving witch car....
the old money and the new money....
What are you saying the 'old money' in Monaco drive?
Great video Ed, one of your best. Your a natural in front of a camera and would do well on TV I'm sure.
Thanks Geoff, but with TV the way it is, it isn't part of the plan! :)
Marvelous and outstanding subject, and video!
Thanks mate 🙂
The Silver Shadow’s front clip lived until 1995 on the Corniche, as well. So the look had been around 30 years by the time Rolls finally moved on. They probably could have kept it going until the 2000 version, if they hadn’t been too bothered by it competing with the Azure.
I'd argue that, though modified, the general style was maintained until 2002 for Rolls-Royce!
@@TwinCamThe general style, yes. The actual body panels and chassis underpinnings carried through 1995 with the last Corniche IV and Continental convertibles.
It looks like it was parked by my Granny. ✌️
Scene park everywhere.
Lovely car although susceptible to the dreaded tin worm.
Jacob Rees-Mogg owns one
That’s a shame 😬
@@TwinCam🤣🤣🤣
A very classy review sir 👍
Thank you kindly 🙂
Poor old Mk10 Jags. They were great cars. I loved their size and styling. I'd have mine back in a heartbeat!
People thought they were vulgar, and i.m.h.o. it was they, rather than the Mk II, which gave Jaguars the bank-robbers/Arthur Daley image.
@@1258-Eckhart that's not an unreasonable opinion, they were a favourite car of the Krays.
I love them, the cars, not the Krays 😁 but I can see that their image is a bit "Marmite"
I also love early '60s to mid '70s American cars, so you can see where I'm coming from.
I think they're a bit too puffy, width-wise, but I do love them!
Just a word to the wise: it’s about time. Ditch the jeans/t-shirt/sneakers. And demand to drive every car. Time to step up a notch, you deserve it
You have a problem with jeans and t-shirts? Really? 🤣🤣
Plus, you haven’t got a clue as to the situations that preclude me from driving the cars. If I could, believe me I would. But if I had driven this, I’d potentially have been arrested.
@@TwinCam me? No. I am a jeans t-shirt sneakers guy myself. Purely blue collar. But I’ve driven Porsches, M3’s, Astons… and such a lot of classics. But it does occur to me that you don’t drive a lot of the cars in your vids, and I think you should and deserve to. Whatever the speedbumps, you deserve to. You definitely won’t get arrested, not unless you get really naughty. It’s free advertising! Don’t sell yourself short there
@@Tacko14 It's clear from @TwinCam's reply that the car could no be legally driven by him. Seems like a fair point to me!
It's illegal to drive on UK roads without valid motor insurance. My cover only refers to cars privately owned with existing policies for their owners. This car doesn't fall under that sphere, so it's illegal, and if stopped, I could lose my licence.
A monocoque 3-box body shell for the Rolls Royce for the masses. I guess you could say the Silver Shadow is the Cortina of the Rolls Royce family.