1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II from North America

Summary:

Superb Automobile

Faults:

Slight wear on the seats. Routine maintenance. Oil Change.

General Comments:

I would have to agree with the mechanics who have told me that this is a car to be 'driven'. I am on my 3rd Rolls, and I presently own a Corniche, and previously owned a Spur. I had always wanted a Silver Shadow which is why I just this one. This car is very well built, and IF maintained, performs well. It is a solid, stately, and well made car. If someone purchasing an older one has had problems, one should look to the maintenance records on the vehicle. You don't just purchase a Rolls without considering it's history. I have enjoyed each and every Rolls I have purchased, and will always own one. While it is true that maintenance is higher than that of other cars; the performance, the handling, and the comfort of the ride far exceeds that of any car I have ever driven. My only remaining wish is that I knew how to perform the maintenance myself.

The more you drive them, the better they perform. Period.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th December, 2005

1977 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II SWB 6.75 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Bang for bucks, not much comes close

Faults:

Gearbox, gear change became slow and sticky, fault was diagnosed as electronic gear change motor, rebuilt at a cost of £350, and now perfect.

Noisy hydraulic tappet developed, replacement £400 inc fitting.

Not too bad for 14 years ownership.

General Comments:

If you plant you foot down this car will shift and leave some people in shock at just how quick this 3 tonne 18 foot long beast can move.

This car was designed to be maintained by chauffers, so it is not too bad to work on yourself, but do have major services done by specialists or you will be asking for trouble.

Only buy a car with a FULL Rolls-Royce specialist history and have it inspected before buying. Small parts can be hugely expensive.

Spend a bit of extra cash on buying an immaculate car rather than a cheap one needing work done.

Far better in the long run.

If you can afford one, buy one, unrivaled presence on the road.

It is like gliding along on your couch.

Electric seats, digital stereo, air con, cruise control, elec windows, power steering, dual braking, ride height adjusting suspension and huge leather seats are, but a few features.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th March, 2003

1977 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II from North America

Summary:

An overpriced, unreliable British rip off

Faults:

Almost any thing you could think of has gone wrong with this car.

The transmission failed and had to be rebuilt with only 50,000 miles.

The hydraulic system is a nightmare. It is complicated, expensive and requires constant maintainance.

In spite of being garaged and rarely driven in inclement weather, the paint began to look terrible even when the car was only five years old.

The climate control system will only blow air out of the defroster vents, not from the floor or the fascia.

General Comments:

The car is magnificent looking, impressive and a unbelievably quiet.

My mother is attached to it or I would have sent it to a junk yard years ago.

It is expensive, unreliable and generally troublesome.

It's only virtue is its ability to make a statement when seen by other drivers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th January, 2003

4th Jun 2004, 08:46

Are you sure you own one?? Your review is unbelievable - completely unbelievable...

26th Oct 2004, 23:50

Of course it would be quiet if it's still in the dealership window. R/C cars don't count!

7th Jun 2005, 23:07

I acquired a 1989 Spur for my wife, however I am the one who drives it, and I LOVE IT. It is the best car in the world. It drives and looks like a dream.

I have owned many Mercedes cars, including a 6.9 (it is an awesome car). The Rolls is in a completely different league; it is only to be compared to a Rolls. This is a masterpiece of a car, it's a statement of excellence and perfection, and is to be respectfully treated as such. I congratulate all who have stepped out of the "box" and are privileged to own one.

The only repairs I did were: replacement of nitrogen spheres and driver's window repair, and the gear shift contacts on top of the steering column were dirty causing shifting malfunctions; a problem that's easy to correct by cleaning the contacts.

The bottom line is there is no other car as a well cared for as a Rolls. We all deserve to have one as part of the celebration of LIFE.

1977 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II 6.7 V-8 from North America

Summary:

A high quality bargain that will probably outlive me!

Faults:

One inner head-lamp unit blew out.

Windshield washer fluid bottle sprang a leak.

Rheostat on the dashboard back-light dimmer switch failed.

General Comments:

The car is a wonder to drive. It has the Series II suspension that confers excellent handling characteristics, while retaining the beautifully smooth Rolls-Royce ride.

The engine is a marvel: powerful, reliable and very, very quiet.

The bodywork is immaculate and the standard of assembly, fit and finish is unparalleled on any car I have previously owned.

I love this vehicle and plan to keep it for a long time: amazing value for money, a splendid status symbol, and gorgeous to step into every morning!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2001

9th Aug 2001, 00:21

Now that is what I like to hear. I very much prefer the 1970's vintage. Earlier models look too puffed up with their own importance and are a bit more than I can afford. Later vintage are too modern; rectangular headlights have never appealed to me and their overall shape is very much like a Cadillac Seville. But the 1970-79 Shadow is just right, and it appears the '77 and later has the preferred suspension. Reading eBay ads is not the best way to learn which model to buy, but where else is there better information?