In all ramifications, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II is an excellent car and held up its spot as a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Beneath its hood, Rolls-Royce fitted a mammoth 6.75L V8 engine that delivers 200 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Known for its elegant design, the Silver Shadow II undeniably leads the pack for the classic luxury sedan segment. On the used vehicle market, the price for a Silver Shadow II varies significantly depending on its condition, mileage, and history. It ranges from about $20,000 for models in fair condition and can reach up to $50,000 or more for well-maintained examples with low mileage. This Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II review will shed more light on why it was the go-to car for the elite in the 80s. Fasten your seatbelts; let's get started.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II was introduced by Rolls-Royce Limited in 1977 and served as an upgrade to the original Silver Shadow. The modifications included rack and pinion steering and modifications to the front suspension, which significantly improved handling. The Silver Shadow II is the first Rolls-Royce built with unibody construction. This design method integrates the body and chassis into a single structure. This vehicle is also renowned for its advanced features, such as disc brakes and a high-pressure hydraulic system, which were quite innovative for that era. The Silver Shadow II's production lasted from 1977 until 1980, with 8,425 units produced. Its elegance, performance features, and comfort have made it a coveted car among enthusiasts.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II draws its power from either of two engine configurations. Between 1977 and 1979, a 6.75L L410 V8 engine with 189 hp and 393 lb-ft torque powered it. This engine mated to an automatic transmission, achieves an EPA-estimated 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway - not exactly fuel-efficient, but that isn't the car's forte. By 1980, Rolls Royce slightly upgraded the engine to produce 192 hp and 390 lb-ft torque. This final iteration offered slightly better fuel economy and a touch more pep. The Silver Shadow II engine confidently pushes the hefty luxury sedan from 0 to 60 mph in under 9.9 seconds, and the top speed is a respectable 126 mph. The L410 V8 engine was also found in the Bentley T2, a close cousin to the Silver Shadow II. Both cars shared the same engine characteristics and driving experience. The Silver Shadow II competes with luxury names like the Mercedes-Benz 450SEL and the Cadillac Eldorado. The Mercedes offered a smaller, fuel-injected V8 with comparable power. The Cadillac boasted a monstrous 8.2L V8 with significantly more power but sacrificed refinement and fuel economy. The Silver Shadow II's engine ensures smooth power thanks to its cast-iron construction, low-rpm operation, and hydraulic valve lifters that minimize vibrations and noise. The automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, too. While not a sports car, the Silver Shadow II responded adequately to throttle inputs.
The moment you open the door, the Silver Shadow II's interior welcomes you with a warm embrace of opulent comfort, as seen in their newer cars. The smooth grain of a walnut-rimmed steering wheel feels good to touch, and unlike modern cars, it's devoid of steering covers and leather stitching. Its diameter feels substantial, and chrome spokes radiate from the center, where the iconic Rolls-Royce emblem sits proudly. Through the steering wheel's spokes, you'll see two large, circular gauges in a wood-veneered surrounding, displaying your speed and engine vitals with elegant clarity. The needles glide silently across the surface area of each dial. From the gauge cluster, the dashboard stretches out before you. The dashboard is made from top-quality wood materials. Other chrome and aluminum fittings and trims accentuate the dashboard's look. The wide center console houses some of the car's controls, the radio player, the familiar Rolls-Royce clock in its central position, the AC vents, and the mirror controls further down. The gear selector isn't mounted here. Instead, it's on the back of the steering wheel and shifts smoothly. Away from the center console to the seats, you'll find them embracing and comfortable. They are made from Connolly hides, renowned for their suppleness and durability. Electric adjustments allow you to find the perfect position for absolute comfort. Within the cabin, the engine's purr is slightly noticeable, but the Silver Shadow II still has a quiet interior. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom and invite you to stretch out and relax. Fold down the center armrest, and the rear seat transforms into a luxurious haven for two, perfect for enjoying a conversation.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II stands elegantly with an exterior that has a royal feel. Up front, it features a familiar 80's styled chrome grille with the iconic Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy perched on its apex. Rectangular headlights flank the grille and give the car's front fascia a piercing gaze. Beside each headlight are the turn signals, which add a vintage look to the car's front. Chrome bezels frame the rectangular headlights, which illuminate the road ahead properly even today. The rear echoes the front's elegance, with a gracefully sloping trunk line and wraparound taillights that extend to the fenders. Twin exhaust pipes, tucked away beneath the bumper, give the V8 engine a chance to breathe upfront. You'll also love the firm handle of the spacious trunk. Surprisingly, it's built well and is still functional in many of the Silver Shadow IIs on the road. From the side, the Silver Shadow II also exhibits elegance. The body's long, flowing lines stretch like a silk ribbon, unbroken by harsh angles or unnecessary embellishments. As you reach for and grasp the doors, they swing open with a satisfying heft, revealing the plush leather interior. The door handles are polished and have a vintage feel to them. The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II runs on wide, low-profile tires, typically 205/70VR15 or 225/70VR15. They provide a smooth, confident ride, ensuring the car glides luxuriously every time you get on the road.
While the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II's exterior and interior exude opulent luxury, its technological advancements are equally impressive for its time. Though not groundbreaking by today's standards, these features were remarkable for the late 1970s. There were features like a Hydro-pneumatic Suspension system, which Rolls Royce sourced from Citroën. It used hydraulic fluid and compressed gas to adjust the car's height and level automatically, ensuring a smooth, effortless ride regardless of road conditions or passenger load. Rolls Royce adopted a dual-circuit hydraulic system for the brakes and had ABS, which wasn't even rampant in the 80s. The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II also treats you to electric windows, door locks, and seat controls. It also had air conditioning, cruise control, and a reliable stereo system, among other features.
Stepping into a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II should be on your to-do list if you're an automotive enthusiast. But owning this automotive icon comes with a price that varies depending on factors like mileage, condition, and features. The price of a used Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II can range from around $25,000 to over $50,000, depending on its condition, year, mileage, and trim level. The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II was offered in a single trim level, but there were several options and packages that you could use to customize the car to your taste.
Owning a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II allows you to own a classic Rolls-Royce with which you can enjoy luxury and reliability simultaneously. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time luxury car enthusiast, the Silver Shadow II offers an experience courtesy of a smooth V8 engine that purrs quietly, sumptuous seats that cradle you in comfort, and an overall design that reeks of quality and bespoke craftsmanship. If you want to own a Rolls Royce or any exotic car, head to Exotic Car Trader. Our platform offers a curated selection of the world's finest luxury and exotic cars, including the iconic Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II. With our simple and transparent process, buying or selling your car has never been easier. The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II is a car that turns heads, not with rudeness, but with an understated grace that speaks volumes about its owner.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE
