Rooted in development work initiated under Chief Engineer Harry Grylls, who joined Rolls-Royce in 1930 and served with company co-founder Sir Henry Royce, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and its Bentley T-Series companion model debuted in October 1965. Marking a revolution as the first Rolls-Royce and Bentley models based upon unit-body construction, the Silver Shadow and T-Series also featured the innovative high-pressure hydraulic system licensed from Citroën, including dual-circuit disc brakes all around and fully independent, self-leveling suspension.
 
Standard factory bodywork was handsomely styled and built to impeccable quality standards, hastening the end of the time-honored British custom coachbuilding industry. Tailored to the wealthy owner-driver, the Silver Shadow and Bentley T-Series were outwardly smaller than their predecessors yet offered more passenger room and easier access to a spacious luggage compartment. 
 
Initially, the Silver Shadow was powered by the sophisticated 6.23-liter V-8 engine introduced with the Silver Cloud II in 1959. To better cope with tightening vehicle-emission requirements, a displacement increase to 6.75 liters was standard by 1970. While Rolls-Royce did not cite official power ratings, estimates of 220 horsepower are considered reliable. In North America, power delivery was via General Motors' Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission, standard equipment by 1968.
 
In addition to the definitive 4-door saloon, Silver Shadow body styles available for the first-generation models through 1977 included a 2-door from 1965-71, a "one-off" coupe in 1968, a convertible, and a formal long-wheelbase model from 1967-77. Passenger comfort remains legendary, with the Silver Shadow the first Rolls-Royce equipped with standard air conditioning. Luxuriously appointed, trimmed in the finest Connolly leather upholstery, and weighing about 5,000 pounds, the early Silver Shadow was, and remains, a very capable performer with a top speed approaching 120 mph. One of the most recognizable, elite-level luxury cars ever produced, the Silver Shadow was predictably the favorite of Hollywood’s "A-List" and era's business and political titans.  
 
Numbered SRC17892, this 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow benefits from single-owner care since 1976 and retains the original paint and interior. Offered in excellent condition throughout, it has covered only 40,069 original miles at the time of writing. Another highly desirable and carefully curated collector vehicle from The Last Detail, this British luxury icon benefits from a recent inspection, service, and detailing, making it very well sorted and ready to enjoy, ideal for a multitude of shows, tours, and classic events. Contact us to see this 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow for yourself, get full details, and make it yours today!