1967 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Coupe

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow line of automobiles represented a significant shift for the luxury car automaker and forever changed the firm's image from a producer of chauffeur-driven automobiles to owner- driven coupes and sedans. The cars featured a new, timeless design and the basic contour of the Silver Shadow remained with the company for over 2 decades.

This Salon was constructed at Crewe and finished by Mulliner Park Ward in London. It was originally delivered in spring of 1967 to Pasadena importer of British cars, Peter Satori. J.B. Nethercutt purchased this Metallic Ruby Red Rolls-Royce on March 1st of 1967 for $34,212. Early in its history the car was displayed at the Concours of the Americas.

By 1976, the car had accumulated around 70,000 miles. After its duties as a daily driver had been performed, it was retired and became a museum display where it was a fixture for nearly a decade.

In 2010, the car was purchased by the present owner who treated it to numerous maintenance task. The work included a thorough check and servicing of the fuel system and rear axles, as well as updating the air-conditioning system to function with R-134 refrigerant.

Currently, the car displays 88,000 original miles. Power is from a 6,230cc overhead valve V-8 engine fitted with Twin SU carburetors. It produces 200 horsepower and there is a three-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, AZ. It was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $70,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had sold for the sum of $33,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012