agree, it's a crime how many great old cars have been rotting in sheds for years waiting for an even older geezer to "get around to" getting them back on the road.
We're trying our best! I've recently entered my 30s but even so I'm now committed to saving as many of the lovely old cars I grew up with as possible, especially the more forgotten, everyday and less "desirable" ones that are now sadly in very short supply.
Hello, Steph. New to the channel, and I just wanted to share a quick story about a fine British chap I used to work with here in the United States that owned this very car. His name was Alan, and he even wore a Bowler Cap like the one Winston Churchill wore. When Alan moved to the states, He brought his father's Rolls Royce with him. One day, I came in to work and saw Alan's Rolls with the front bumper missing. I asked him and he told me he bumped into another car, and had the bumper shipped back to England to be properly fixed. It looked so strange without the bumper. Great review of this old Beauty. Instantly Recognizable profile and a truly one-of-a-kind Brand, both then and today.
When we got married we hired a Mercedes,it broke down just before it was supposed to pick up the bride! So they sent a Rolls instead it made our day even better.
Reminds me of when we went to Athens & the hotel didn't have our standard king sized bed with bathroom so they gave us the penthouse! It had a big terrace & we could watch the night time light show on the Acropolis. Wish all hotels had that policy!
In 1985 Rolls put a one-off full page ad in Architectural Digest Magazine. Just a photo of a red Corniche and a quote from Frank Lloyd Wright - "Give me the luxuries of life and I will gladly do without the necessities."
Really enjoyed the video, by the way, you don;t need that background music while you are talking , please leave it out, it's a bit repetitive and annoying. Thank you.
I remember the first time I drove one, it was in the early 90's. I'm not sure of the cars date of manufacturer or it's model name, but it looked very similar to what you're driving here, only difference being the color & it was LHD as I am in the US. We had been making some repairs to it at the shop I worked at & I remember thinking that the car was built more like a truck than a car, IMO, everything under the car was heavy duty. I also remember thinking that everything about it was way different than the USA idea of the luxury automobile. I would like to see you one day maybe compare a 70s or 80s RR to a Bentley of the same era. Great video Steph
My great uncle had one of these Rolls when I was a kid. The actual experience cannot be fully described. These cars are truly special. Thanks so much for sharing. I know this is one of your earlier videos, but I just stumbled across it and it brought back so many memories. Keep up the outstanding efforts to set the record straight on these and other magnificent British cars of the 70's and 80's.
I own a Shadow (II) and it is indeed a very lovely vehicle to both behold and drive. Beware though that the series I cars had quite bad steering qualities not being rack and pinion like the later ones. Still a wonderful motor! From Holland, Cheers, Joachim
You got to the top now. I hired one for my carer and myself for three hours in Ayr. However, I got five hours drive around Ayrshire. It took my wheelchair alright in that cavernous boot. One of the best afternoons in my life! Youenjoyed it too!
Great review of a gorgeous car. Cameron does it proud with the way he takes care of it. The leather, by the way, is Connelly hides. They are from Belgium, as barbed wire was banned there, resulting in fewer scars and blemishes in the hides. A side note about the automatic gearbox. For a number of years, GM supplied both the 4 speed Hydramatic and later 3 speed Turbohydramatic 400 transmissions. Later, Rolls-Royce began making the gearboxes under license. They were mystified at first, as the early units did not work well after they moved production in house. Turns out that the machinists at Rolls-Royce were too careful. They had to force themselves to do a more rough and ready job of machining, and let the various pieces wear into each other during break in. Once they did that, the gearboxes proved strong and durable, well able to handle the torque of that glorious 6¾ litre engine. Suspension is almost identical to the Citroën DS cars. Not sure about Shadows, but many standard model saloons had bodies built entirely at Pressed Steel, the same manufacturer as Rover used for body shells. The shells were then transported to Crew for finish and final assembly. As a final note, well done, Cameron. The wind split on the bonnet is right way round. Too many have the point at the front rather than the rear as yours is.
American luxury cars had all the things you commented about back in the 50's. But, with rare exception, they didn't have that lovely craftsmanship. And they certainly didn't have independent rear suspension. On an unrelated note, Cameron is adorable and should be featured in more videos. Oh, to be 20's again . . .
Knew this would be worth the wait. You just levelled up. What a car. Creme of the crop. Nice one Steph. Really good vid and review. Edit. Thanks to Cameron for letting do this review mans a star for this.
I am lucky to own a 1990 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II . I purchased the car in the UK then drove over to Spain where I live . I have done this trip a number of times in other cars but the trip in the Rolls Royce was something special . No matter where I go in Spain people want to know all about the car and compliments come thick and fast . Always wanted one , now I have fulfilled my wish .
My uncle Joe bought a new Rolls Royce, silver shadow , sand over sable color, in 1970. I was 11. GORGEOUS CAR. IN 1974, He taught me how to drive in it. In July, 1975, the day after my 16 th birthday we went to the DMV, And I took my driving test in it. Passed. I loved that car, and taking long trips in it . Nothing drives, feels or smells like a ROLLS. He had it till 1977 when he traded it in for a Porshe Carrera. That was about as different a car as you could get! But boy was it awesome and fun . I'll always have very fond memories of that Silver Shadow. The following year he taught my sister in it too. I hope it still exists, and that someone loves it today. Thanks fo bringing back those memories.
@idriveaclassic Steph, new subscriber here, and I'm really digging your channel! (wondering why the YT algorithm only recently recommended you?) You are delightful, and your enthusiasm makes me happy in these dark times. I'm off to watch Capri Mk II next! Wishing you much success with yor channel! Cheers
I love my 1970 Shadow, the car rides and drives like no other. One effortlessly floats along the highway with all the power one requires and smooth braking from discs all round. Mine was one of the last made by the original Rolls-Royce company, with a Rolls-Royce engine. Nowadays it's a BMW one. Tax exempt and classic insurance less than £150 fully comp. The car is approximately 17ft long and six wide, but square ended, so easy to judge length. Don't buy cheap, it'll cost you a lot to put right! Mine is still excellent after nearly 40 years. As Sir Henry Royce said, 'The quality will remain long after the price is forgotten'. He was right...
Series 1 Shadow, the worse RR ever made. It did not handle well and it drank fuel. I owned a series 1 and 2 different series 2 that are so much better. I also owned a Spur and a Spirit. Its possible to get almost 20MPG from the later Rolls Royce 5.7 litre engine which was fitted for another 25 years after yours was built. Unfortunately now its just krout krap wearing a RR badge.
Rolls did not like taking chances with new innovations. They were the last car to go to disc brakes. But their drum brakes were so good that stopping was never a problem.
Loved her fascination of the electric antenna. On my '86 Corvette, the antenna extends when the radio is turned on and retracts when the radio is turned off or when the key is turned off if the radio is on when you turn off the engine. BTW.....if you're in Kentucky for a visit, you're welcome to review it.
Hi Steph, another great review. I really enjoy your channel. Your reviews are so well done. You always research every car that you review in depth with lots of fascinating facts.. Such a diverse range of cars, every one of them interesting. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to see what car you review next.
What an enjoyable review. Hat off for Camry (if that is his name) for owning a car like this at his age and dealing with it. It has a lot of spirit and soul. I started driving a 1973 Cadillac when I was 25 and used it as a daily driver for 9 years. It was with this experience I started driving a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II on a regular basis as chauffeur when I was in my early 30's. Was I impressed? Well - as long as the road is straight - it is fine, but once you start getting into curvs, it is an experience of it own in a Rolls Royce with Citroên suspension. It feels like cornering a dresser with heavy loaded top drawers. I much rather corner in a 1973 or my later 1978 Cadillac On long drives I do sit more comfortably and relaxed in the Cadillacs (or the Continental I have now) with even armrests for both arms and a steering wheel I can tilt. A Rolls Royce is predominantly a car to be enjoyed from the back seat. I have tried that in model that came after the Silver Shadow II with square headlights and enjoyed it. What surprised me in your enjoyable review is the fact that you are treated disrespectfully in traffic. I did not expect that in the birth place of this iconic car.
@@byteme9718 I looked this reference up, but it is not new to me. Have always know this: Hydropneumatic suspension is a type of motor vehicle suspension system, designed by Paul Magès, invented by Citroën, and fitted to Citroën cars, as well as being used under licence by other car manufacturers, notably Rolls-Royce (Silver Shadow),
@@@byteme9718 Does this explain why you never see a Silver Shadow drop flat to the floor, whilst parked like you occaisionally will see Mercedes 450 and 600 do?
Great Rolls. I worked at a Cadillac dealer and we shared our shop with the Bentley dealership. Every now and then one of these would show up for matinance. Quite pricey to maintain. As big as they are a customer brought in a 76 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. These are gigantic! 233.7 inches long, 79.8 inches wide with a 133 inch wheelbase. Seeing one now makes all the Japanese and Korean things look like toys. Check one out on the internet. The ultimate is the Talisman. Love your channel.
What a stunning car, I would be very privileged to drive something like this, its huge. How big is the boot Steph? I recently drove my friends mk5 cortina and that was brilliant fun.
You really suit a Roller of this era. Always makes me smile when you get excited about electric windows and seats as most of my classics have been 70's to 90's barges although my Land Rovers would make a Morris Minor look like a luxury car. Amazing job as always x
'At 70mph the loudest thing you can hear is the ticking of the dashboard clock.' Another RR advertising quote. OK, it would get them in trouble with the ASA today but what a wonderful way to get the message across that this car is QUIET. I have long wanted a Shadow and this video has only increased my yearning. They are just so affordable but I don't have a spare garage. I wonder how well it would stand up to being parked outside all year round. I'd hate to inflict that on such a gorgeous old lady. One day…
Now that you’ve driven the Roly-Poly, try a Series 3 Jaguar or Daimler V12. The silence is uncanny and the silky power delivery is phenomenal. Handling and suspension in the XJ cars is much different to the R-R...Would be really interesting to see you do that...unless you’ve done it already. Try for a late car. Enjoyed your review of this Shadow...
Hey Steph, I have started my Rolls Royce search journey and stumbled across your channel. This review was one of the best I have seen! I also enjoyed your Silver Spirit review so much! Between yourself and Cameron, I am more convinced the Shadow is the model for me. I would love to ask Cameron some questions about his journey - perhaps you can pass on my comments to him and he could contact me... I'm in Australia :-)
Steph - Can I tell you how much I absolutely adore you?! No worries, I'm gay and 62. LOL! Love, love, love your videos and so great to see a young woman who is so passionate about classic cars :-)
Isn't that the radio is built into the center console? The upper void in the dashboard may have been a that Kenwood unit with a cassette tape player. Probably impossible to find a replacement for that today. Of course, it could have been a radar screen that M used to track 007.
Ahhh some car that.. ! A big magic carpet that just wafts along. Great review as always Steph - A look at how the other half live. That had equipment that your modern car is only getting now - A doggy one of them cars is a money pit and would never be right meanwhile that one you drove is in impecable shape with a full history. Lucky Cameron - Well Done !
Very nice Shadow 1 and yes they are a dream to drive, I run a 1980 Shadow 2 and now a days you get a lot of car for your money.I have always wondered why Rolls Royce never fitted a near side driving mirror. Love your channel and will keep watching.
Thanks for that bit of info I see were your coming from because I did have one eventually fitted to mine in the garage I use and with me sat in the drivers seat it took two of the lads to position it and to mark were it was going,it's an improvement but not perfect.
What an amazing car Steph and so jealous about you driving it, those cars werent just big lumps of metal they could shift when you needed to. I love all classic brit motors but puts my ford sierra to shame lol
@@mscott3918 Well thats a 4 litre R-R in reality hahah, the body was designed by Pininfarina built by BMC the same company that produced the Shadow body in reality as they where built at pressed steel so it really is a mini Rolls-Royce hahah
Around 1978 I bought a 1968 Shadow 1 for £9000 as a promise to my self at the time and got involved with wedding hire .I soon learned that my car had a 4 speed "Crew box"that made a MPG painful 8MPG.I later had a 1971 Bentley Sports in RR livery that had a GM 3 speed box and improved the MPG to a princely 12 MPG.Along with most cars at that time both cars suffered from constant rust .It should be noted that these cars were basically kit cars that used many parts from other makers including the Citroen suspension and braking systems.
Wonderful presentation and charming video! I drive one of these daily, and you have got it right! One minor note- it's not the "parts" that cost terribly much but the labor and expertise involved that makes them expensive to run.
Nice review - thanks. I had a Shadow 2 in the 1990s - great fun, especially when you drove it to the local tip or the chip shop! BTW The bodies for the Shadow were made by Pressed Steel - a subsidiary of BL............ The Series 2 had fully automatic air conditioning, using an analogue computer which took 6 years to develop. The A/C had the same power as 60 domestic refrigerators and the heating output was the equivalent to a gas boiler used to heat a three bedroomed house! This series 1 looks great - and they are still such amazing value! I seem to remember that the front brake pads were the same as a Ford Cortina - except the RR used two sets.
I think what astonishes me the most about these cars is that these were hand built by a bunch of blokes in overalls with fingers like carrots and with rudimentary tools. There were no robots, very little machinery and the quality control was performed with the human eye. It’s amazing to think what can be achieved by people when someone invests in training them and allows them to develop experience over the years. There’s a very good reason why modern cars are soulless, it’s because with these old cars, the people who made them had a relationship with them and a wee bit of their soul is in every one of these machines. Thank you for uploading a brilliant vid of such a beautiful machine 😀
Steph ... fyi British Leyland did make the body panels. It was at the old Pressed Steel Fisher works at Castle Bromwich (where Spitfires were also made). I worked on the automated body storage system there. No doubt the boys and girls in Crewe did a bit of fiddling, but the primary source was BL.
"Gratuitous chrome everywhere!" LOL. I loved this review. Many of the things that you found most impressive were standard on high-range American cars at that time: V8 engine, power seats & windows, auto transmission, etc. In fact, RR did not develop their own auto tranny, they used the GM Turbo Hydramatic. But then, no Buick had matched real wood veneer. If you can, I would love to see you drive an Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. I know they are rare, but they were wonderful automobiles, and we never got them here.
You do such a great job,and video. Good to see young people appreciate a shot at perfection. I,wish the young people your age in America have your love for these cars.They love junk in America.
You said it Steph, 'What a car!'. Looking down that wonderful bonnet with the Spirit of Ecstacy on top of that iconic grille. It doesn't get much better.
Steph is a natural , I don't watch TV , but if she doesn't get signed up for a television programme , they're missing out. A good clear speaker , a lovely warm personality , an attractive lady , and a true car enthusiast .
Steph, there is still a BL connection. As the Silver Shadow was the first Rolls-Royce (always hyphenated) car with unitary construction, the pressings were made by Press Steel, which was bought by Morris many years ago.
If you’re ever in the U.S. you’re more than welcome to come and review my 1966 Cadillac Edlorado! It’s 19 feet long which is I think 5.8 meters. Lol that’s really long for a convertible but it really is fun to drive. (I’m in western North Carolina)
You are very good at describing this vehicle, your voice is lovely and clear without stammering and saying ummm. Keep up the good work or fun depending on your view.
Beautifully restored Silver Shadow. The engine is of course a special challenge. The dignity of the Rolls Royce has changed. Once the limousine for heads of state and corporate bosses, the Rolls Royce is now the car for everyone.
I love the fact a lad in his 20's is keeping a 70's Shadow on the road. Guys like him are the future of the classic car world 👍
Well said that man.
agree, it's a crime how many great old cars have been rotting in sheds for years waiting for an even older geezer to "get around to" getting them back on the road.
We're trying our best! I've recently entered my 30s but even so I'm now committed to saving as many of the lovely old cars I grew up with as possible, especially the more forgotten, everyday and less "desirable" ones that are now sadly in very short supply.
@@Howlingd0g Good man, if i had the cash & the space i'd be right there with you.
I'm 15 and love all sorts of classic cars - despite my channel suggesting otherwise 😂😂
Hi Steph, You know your channels getting some credibility when you get offered a roller. Great stuff. Love it.
Just bought a 1968 silver shadow at 23 and Im so happy other young guys are doing it too! Its a dream to drive but a gas guzzler to the extreme
Good for you. I had a Corniche convertible when I was your age, and for the last 39 years have had a Silver Cloud III.
I'm in the states. When I was 20, I purchased a 1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III. Good memories.
You can install a more modern transmission with taller final drive and your gas mileage will go way up.
"Gratuitous chrome" best phrase I've heard all day. Love it !
Hello, Steph. New to the channel, and I just wanted to share a quick story about a fine British chap I used to work with here in the United States that owned this very car. His name was Alan, and he even wore a Bowler Cap like the one Winston Churchill wore. When Alan moved to the states, He brought his father's Rolls Royce with him. One day, I came in to work and saw Alan's Rolls with the front bumper missing. I asked him and he told me he bumped into another car, and had the bumper shipped back to England to be properly fixed. It looked so strange without the bumper. Great review of this old Beauty. Instantly Recognizable profile and a truly one-of-a-kind Brand, both then and today.
When we got married we hired a Mercedes,it broke down just before it was supposed to pick up the bride! So they sent a Rolls instead it made our day even better.
Reminds me of when we went to Athens & the hotel didn't have our standard king sized bed with bathroom so they gave us the penthouse! It had a big terrace & we could watch the night time light show on the Acropolis. Wish all hotels had that policy!
Love Steph's reviews done with passion by a real enthusiast
Great review, Steph. Rolls-Royce used to say 'You remember the quality long after the price is forgotten.' How true. Wonderful car.
In 1985 Rolls put a one-off full page ad in Architectural Digest Magazine. Just a photo of a red Corniche and a quote from Frank Lloyd Wright - "Give me the luxuries of life and I will gladly do without the necessities."
Steph, all of your videos are so informative... you seem to have so much potential on UA-cam, please keep producing these amazing videos!
What a lovely review! I’ve always had a soft spot for these. Your enthusiasm is quite infectious! Thank you, keep them coming.
Really enjoyed the video, by the way, you don;t need that background music while you are talking , please leave it out, it's a bit repetitive and annoying. Thank you.
A lovely British girl and a true car enthusiast at heart. Love your videos, especially the Silver Spirit one❤️😘
fall asleep in it i could happily live in it i LOVE Rolls Royce Shadows thank you Steph for showing us this example
I remember the first time I drove one, it was in the early 90's. I'm not sure of the cars date of manufacturer or it's model name, but it looked very similar to what you're driving here, only difference being the color & it was LHD as I am in the US. We had been making some repairs to it at the shop I worked at & I remember thinking that the car was built more like a truck than a car, IMO, everything under the car was heavy duty. I also remember thinking that everything about it was way different than the USA idea of the luxury automobile. I would like to see you one day maybe compare a 70s or 80s RR to a Bentley of the same era. Great video Steph
What a great review of such a beautiful car. Thank you Steph, the best half an hour of my day. Greetings from Buenos Aires!
My great uncle had one of these Rolls when I was a kid. The actual experience cannot be fully described. These cars are truly special. Thanks so much for sharing. I know this is one of your earlier videos, but I just stumbled across it and it brought back so many memories. Keep up the outstanding efforts to set the record straight on these and other magnificent British cars of the 70's and 80's.
I own a Shadow (II) and it is indeed a very lovely vehicle to both behold and drive. Beware though that the series I cars had quite bad steering qualities not being rack and pinion like the later ones. Still a wonderful motor! From Holland, Cheers, Joachim
You got to the top now. I hired one for my carer and myself for three hours in Ayr. However, I got five hours drive around Ayrshire. It took my wheelchair alright in that cavernous boot. One of the best afternoons in my life! Youenjoyed it too!
Great review of a gorgeous car. Cameron does it proud with the way he takes care of it. The leather, by the way, is Connelly hides. They are from Belgium, as barbed wire was banned there, resulting in fewer scars and blemishes in the hides. A side note about the automatic gearbox. For a number of years, GM supplied both the 4 speed Hydramatic and later 3 speed Turbohydramatic 400 transmissions. Later, Rolls-Royce began making the gearboxes under license. They were mystified at first, as the early units did not work well after they moved production in house. Turns out that the machinists at Rolls-Royce were too careful. They had to force themselves to do a more rough and ready job of machining, and let the various pieces wear into each other during break in. Once they did that, the gearboxes proved strong and durable, well able to handle the torque of that glorious 6¾ litre engine. Suspension is almost identical to the Citroën DS cars. Not sure about Shadows, but many standard model saloons had bodies built entirely at Pressed Steel, the same manufacturer as Rover used for body shells. The shells were then transported to Crew for finish and final assembly. As a final note, well done, Cameron. The wind split on the bonnet is right way round. Too many have the point at the front rather than the rear as yours is.
Oh very nice Steph - I would absolutely love one of these to cruise around in but I have too many cars as it is!
Cheers from a Silver Spur owner in the US! Love your channel!
Is there a chance you could somehow get to review a Jensen Interceptor and/or a Bristol??? Thanks Steph. Amazing channel!!!
American luxury cars had all the things you commented about back in the 50's. But, with rare exception, they didn't have that lovely craftsmanship. And they certainly didn't have independent rear suspension. On an unrelated note, Cameron is adorable and should be featured in more videos. Oh, to be 20's again . . .
I would truly love to have a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
Wow Cameron is one lucky young man, it’s a beautiful car. As you say very advanced for its age. Steph you are so lucky driving such a wonderful car.
Great review! Best and most good-looking RR ever! Such a classy, elegant, graceful car....
Knew this would be worth the wait. You just levelled up. What a car. Creme of the crop. Nice one Steph. Really good vid and review. Edit. Thanks to Cameron for letting do this review mans a star for this.
I am lucky to own a 1990 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II . I purchased the car in the UK then drove over to Spain where I live . I have done this trip a number of times in other cars but the trip in the Rolls Royce was something special . No matter where I go in Spain people want to know all about the car and compliments come thick and fast . Always wanted one , now I have fulfilled my wish .
My uncle Joe bought a new Rolls Royce, silver shadow , sand over sable color, in 1970. I was 11. GORGEOUS CAR. IN 1974, He taught me how to drive in it. In July, 1975, the day after my 16 th birthday we went to the DMV, And I took my driving test in it. Passed. I loved that car, and taking long trips in it . Nothing drives, feels or smells like a ROLLS. He had it till 1977 when he traded it in for a Porshe Carrera. That was about as different a car as you could get! But boy was it awesome and fun . I'll always have very fond memories of that Silver Shadow. The following year he taught my sister in it too. I hope it still exists, and that someone loves it today. Thanks fo bringing back those memories.
@idriveaclassic Steph, new subscriber here, and I'm really digging your channel! (wondering why the YT algorithm only recently recommended you?) You are delightful, and your enthusiasm makes me happy in these dark times. I'm off to watch Capri Mk II next! Wishing you much success with yor channel! Cheers
What a great car great review that’s it now you hit the high life no going back x
I love these, had several. Every car enthusiast should experience one.
My late uncle owned one of these in the late 1970’s Garnet with pale grey interior. It was my job as a teenager to clean it back then, loved it!
Thanks for sharing this elegant car with us - and to Craig for lending it. I have so enjoyed this and your other car reviews
Great review Ma’am, looked like you were born to drive it 😀. Well done Cameron for keeping such a magnificent car on the road.
I sit in the back seat of one of these few years ago , simply magical 🙂
Wow! These are like living in another world! "I know my place!" 🤣 I admire Cameron for taking one of these on.
Gorgeous Rolls Royce, great video!!! Love the interior and exterior!! Thank you!!
The Sliver Shadow II is my absolute dream car. It had a radio fitted in the back of the middle console. Did you miss that?
lucky enough to have driven my brothers shadow for two years, great cars, fond memories, just found this channel, great stuff
I LOVE your videos, random and brilliant - WELL DONE and keep doing them :-)
You are such a lovely and positive person, I am super happy to watch and find your channel :) Howdy from Texas!
20 MPG is pretty impressive for such a car. My 2.8 Granadas barely managed more than that round town, however 38 MPG was typical on the motorway.
I love my 1970 Shadow, the car rides and drives like no other. One effortlessly floats along the highway with all the power one requires and smooth braking from discs all round. Mine was one of the last made by the original Rolls-Royce company, with a Rolls-Royce engine. Nowadays it's a BMW one. Tax exempt and classic insurance less than £150 fully comp. The car is approximately 17ft long and six wide, but square ended, so easy to judge length. Don't buy cheap, it'll cost you a lot to put right! Mine is still excellent after nearly 40 years. As Sir Henry Royce said, 'The quality will remain long after the price is forgotten'. He was right...
Oops, I meant after nearly 50 years. Can't count - a senior moment there! :o)
Series 1 Shadow, the worse RR ever made. It did not handle well and it drank fuel. I owned a series 1 and 2 different series 2 that are so much better. I also owned a Spur and a Spirit. Its possible to get almost 20MPG from the later Rolls Royce 5.7 litre engine which was fitted for another 25 years after yours was built. Unfortunately now its just krout krap wearing a RR badge.
Rolls did not like taking chances with new innovations. They were the last car to go to disc brakes. But their drum brakes were so good that stopping was never a problem.
Loved her fascination of the electric antenna.
On my '86 Corvette, the antenna extends when the radio is turned on and retracts when the radio is turned off or when the key is turned off if the radio is on when you turn off the engine.
BTW.....if you're in Kentucky for a visit, you're welcome to review it.
Hi Steph, another great review. I really enjoy your channel. Your reviews are so well done. You always research every car that you review in depth with lots of fascinating facts.. Such a diverse range of cars, every one of them interesting. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to see what car you review next.
This shape was THE Roller when I was a kid. So when I think of a Rolls Royce, this is the shape that immediately springs to mind.
@@terrymurphy2032 They probably were.
Steph....you are fantastic...love ur vids...fair cheers me up . Thank you x
If I ever buy RR , this would be the model I’d buy … when I think of Rolls Royce , I see this car … absolutely gorgeous
What an enjoyable review. Hat off for Camry (if that is his name) for owning a car like this at his age and dealing with it. It has a lot of spirit and soul.
I started driving a 1973 Cadillac when I was 25 and used it as a daily driver for 9 years. It was with this experience I started driving a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II
on a regular basis as chauffeur when I was in my early 30's. Was I impressed? Well - as long as the road is straight - it is fine, but once you start getting into curvs,
it is an experience of it own in a Rolls Royce with Citroên suspension. It feels like cornering a dresser with heavy loaded top drawers.
I much rather corner in a 1973 or my later 1978 Cadillac
On long drives I do sit more comfortably and relaxed in the Cadillacs (or the Continental I have now) with even armrests for both arms and a steering wheel I can tilt.
A Rolls Royce is predominantly a car to be enjoyed from the back seat. I have tried that in model that came after the Silver Shadow II with square headlights and enjoyed it.
What surprised me in your enjoyable review is the fact that you are treated disrespectfully in traffic.
I did not expect that in the birth place of this iconic car.
@@byteme9718
I looked this reference up, but it is not new to me. Have always know this:
Hydropneumatic suspension is a type of motor vehicle suspension system, designed by Paul Magès, invented by Citroën, and fitted to Citroën cars, as well as being used under licence by other car manufacturers, notably Rolls-Royce (Silver Shadow),
@@@byteme9718
Does this explain why you never see a Silver Shadow drop flat to the floor, whilst parked like you occaisionally will see Mercedes 450 and 600 do?
Awesome, cracking film, my dream car is a shadow 2. You now need to drive one to compare. I have and the comparison would make a good film.
That's a lovely example. Awesome review 👍
Great Rolls. I worked at a Cadillac dealer and we shared our shop with the Bentley dealership. Every now and then one of these would show up for matinance. Quite pricey to maintain. As big as they are a customer brought in a 76 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. These are gigantic! 233.7 inches long, 79.8 inches wide with a 133 inch wheelbase. Seeing one now makes all the Japanese and Korean things look like toys. Check one out on the internet. The ultimate is the Talisman. Love your channel.
What a stunning car, I would be very privileged to drive something like this, its huge.
How big is the boot Steph?
I recently drove my friends mk5 cortina and that was brilliant fun.
The boot is about 22 cubic feet.
1966 was my favourite! I loved that car.
Big Lazy 70,S V8 Roll,s Royce Shadow.What can i say.Great video and YES i want one CLASS.....Loving this....
I loved watching this video and feel inspired to replace my modern car with a RR Shad, beautiful car, great review, brilliant!
Alex Moulton was BMC through and through and he had one of these. Great video, nice enthusiastic commentary.
Another great review Steph. I would have liked more time looking forward along that bonnet as you were driving though.
You look like you belong in the era of that car! Great review, keep up the good work. Hope you get millions of views; Cheers!
You really suit a Roller of this era. Always makes me smile when you get excited about electric windows and seats as most of my classics have been 70's to 90's barges although my Land Rovers would make a Morris Minor look like a luxury car. Amazing job as always x
Ive got one. Also, th XJ6 Series 1 and Daimler Series 1 were equally as wonderful
'At 70mph the loudest thing you can hear is the ticking of the dashboard clock.' Another RR advertising quote. OK, it would get them in trouble with the ASA today but what a wonderful way to get the message across that this car is QUIET. I have long wanted a Shadow and this video has only increased my yearning. They are just so affordable but I don't have a spare garage. I wonder how well it would stand up to being parked outside all year round. I'd hate to inflict that on such a gorgeous old lady. One day…
It has a quartz clock, it dont tick
Woo look at you! Fair play to you, I'd jump at the chance to drive that!
What a delightful video, and your enthusiasm is infectious. What fun! I’m a subscriber to your channel now.
Now that you’ve driven the Roly-Poly, try a Series 3 Jaguar or Daimler V12. The silence is uncanny and the silky power delivery is phenomenal. Handling and suspension in the XJ cars is much different to the R-R...Would be really interesting to see you do that...unless you’ve done it already. Try for a late car. Enjoyed your review of this Shadow...
What an amazing car - thank you such for sharing this lovely car! Cameron is lovely too.
Hey Steph, I have started my Rolls Royce search journey and stumbled across your channel. This review was one of the best I have seen! I also enjoyed your Silver Spirit review so much! Between yourself and Cameron, I am more convinced the Shadow is the model for me. I would love to ask Cameron some questions about his journey - perhaps you can pass on my comments to him and he could contact me... I'm in Australia :-)
Excellent.....often wondered if you would step up to road testing a Rolls! Thanks!
That empty space on the dash cannot be for a radio as there is a radio in the centre console. Was it perhaps for an ashtray that is missing?
Steph should be doing top gear, shes easy going, calm and humourous. Most of all knowledgeable on cars. She would be good on any car TV program.
Anyone else notice the top of the passegerside su carb is unscrewed?
Yes, and at 3:30 the concertina plastic air inlet pipe between the carbs looks like it is splitting so needs replacement.
Steph - Can I tell you how much I absolutely adore you?! No worries, I'm gay and 62. LOL! Love, love, love your videos and so great to see a young woman who is so passionate about classic cars :-)
Haha!! That’s crazy coz I was going to say EXACTLY the same thing too as I’m 62 & gay as well!!
Isn't that the radio is built into the center console? The upper void in the dashboard may have been a that Kenwood unit with a cassette tape player. Probably impossible to find a replacement for that today. Of course, it could have been a radar screen that M used to track 007.
Ahhh some car that.. ! A big magic carpet that just wafts along. Great review as always Steph - A look at how the other half live. That had equipment that your modern car is only getting now - A doggy one of them cars is a money pit and would never be right meanwhile that one you drove is in impecable shape with a full history. Lucky Cameron - Well Done !
Very nice Shadow 1 and yes they are a dream to drive, I run a 1980 Shadow 2 and now a days you get a lot of car for your money.I have always wondered why Rolls Royce never fitted a near side driving mirror. Love your channel and will keep watching.
Thanks for that bit of info I see were your coming from because I did have one eventually fitted to mine in the garage I use and with me sat in the drivers seat it took two of the lads to position it and to mark were it was going,it's an improvement but not perfect.
What an amazing car Steph and so jealous about you driving it, those cars werent just big lumps of metal they could shift when you needed to. I love all classic brit motors but puts my ford sierra to shame lol
You might find compacted luxury in a Vanden Plas 1300 ADO16
They were known as the Rolls Royce for the lady.
Also the Princess 4 Litre R. My mother liked those, despite their problems.
@@mscott3918 Well thats a 4 litre R-R in reality hahah, the body was designed by Pininfarina built by BMC the same company that produced the Shadow body in reality as they where built at pressed steel so it really is a mini Rolls-Royce hahah
Around 1978 I bought a 1968 Shadow 1 for £9000 as a promise to my self at the time and got involved with wedding hire .I soon learned that my car had a 4 speed "Crew box"that made a MPG painful 8MPG.I later had a 1971 Bentley Sports in RR livery that had a GM 3 speed box and improved the MPG to a princely 12 MPG.Along with most cars at that time both cars suffered from constant rust .It should be noted that these cars were basically kit cars that used many parts from other makers including the Citroen suspension and braking systems.
Wonderful presentation and charming video! I drive one of these daily, and you have got it right! One minor note- it's not the "parts" that cost terribly much but the labor and expertise involved that makes them expensive to run.
Nice review - thanks. I had a Shadow 2 in the 1990s - great fun, especially when you drove it to the local tip or the chip shop! BTW The bodies for the Shadow were made by Pressed Steel - a subsidiary of BL............ The Series 2 had fully automatic air conditioning, using an analogue computer which took 6 years to develop. The A/C had the same power as 60 domestic refrigerators and the heating output was the equivalent to a gas boiler used to heat a three bedroomed house! This series 1 looks great - and they are still such amazing value! I seem to remember that the front brake pads were the same as a Ford Cortina - except the RR used two sets.
I think what astonishes me the most about these cars is that these were hand built by a bunch of blokes in overalls with fingers like carrots and with rudimentary tools. There were no robots, very little machinery and the quality control was performed with the human eye.
It’s amazing to think what can be achieved by people when someone invests in training them and allows them to develop experience over the years. There’s a very good reason why modern cars are soulless, it’s because with these old cars, the people who made them had a relationship with them and a wee bit of their soul is in every one of these machines.
Thank you for uploading a brilliant vid of such a beautiful machine 😀
Beautiful car!Classy and elegant.Good on the young lad for taking one on!Todays Rolls Royces have lost something......
'Nice GSM on this paper' - Wow Steph, you 'ave all the lingo!
Damn that is a nice ride, cheers to the young man for keeping this
excellent videos keep them coming!! 5*****
Steph ... fyi British Leyland did make the body panels. It was at the old Pressed Steel Fisher works at Castle Bromwich (where Spitfires were also made). I worked on the automated body storage system there. No doubt the boys and girls in Crewe did a bit of fiddling, but the primary source was BL.
"Gratuitous chrome everywhere!" LOL. I loved this review. Many of the things that you found most impressive were standard on high-range American cars at that time: V8 engine, power seats & windows, auto transmission, etc. In fact, RR did not develop their own auto tranny, they used the GM Turbo Hydramatic. But then, no Buick had matched real wood veneer. If you can, I would love to see you drive an Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. I know they are rare, but they were wonderful automobiles, and we never got them here.
Hi, came across your channel last night, which I've now subscribed to, fantastic channel, keep up the good work, regards Graham.
You do such a great job,and video. Good to see young people appreciate a shot at perfection. I,wish the young people your age in America have your love for these cars.They love junk in America.
You said it Steph, 'What a car!'. Looking down that wonderful bonnet with the Spirit of Ecstacy on top of that iconic grille. It doesn't get much better.
Steph is a natural , I don't watch TV , but if she doesn't get signed up for a television programme , they're missing out. A good clear speaker , a lovely warm personality , an attractive lady , and a true car enthusiast .
You really do your research! I love the car, I’m actually looking into buying a 1961-62 Silver Shadow Drophead Coupe
Do you mean a Silver Cloud? The Shadow wasn't made that early.
Has the rolls been restored or is it original it looks to be in really nice shape I have seen owners manuals bound in leather
So much going on that I agree Steph ? Great review.
Steph, there is still a BL connection. As the Silver Shadow was the first Rolls-Royce (always hyphenated) car with unitary construction, the pressings were made by Press Steel, which was bought by Morris many years ago.
The RR monocoque was made at Cowley, Oxford, along with BL cars and Peugeots.
Fantastic review Steph - thank you for this vid - maybe I'll float past you in mine if I can find a good 'un.
If you’re ever in the U.S. you’re more than welcome to come and review my 1966 Cadillac Edlorado! It’s 19 feet long which is I think 5.8 meters. Lol that’s really long for a convertible but it really is fun to drive.
(I’m in western North Carolina)
You are very good at describing this vehicle, your voice is lovely and clear without stammering and saying ummm. Keep up the good work or fun depending on your view.
Fun and interesting !
" Life is for Living "
Beautifully restored Silver Shadow. The engine is of course a special challenge. The dignity of the Rolls Royce has changed. Once the limousine for heads of state and corporate bosses, the Rolls Royce is now the car for everyone.