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Car of the Month - June 2009 |
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 A comparatively recent trend of some motor car magazines has been the “Back-to-Back” survey with a group test of certain makes and models which might for one reason or another be considered as competitors. A weak point of such comparison is that criteria and content are infinitely variable. To compare a Rolls-Silver Shadow II with e.g. products from the Jaguar or Mercedes-Benz range of the time can be revealing, but cannot be definitive. With its extraordinary smooth and silky ride, silent and even performance the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II was in a class of its own; there is no comparison.
This is even more so if a car is found in an almost unbelievable time warp original condition, cosmetically and mechanically. Such can only be achieved, of course, with maintenance to the highest standard inside and out. In the case of this Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, #SRF31396, the very low mileage is worth a note, too. Originally delivered to an owner living in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, on 22nd July 1977, the car led a very gentle life and travelled only 8,000 miles between 1977 and 1984. It was scrupulously maintained and serviced during this period. Service every 6 months was kept as a rule when later the annual mileage dropped and between 1984 and 1999 a mere 4,000 miles were added. Having been re-located to California in 1999 it has travelled not quite that much again, bringing its total mileage to 23,800 in 2009. The unmarked exterior of this car has been maintained in flawless condition; typical lead seam cracking issues have been carefully and invisibly addressed, all the original factory body preparation being carefully preserved under a very fine overcoating. There is zero rust; the brightwork and glass appear as new, not to mention the underside of the car, which looks as fresh as it must have the day it rolled off the factory floor; and it had never suffered, of course, to be involved in any accident. Well then, the Californian climate has been a bonus.
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.A Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II kept in such an amazingly new state of preservation could hardly be compared to any other luxury motor car that left the factory more than 3 decades ago; it is in a class of its own.
Having given all these details there remains the question if there isn’t one single point at least, which is not entirely ok? Yes, there is! - Alas, the description above doesn’t end with the hint that here is a chance to acquire a low mileage Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II in perfect condition; this car is not for sale.
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The
all-original interior is in impeccable condition; enhanced by the fact the
driver was non-smoker and no-one else on board was ever allowed to a
cigarette. Perfect uncracked and flawless burled maple wood veneers with
their original lacquer finish are as delightful as the unmarked fine
leather. The carpets are as new and a spare, unused set of moutons is still
in their original factory issue box.
