The best place for a RR Silver Shadow 1
Discussion
Hi to you all
I am in the process of searching for a low milage late RR Silver Shadow series 1. I have been doing my homework on these cars, and the deeper I get into the details of the mechanics, maintenance, parts cost and in general the overall up keep of these cars the more scary I find it. My backround is TVR,S & Jags and trust me I have spent thousands on both marks.
The problem that I am up against is that most of the cars advertised have no substantial history over the last 5-10 years, I am not intrested what service took place 25-30 years ago, I strongly believe that we need to see recent activity in the service book. What I mean is that they are mainly owned by the middle class man, just like myself, do no more than 1000 miles a year if that, and take the car down to their local grease monkey mechanic/ MOT centre who really knows nothing about these cars, puts another years MOT on the old girl and then get advertised as a super runner that needs nothing.
I myself am that middle class man BUT has spent fortunes in the upkeep of all my previous cars as I like them to be right. There are many out ther like me, but you try finding a RRSS 1 with money spent on it over the last 10 years.
The point I am trying to make is that it's proving very difficult to find a good A1 condition car that comes with a folder full of receits from the previous owners over the last few years. I have spoken to a large number of specialist all over the country, and the boys in the know have warned me that you could easily spend £10k plus on general mechanical work without blinking an eyelid. That's not to even mention slight body work or interior attention.
Some of the private dealers will not entertaine you taking the car to a well established specialist as they probably dread the list of faults that may be present.
Any help from SS1 or SS2 owners is extremely welcome and could you also please be kind enough to suggest garages in Essex, Herts or even Surrey that are truly No.1 in the maintenance of these cars.
I hope my comments do not offend anyone, all I am stating is the fact that purchasing one of these cars is not straight forward. You do however meet and speak to some wonderfull people.
Thanking you all in advance.
Chris
I am in the process of searching for a low milage late RR Silver Shadow series 1. I have been doing my homework on these cars, and the deeper I get into the details of the mechanics, maintenance, parts cost and in general the overall up keep of these cars the more scary I find it. My backround is TVR,S & Jags and trust me I have spent thousands on both marks.
The problem that I am up against is that most of the cars advertised have no substantial history over the last 5-10 years, I am not intrested what service took place 25-30 years ago, I strongly believe that we need to see recent activity in the service book. What I mean is that they are mainly owned by the middle class man, just like myself, do no more than 1000 miles a year if that, and take the car down to their local grease monkey mechanic/ MOT centre who really knows nothing about these cars, puts another years MOT on the old girl and then get advertised as a super runner that needs nothing.
I myself am that middle class man BUT has spent fortunes in the upkeep of all my previous cars as I like them to be right. There are many out ther like me, but you try finding a RRSS 1 with money spent on it over the last 10 years.
The point I am trying to make is that it's proving very difficult to find a good A1 condition car that comes with a folder full of receits from the previous owners over the last few years. I have spoken to a large number of specialist all over the country, and the boys in the know have warned me that you could easily spend £10k plus on general mechanical work without blinking an eyelid. That's not to even mention slight body work or interior attention.
Some of the private dealers will not entertaine you taking the car to a well established specialist as they probably dread the list of faults that may be present.
Any help from SS1 or SS2 owners is extremely welcome and could you also please be kind enough to suggest garages in Essex, Herts or even Surrey that are truly No.1 in the maintenance of these cars.
I hope my comments do not offend anyone, all I am stating is the fact that purchasing one of these cars is not straight forward. You do however meet and speak to some wonderfull people.
Thanking you all in advance.
Chris
Hi Chris,
You're absolutely right that recent service history (and from a reputable specialist) is the key thing here. Be wary, also, of cars that are being sold with the dubious 'benefit' of low mileage. These cars need to be used to keep them in good fettle.
In terms of specialists in your preferred area, I would suggest:
P&A Wood, Essex - http://www.pa-wood.co.uk/ - by no means the cheapest, but with a great, long-established reputation
Royce Engineering, Surrey - http://www.royceservice.co.uk/
Nigel Sandell, Middlesex - http://www.nsandell.com/ - Nigel looks after my cars and is well known as James May's mechanic (among other notable celebrity types!). He's also a thoroughly nice chap.
Good luck in your search. Also bear in mind that good cars often come up for sale through the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club, which I would strongly recommend you join.
Cheers,
Darren.
You're absolutely right that recent service history (and from a reputable specialist) is the key thing here. Be wary, also, of cars that are being sold with the dubious 'benefit' of low mileage. These cars need to be used to keep them in good fettle.
In terms of specialists in your preferred area, I would suggest:
P&A Wood, Essex - http://www.pa-wood.co.uk/ - by no means the cheapest, but with a great, long-established reputation
Royce Engineering, Surrey - http://www.royceservice.co.uk/
Nigel Sandell, Middlesex - http://www.nsandell.com/ - Nigel looks after my cars and is well known as James May's mechanic (among other notable celebrity types!). He's also a thoroughly nice chap.
Good luck in your search. Also bear in mind that good cars often come up for sale through the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club, which I would strongly recommend you join.
Cheers,
Darren.
As you know, Pistonheads has a strict naming and shaming policy, which makes it difficult to name the bad dealers, of which there are quite a few. . . . . so I can’t publicly say who not to deal with
May I suggest that prior to taking the plunge, you ask about specific cars, as it’s a very small world and sometimes people are aware of a vehicles history
May I suggest that prior to taking the plunge, you ask about specific cars, as it’s a very small world and sometimes people are aware of a vehicles history
Thanking you both for your tips guys.
It's funny that out of the 3 specialists I have known about 2 of them. I have today made contact with Nigel and he too apears to be a top fella. All 3 garages have been superb. The problem is trying to find a car for sale that has been maintained by them in the colur spec etc that you are happy with, not to even mention at the right price.
I will keep you all posted.
Once again tanking you for your advice and tips to you both.
It's funny that out of the 3 specialists I have known about 2 of them. I have today made contact with Nigel and he too apears to be a top fella. All 3 garages have been superb. The problem is trying to find a car for sale that has been maintained by them in the colur spec etc that you are happy with, not to even mention at the right price.
I will keep you all posted.
Once again tanking you for your advice and tips to you both.
You're doing the sensible thing by making yourself known to the 'right' people. The best cars often change hands without being offered on the open market; if the specialists know exactly what you're looking for, then they'll have you in mind if/when the right car comes up.
Let us know how you get on!
Darren.
Let us know how you get on!
Darren.
Hi There,
I have just got a 1975 Silver Shadow 1 which i bought from the garage who look after my TVR and classic SL.
She's not perfect, but a genuine car with a interesting history!
Anyhow, i bought it with a rought running problem which was suspected to be the carbs. Took it to Axtell Auto's in Bramley and David there really knew his stuff. Was very helpful, and managed to clear the rough running in a few hours and pointed a few items which need doing!
In planning to do some work myself on her so looking forward to getting started!
The biggest problem i have, is once i start work (remove the interior to begin with..) i will have to stop driving it!
Edited to add - Dont know where yuo are Mr Lockpick, but more than happy to talk cars and how i looked for her (and my very limited practical experiance) if you like. Im in surrey.
Cheers
I have just got a 1975 Silver Shadow 1 which i bought from the garage who look after my TVR and classic SL.
She's not perfect, but a genuine car with a interesting history!
Anyhow, i bought it with a rought running problem which was suspected to be the carbs. Took it to Axtell Auto's in Bramley and David there really knew his stuff. Was very helpful, and managed to clear the rough running in a few hours and pointed a few items which need doing!
In planning to do some work myself on her so looking forward to getting started!
The biggest problem i have, is once i start work (remove the interior to begin with..) i will have to stop driving it!
Edited to add - Dont know where yuo are Mr Lockpick, but more than happy to talk cars and how i looked for her (and my very limited practical experiance) if you like. Im in surrey.
Cheers
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