Rolls-Royce Shadow II | Spotted

A Silver Shadow is always noteworthy, but never more so than when it comes in yellow...

In my book, two Shadows are true legends. Hank Marvin because of Apache, obviously, although the version by the Incredible Bongo Band tops even the original in my book. Also, when your name inspires rhyming slang (for something innocent, like hunger, not like Gary Glitter) and falls into everyday usage, that sort of seals your legendary status. Now, it may come as a surprise that the other legendary Shadow isn’t Cliff Richard. He's legendary for being Cliff Richard. It’s the Silver Shadow II, which in this case isn’t silver, but yellow.

I'll admit that the only reason I chose this Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow to write about, from all the others on PH right now, is its colour. The advert says it’s Champagne, but I think that was counted as a beige hue on the ‘70s Roll-Royce colour charts wasn't it? This one definitely looks pastel yellow in the pictures – more like Chrome Yellow to my eyes – although that’s probably just the lighting. I have no doubt that Charles Baseley of Ghost Motors knows his stock, and the marque’s period colours, far better than I do.

Anyway, whatever its designation, I think the colour looks fantastic. And no, the irony of the ‘WAG’ number plate on such a flamboyantly painted vehicle is not lost on me, don’t worry. I would challenge that this hue is too brazen, though. Fair enough, the Queen wouldn’t have ordered one in this colour in 1977, but as with most old girls, you can get away with more eyebrow-raising statements in your dotage. This car still makes a statement, no questioning that, but these days I'd suggest that if you glimpsed it wafting cheerily past you on a sunny day, it's just as likely to raise a smile along with an eyebrow.

The beige hide is the perfect complement to its exterior colour. If it’s not been re-trimmed since WAG 78S rolled near silently out of those famous factory gates in Crewe, I’d be surprised. The hide looks flawless to me, and I am so pleased to read that the woodwork has been repolished. As someone who adores the craftsmanship involved in producing the veneers in these cars, there’s nothing sadder than seeing the lacquer peeling and cracked. After its refresh, the walnut trims look lustrous and rich, as they should be. In fact, the whole car does. It seems to be in spectacular condition, right down to the silky L-Series under that hand-beaten, aluminium bonnet. The enamelled rocker covers are immaculate and the pots of those two mighty SU carbs are polished to perfection. Even the label on the Harrison air-con compressor – sitting on the top and middle of the always smooth, never-stressed, pushrod 6.75-litre V8 – looks like new.

It's always a fine balance to work out which Shadow to go for. The Shadow I is the prettiest, of course, but the Shadow II came with so many upgrades to offset its slightly less elegant rubber bumpers that replaced the earlier car’s chrome. A steering rack instead of a steering box and modified front suspension, for example, meant they handled much better. Then the revised dashboard with its completely new, split-level climate control system was so much better at maintaining the perfect temperature consistently, too.

This would’ve been among the first of the Shadow IIs because they came out in ’77 and, naturally, you’d have needed some hefty funds to own it back then. But I don’t think it’s bad value today at £32,000. Not for a car in this condition, with a modest 63,000 miles and a full history to accompany it. And in that colour, too. God bless the 1970s, is all I can say.

Specification | Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II

Engine: 6,750cc, V8, naturally aspirated
Transmission: 3-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): Never less than adequate
Torque (lb ft): Always more then adequate
CO2: definitely more than we’d like to admit
MPG: If you need ask...
Recorded mileage: 63,000
Year registered: 1977
Price new: £41,960
Yours for: £32,000