Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
| Rolls Royce Silver Shadow | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
Rolls-Royce Ltd (1965–1973) Rolls-Royce Motors (1973–1980) |
| Also called | Silver Wraith II |
| Production | 1965–1980 30,057 produced |
| Assembly | Crewe, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related |
Bentley T-series Rolls-Royce Camargue Rolls-Royce Corniche |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 4-speed Hydramatic automatic (1965–70; UK only) 3-speed THM 400 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 119.5 in (3,035 mm) 123.5 in (3,137 mm) (LWB) |
| Length | 203.5 in (5,169 mm) |
| Width | 71 in (1,803 mm) |
| Height | 59.75 in (1,518 mm) |
| Kerb weight | 4,648 lb (2,108 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III |
| Successor | Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit |
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a luxury car that was produced in the United Kingdom in various forms from 1965 to 1980. It was the first Rolls-Royce to use unitary construction, a response to concerns that the company was falling behind in automotive innovation.
To date, the Silver Shadow has the largest production volume of any Rolls-Royce.
Following in the manufacturer's tradition of building luxury vehicles, the standard wheelbase Silver Shadow measured 224 inches (5,700 mm), 4,700 lb (2,100 kg) and had a book price of £6,557 in the first year of production.
The Silver Shadow was produced from 1965 to 1976, and the Silver Shadow II from 1977 to 1980.
Initially, the model was planned to be called "Silver Mist", a natural progression from its predecessor Silver Cloud. The name was changed to "Silver Shadow" after realizing that "Mist" is the German word for manure, rubbish, or dirt.
The design was a major departure from its predecessor, the Silver Cloud; although several styling cues from the Silver Cloud were modified and preserved, as the automobile had sold well. The John Polwhele Blatchley design was the firm's first single bow model. More than 50% of its predecessor had been sold on the domestic market where, by the standards of much of Europe and most of North America, roads were narrow and crowded. The original Shadow was 3 1⁄2 inches (8.9 cm) narrower and 7 inches (18 cm) shorter than the car it replaced, but nevertheless managed to offer increased passenger and luggage space thanks to more efficient packaging made possible by unitary construction.
Aside from a more modern appearance and construction, the Silver Shadow introduced many new features such as disc rather than drum brakes, and independent rear suspension, rather than the outdated live axle design of previous cars.
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