There is something very special about travelling in a 1977 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, especially when it carries lots of happy memories as well as passengers. The car originally belonged to my father-in-law and came to us when he passed away in 2016. Over the years it has been part of many adventures for our whole family, from countryside drives and classic car rallies to longer road trips and special occasions.
Anyone who knows Guy and I and our family well will know that we have a real affection for vintage cars, especially cars with both heritage and personality like this one. Nicknamed “The Peacock” because of its distinctive Peacock blue paintwork, our Silver Shadow II has an air of elegance about it, attracting attention and starting conversations wherever we go. At the RREC annual rally in 2024 she won the prize for the Most Elegant Car in her class.
Part of our family for over twenty years, the car has covered just over 70,000 miles.
What It Is Like Travelling In A Vintage Rolls-Royce
With dual-zone air conditioning, central locking, electric windows, electric seats, power steering and a self-levelling hydraulic suspension our 1977 Rolls- Royce Shadow II was one of the most advanced cars of its time. Both driver and passengers travel in remarkable comfort and we often joke that being in the Silver Shadow II feels rather like driving around in your living room. The spacious boot also makes it ideal for road trips and weekends away.
Powered by a V8 engine and three-speed automatic gearbox, the Rolls-Royce is wonderfully capable on modern roads and cruises effortlessly at motorway speeds. One thing some drivers do underestimate, however, is the car’s size and weight, particularly as it predates modern features like ABS breaking systems.
The Silver Shadow II joined us on our Loire Valley Road Trip in 2024 and over the years has travelled extensively in both the UK and Europe, including visits to Monaco, Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Maintaining Our Classic 1977 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II
Our vintage Rolls-Royce is original on the whole, although we did carry out a light restoration in 2020 to remove some small spots of rust in the wheel arches. It is lovingly maintained and serviced annually. At least twice each year, the outside of the car is polished and the leather is cleaned and treated with a leather conditioner. We use Connolly Hide Care (affiliate link).
Preparing for a Classic Car Rally
Attending classic car rallies can be a lot of fun, but it also involves quite a lot of work. We visually examine the car and the tyres, checking that all the fluid levels are correct and that everything is in good condition.
The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II is then washed (and polished if necessary) and the whitewall tyres and engine bay are thoroughly cleaned. The inside of the car is vacuumed and the walnut woodwork is polished until it gleams. The smell of the wood polish always signals to me that it is time for another adventure.
When we arrive at a Rally, we give the car a quick once over using Autoglym Rapid Detailer (affiliate link), clean the windows and make sure The Peacock is looking her finest.
Why We Love Our 1977 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II
Despite being nearly fifty years old, our vintage Rolls-Royce is easy to drive, although of course you do have to bear in mind that it is bigger and heavier than a modern car. Without the cameras and sensors we often take for granted these days, parking can be a bit of a challenge and you do need to allow plenty of braking space.
The main difference is that while the car is automatic, there is a column shifter mounted on right of the steering wheel as opposed to a gear shift beside the driver. This is quite easy to get used to and I honestly find the car as straightforward to drive as our larger modern cars. With great acceleration and comfortable suspension, the car cruises quite happily at 70 miles per hour.
Of course, one of the main reasons we love our 1977 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II is the joy that it brings both to us as a family and to the people who we meet along the way. My husband Guy always talks about ‘smiles per mile’ and that sense of shared enjoyment is a huge part of what makes vintage motoring so special to us.
We are, after all, simply custodians of these beautiful motor cars, preserving them for future generations to enjoy. Guy and I love sharing them with our son Alexander and his partner Hannah, and it means a great deal to know that the cars will continue to be enjoyed as part of our family’s story for years to come.
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