There’s an old saying to the effect of, “You gotta pay to play.” A 1979 Rolls-Royce Shadow II had a retail price of $77,600. Accounting for inflation, that’s $346,296 in 2025 dollars. No wonder the Rolls was such a status symbol in its time—and it remains one today. The Pick of the Day is a 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Southold, New York.
“This vehicle is a turn-key luxury ride that is in mint condition, a smidgen short of concours,” the listing says. “It is a two-owner vehicle that has been impeccably well-preserved.”
One thing about car ownership that doesn’t take long for most people to figure out: it’s one thing to be able to afford buying a classic, and it’s another thing to be able to maintain it. This car comes with over $50,000 spent in documented maintenance under the seller’s ownership. Within the last 7,500 miles, it received a drivetrain rebuild, brake system overhaul, suspension upgrade, and climate control conversion.
The Silver Shadow full-size luxury car was produced in Crewe, England, from 1965 through 1980 in various forms. A Silver Shadow II debuted in 1977 with both cosmetic and mechanical enhancements. Among them were an improved rack and pinion steering system, freshened front end, and new bumpers. Rolls-Royce was so proud of the car that it was called a “masterpiece” in marketing: “The beauty of a masterpiece is that it cannot be compared to anything else in the world,” proclaimed some period advertisements.
Moving this masterpiece is a rebuilt 6.75-liter L-Series V8 that was engineered for smooth power delivery, and a General Motors three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The seller says that the aforementioned engine rebuild included new pistons, a high-performance PerTronix ignition system, new high-torque starter, and a new electronic fuel pump. The transmission was also rebuilt, and the braking system received new accumulators and pressure switches.
The cabin received its share of attention, too, and it has been updated with new materials such as the upholstery, carpeting, burlwood trim, steering wheel, and seals. Entertainment is provided by a 10-speaker audio system with a trunk-mounted CD changer.
It seems there might not be much left that the future owner will need to address. The seller says, “The maintenance documents available confirm that years of driving pleasure are in your future!”
The asking price is $38,900, which includes an owner’s manual and service manuals.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
