Rolls Royce Silver Shadow bought sight-unseen from eBay
Discussion
Old thread, updated 22nd August 2017
Been after another classic saloon car for a while, but after months of looking I had pretty much given up trying to find another S1 XJ6 as nice as my last one, while still being in budget. I then got to thinking; well, I've had two of those, how about something different? Anyway, as these things often do one thing led to another and, thanks to a few too many ciders one evenning and the eBay phone app remembering my passwords, I've bought a 1969 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. Sight unseen. From eBay.
Going to pick it up in a few hours. Wish me luck.
Been after another classic saloon car for a while, but after months of looking I had pretty much given up trying to find another S1 XJ6 as nice as my last one, while still being in budget. I then got to thinking; well, I've had two of those, how about something different? Anyway, as these things often do one thing led to another and, thanks to a few too many ciders one evenning and the eBay phone app remembering my passwords, I've bought a 1969 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. Sight unseen. From eBay.
Going to pick it up in a few hours. Wish me luck.
Edited by varsas on Tuesday 30th September 15:38
Edited by varsas on Tuesday 22 August 19:11
Hi!
Well, it got me the 60-or-so miles back, at no point did it, ahem 'fail to proceed'. It looks really nice, like it's actually an old, but well cared for, car which I really like. The paint is faded on the panel gaps where it's been polished too many times, the seats are a bit wrinkly and the lustre has gone from the chrome...but it's all there, and it just exhudes charm. Little details like the 'LUCAS Sealed Beam' legend embossed onto the glass (not plastic) headlights, and the metal, almost military fuel filler cap make it feel like something old, something that was made with great care and looked after for more than 40 years.... It's not all good, one front wing has been painted badly..it's flat and the paint is cracking, and there are more signs of filler in one of the rear wings but underneath it's all very straight and solid, I can't see any rust as such...the wheelarches are clean, jacking points are still where they should be(!) etc.
To drive? mmm...it's a '60's car. If you've never driven something from that era you'd be shocked. The steering has no feel but is very sensitive and light, as is the throttle, but the brakes require a good shove and plenty of travel before they do anything. The 'handling' is laughable, moving the steering wheel right only makes the car lean left, barely changing it's course at all...and if you misjudge things and find you need brakes AND steering at the same time you'll find the car just gets all upset...the secret is to take your time, be nice and smooth...gently e-a-s-e the car into corners, put some effort into learning where the 'bite' point of the brakes is (a bit like a clutch) and guide the car rather than fight it...do that and everyhting suddenly makes sense. The engine (mine has the 6 and 1/4 litre version of the V8) is really strong, I haven't 'given it the beans' yet but the way it goes from 50-70 is amazing. With that and the quietness of the car you really don't know how fast you are going, a few times I looked down and saw I had crept up to 70+ (I was trying to keep to 60) without realising it. Actually (cliche time) the car is so quiet that at 60mph all you hear is a slight ticking...no, it's not the clock. I suspect it's the speedo drive, but really it's much quieter then my modern Jaguar S-type. The ride is very good too, I wouldn't say it's much better than a good S1 XJ6 but it's very soft compared to any modern car.
Pics tomorrow!
Well, it got me the 60-or-so miles back, at no point did it, ahem 'fail to proceed'. It looks really nice, like it's actually an old, but well cared for, car which I really like. The paint is faded on the panel gaps where it's been polished too many times, the seats are a bit wrinkly and the lustre has gone from the chrome...but it's all there, and it just exhudes charm. Little details like the 'LUCAS Sealed Beam' legend embossed onto the glass (not plastic) headlights, and the metal, almost military fuel filler cap make it feel like something old, something that was made with great care and looked after for more than 40 years.... It's not all good, one front wing has been painted badly..it's flat and the paint is cracking, and there are more signs of filler in one of the rear wings but underneath it's all very straight and solid, I can't see any rust as such...the wheelarches are clean, jacking points are still where they should be(!) etc.
To drive? mmm...it's a '60's car. If you've never driven something from that era you'd be shocked. The steering has no feel but is very sensitive and light, as is the throttle, but the brakes require a good shove and plenty of travel before they do anything. The 'handling' is laughable, moving the steering wheel right only makes the car lean left, barely changing it's course at all...and if you misjudge things and find you need brakes AND steering at the same time you'll find the car just gets all upset...the secret is to take your time, be nice and smooth...gently e-a-s-e the car into corners, put some effort into learning where the 'bite' point of the brakes is (a bit like a clutch) and guide the car rather than fight it...do that and everyhting suddenly makes sense. The engine (mine has the 6 and 1/4 litre version of the V8) is really strong, I haven't 'given it the beans' yet but the way it goes from 50-70 is amazing. With that and the quietness of the car you really don't know how fast you are going, a few times I looked down and saw I had crept up to 70+ (I was trying to keep to 60) without realising it. Actually (cliche time) the car is so quiet that at 60mph all you hear is a slight ticking...no, it's not the clock. I suspect it's the speedo drive, but really it's much quieter then my modern Jaguar S-type. The ride is very good too, I wouldn't say it's much better than a good S1 XJ6 but it's very soft compared to any modern car.
Pics tomorrow!
Edited by varsas on Tuesday 30th September 21:40
Well done !
They do demand a different driving approach. Smooth and easy does it and then you will be rewarded with a unique driving experience.
Your experience with the brakes however suggests that something is not right.
Shadow brakes are quite powerfull and should stop the car without too much effort.
Start the car, let it idle for 2 minutes and shut it off again. Start pumping the brake pedal (keeping count) untill the 2 brake check lights light up. You should get at least 40 pumps before the lights go on.
Also, your car still has a master brake cylinder, which often is the cause of a weak braking system. It is located underneath the car, below the drivers seat.
Good luck.
They do demand a different driving approach. Smooth and easy does it and then you will be rewarded with a unique driving experience.
Your experience with the brakes however suggests that something is not right.
Shadow brakes are quite powerfull and should stop the car without too much effort.
Start the car, let it idle for 2 minutes and shut it off again. Start pumping the brake pedal (keeping count) untill the 2 brake check lights light up. You should get at least 40 pumps before the lights go on.
Also, your car still has a master brake cylinder, which often is the cause of a weak braking system. It is located underneath the car, below the drivers seat.
Good luck.
The Crack Fox said:
We demand pictures!
This is the ad I think, with a few pics: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1969-ROLLS-ROYCE-SILVER-...I like it.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff