1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Coupe

With a license plate from Bilbao, this two-door sedan with a red interior was the first Rolls-Royce acquired by Miguel de la Vía for private use. This model also marks the end of an era for the Crewe manufacturer, representing a technological revolution. For the first time in its history, a Rolls-Royce abandons the design of a separate chassis to present the first monocoque frame. This new configuration would allow designers to present a lower roofline and create more space inside the cabin. It is also the first to be equipped with independent suspension on all four wheels and to receive disc brakes. Other important innovations include the introduction of a new hydraulic suspension and braking system, patented by Citroën, and the inclusion of power steering. Although it is lower, narrower, and shorter than the Silver Cloud, it increases passenger space and luggage compartment capacity.

Since 1907, Rolls-Royce had positioned itself as the best luxury car in the world, but after fifty years, tradition and fame were no longer enough. Its resistance to innovate and adopt new technologies led it to fall behind other luxury brands. In contrast to the conservative shapes of the previous model, the Silver Cloud III, the Silver Shadow appeared as a modern and contemporary car, with a lower and more angular silhouette, doing away with the fenders of the previous model, which some considered a trivialization of the house’s style. However, what may be seen as a revolution at Rolls-Royce was, in reality, a late update of techniques that had long been used by other manufacturers, revealing the company’s conservative stance.

This change in image made Rolls-Royce more popular and highly sought after by artists, musicians, and movie stars, including Andy Warhol himself. It is telling of the new era that the car was intended to be driven by its owner and not by a chauffeur. Over fifteen years of production, a total of 30,000 units were sold, making it the best-selling Rolls-Royce model in history, something that in no way diminished the vehicle’s unparalleled finish.

A long-wheelbase version was introduced in 1969, which was configured for later Silver Shadow models. The Cabriolet variant was marketed under the name Corniche starting in 1971. In 1977, the model was renamed Silver Shadow II in recognition of significant changes such as the rack-and-pinion steering and suspension modifications. The succession came with the Silver Spirit model.

• Chasis: CEX7996
• Motor: V8, 6750 cc, 220cv
• Velocidad: 209 kmh
• Período: 1965-1977
• Producción: 30.000