Since Bullfighter tweaked my nose on this for posting this one in General Discussion ( ), I am reposting here! I am thinking about purchasing a late 60s or very early 70s Rolls. Just curious if anyone here currently has one or has had one in the past. Thanks, Joe
darolls is definitely an expert in the area from what i've seen, i can definitely help out, what model are you looking at?
I've been looking at the Silver Cloud III (OK, mid 60s) or the Silver Shadow. I really like the looks of the Cloud but rather like the interior of the Shadow. I've done some snooping around the net and I am having a tough time finding parts places, etc. Soooo: 1) Other than styling are there any major reasons why you should own one over the other? 2) How hard is it to get parts? Are they Leyland priced or Ferrari priced? 3) How hard are they to work on? I've heard once that suspensions are a real PIA. 4) Any factory support left for the classic models? 5) Is there a "buying guide" out there to point to areas of interest to check in each model? (IE: common rust points, tool kit configurations, accessories that are worth having on the car, etc) Thanks Guys.
Not too many answers, as I've never really wanted one, but years ago I flipped to the Rolls section of Hemmings and was not shocked at parts prices. At the time I had an E-Type, which isn't that expensive to run, and the prices didn't scare me. They did at some point switch to mineral oil in the brake system, so don't put brake fluid in. First step, get a current Hemmings and look at parts in the RR section and find a mechanic that works on them.If you're serious, you should join the owner's club to learn more about them.Also, don't forget Bentley, which was owned by RR. Found buyer's guide here scroll down: http://www.octane-magazine.com/carsforsale.php
The Silver Cloud 111 is the best car Rolls Royce ever built,if buying make sure it has factory Air/cond.
Thanks. How common was aircon? Any common areas of interest I need to look out for when looking one over?
limited in Australia about 1 in 7 with the factory Air/cond you got the wonderful soft tinted Sundym glass free.My father has had is Silver Cloud 111 since 1967 ,a 41 year old love affair.I've owned and current own a S3 Flying Spur" what to look for ? Very strong basic engineered cars,look for rust,many parts are still available and in the US you many specalists for trim,wood ect ie Bill Hirsch,Crewe genuine parts and for second hand Tony Handler ? motors last a life time but a piston and liners rebuild is dear.Make sure the car has always had coolant and check the thermostat for signs of rust /engine corrision.Do not go near a Shadow and the latter the Silver Cloud 111 the better.Post me if you need help
The Continental Flying Spur is a wonderful car ,if you go to the Australian section there are photos of my car under "1st drive in Flying Spur"
they just sold a 7,000 mile Silver Cloud 111.If you have the money there cars are fantastic,often low milage Silver Cloud 111's.I think they have a soft spot for the model.
I like the looks of the car. I am going to have to eyeball one in person. Somehow I don't think the wife will go for the cash it will take for an ultra low mileage example. I can swing her on a well cared for average mile one though! I think you are right about them and Cloud IIIs. I think there are three for sale there right now. I'll have to call them this week. Do you have a link to a Cloud Buying Guide. I haven't found one yet. Thanks, Joe Just how bad is the suspension on the Shadows? Parts hard to find because of the self leveling or just a PIA to work on? Don't most people just remove the self leveling when it goes bad and stick to standard suspension?
unsure of links just google and surf.Stick to buying a Rolls Royce as to a Bentley in this model,the view over the bonnet is much nicer.They built about 2,000 SC111's
If you want to drive a Sherman Tank, buy a Sherman Tank! I've been thinking of selling my 75' Shadow which is mint, an older complete restoration right down to to the wiring (original cloth, colour coded insulation). It's one of the best Shadow's you will find, and it's not going on the cheap! It has the rare full front bumper and white body over black interior.
