1966 - 1980
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Series,
Bentley T Series, Corniche and Derivatives
The Silver Shadow / Bentley T along with the coachbuilt derivatives were produced from 1966 to 1977. The second series was debuted in 1977 1/2 and was produced until 1980. The first year this model was imported to the USA was 1967. The Shadow series car was constantly being refined and culminated in the Shadow II series which debuted in 1977 1/2.
The Silver Shadow was a major departure from all the predicssors as it was the first unibody built platform with removable front and rear subframes. This model was the first to introduce the high pressure brake accumulator and leveling system made under license from Citreon.
The following are very brief descriptions of some of the running changes in the series.
Early Series
Of the Silver Shadow platform cars, the 1967 USA model is one of the most unique models produced. Many of the features were changed for the 1968 model year with the newly introduced DOT safety standards.
Here are a few of the unique features that were discontinued in 1968.
- The body sides were with only the pedestrian flasher on the front fenders. 1968 models introduced side marker lamps on the four fenders
- The rear seat picnic trays were discontinued in 1968
- The TH400 transmission used a two stage torque converter which was changed to a standard style convertor
- The front doors had functional vent wing windows, though they remained as an option on later cars
- The interior door handles are reminisect of the Silver Cloud style which was changed in 68 and remained similar through the rest of the series
- The wood dash and top roll are unique to the 1967.
- The center console between the seats was replaced with the new style dash
- The early Shadows had window frame mounted outside mirrors which were replaced with door mounted mirrors
- The 1967 cars had low back front seats, later cars were fitted with head rests.
Mid Series
The Mid Series Silver Shadow era cars brought about many changes with DOT EPA standards as well as running improvements. Some of the changes include:
- Fitting the shock absorbing front and rear bumpers in 1973 1/2
- flaring the wheel wells and fitting larger tire size
- Ventilated front brake rotors
- Revised interiors to include, front and rear head rests, door panel changes, dashboard and center console changes
- Electric door locks
- Various emmission control features incorporated (EGR, Catalytic convertor, etc)
- Compliant front suspension
Second and Final Series
The Silver Shadow II / Bentley T II along with the coachbuilt derivatives were produced from 1977 1/2 - 1980. This final series of the successful Shadow era cars brought about many changes, which would become the standard even to the Silver Spirit era cars.
There were many changes in this final series of car. Some of the changes were incorporated during the previous year on Corniche and coachbuilt models.
- Automatic dual zone air conditioning became standard.
- Improved SU carburettors incorporating an a/c fuel cooler and a return fuel system
- Updated dash and instrument panel.
- Rear sway bar
- Removal of the master cylinder circuit
- Dual exhaust