Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 1977–1980 car dimensions: 5196 mm long, 1827 mm wide and 1518 mm high. Boot space with the seats up is 550 litres.
The cabin uses Connolly leather seats with electric adjustment, walnut veneers and lambswool carpets. Split-level fully automatic air conditioning is standard, with upper and lower controls plus sensors. Cruise control is standard. Instruments sit in a redesigned fascia with a four-in-one gauge cluster, ambient temperature gauge and ice warning. Power windows and a radio with stereo are fitted. Front seats are high armchair style with good forward view. rear seats offer soft cushioning and space for five.
Boot capacity is 550 litres with seats in place. The saloon layout keeps a conventional fixed rear seat and separate luggage compartment.
The cabin wraps you in Connolly leather and walnut veneers with thick carpets underfoot. Front seats offer multi-range electric adjustment plus inner and outer armrests. Split-level fully automatic air conditioning maintains even temperatures. Rear footrests and a quiet ride from self-levelling suspension make long trips feel effortless and secure.
Petrol 6.75 L V8 with twin SU carburettors (injection on late cars)
Fuel use typically 10-15 mpg
Engine oil and filter every 6 000 miles or 6 months
Four-wheel disc brakes with dual hydraulic circuits
Energy-absorbing rubber-faced bumpers standard
Self-levelling rear suspension
The 6.75-litre aluminium V8 runs on petrol via twin carburettors on most cars, with Bosch injection arriving on some late examples. Real-world fuel use sits between 10 and 15 mpg depending on driving style and load.
Routine oil and filter changes fall every 6 000 miles or six months. The complex hydraulic system that feeds both brakes and self-levelling suspension needs specialist fluid and hose attention at longer intervals. Workshop manuals detail the full schedule.
Standard safety kit includes power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes on dual circuits plus energy-absorbing bumpers. The self-levelling rear suspension keeps the car stable under load. No official crash-test ratings appear in period records.
Ownership centres on regular specialist servicing of the hydraulics and electrics. Parts remain available through marque specialists. Kept to schedule the car rewards with silent running and lasting comfort.
Length 5196 mm, Width 1827 mm, Height 1518 mm, Wheelbase 3050 mm (Silver Shadow 1977–1980)
Sources: manufacturer data, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow & Bentley T Series Workshop Manual, non-US length/width), automobile-catalog.com and conceptcarz.com.