As the predecessor to the Corniche, a name officially adopted in March 1971 for the two-door models although the early cars (1966-1971) were marketed as Silver Shadow, two-door saloons or Drophead coupes by Mulliner Park Ward. The Silver Shadow Drophead Coupe benefited from self-levelling hydraulic suspension, disc brakes all round and a 6.2 litre, V8 engine producing around 220bhp paired with a silky-smooth, four-speed automatic transmission. These cars were the absolute pinnacle of luxury vehicles during the late 1960s, offering supreme comfort, sophistication and presence for open-top grand touring. They were the ultimate in 'swinging-sixties' style and a status symbol for A-listers. Stars such as Sir Michael Caine, Paul McCartney & Frank Sinatra with Jerry Lee Lewis and Dean Martin all owning one at the time. Only 505 were built with just 109 produced with righthand configuration and a minute handful without 'P' (for park) featured on the gear selector during 1966 and even fewer the following year. Unconfirmed numbers are recorded although it is thought that fewer than 30 have been rumoured within knowledgeable Rolls-Royce circles.

This example was ordered on 26th September 1967 and supplied new to Jack Barclay Ltd of Conduit Street, London was delivered to its first owner, a Mr. A. Roger Esq. on 22nd January 1968. The car was then exported the following year, we believe to the Cote'd Azur for the first twenty years of its life before returning to the UK in 1989 with approximately 81,000 miles recorded. It was then temporarily registered as 5060FD with records showing the car painted white. Over the following years, it passed through a small number of UK collectors before moving to Cheshire in 2002 where it stayed for the following 21 years covering very few miles (14,000 miles in 37 years). It was during this period of prolonged ownership that it underwent restoration which included a full mechanical overhaul as well as hydraulics, brakes, suspension and transmission. In addition to these understandably expensive works, it was also the subject of a significant strip-down and respray back to its period correct colour of Regal Red alongside a complete re-trim in cream leather and matching cream piping with new brakes, virtually new Cooper Lifeliner Classic II tyres, window regulators and much more to list here.

This all makes interesting reading as can be seen in the voluminous history folder which dates back to the late 1980s which also includes many old MoT test certificates. There are also invoices for the care of this car totalling over £50,000 in last 20 years with over £19,000 for servicing and repair work in the last year alone. With too much to list here although by way of a few mentions including a new battery, fuel pump, seat motors, brakes discs and pads, rear axle, drive shafts and window regulators have all been replaced as well as a fresh service and a brand new hand-painted stripe the length of the body. Whilst the car is over 50 years old, the ongoing works reflect well and the overall condition could be described as excellent with only minor imperfections commensurate with patina. There appears to be no corrosion and minimal signs of age bearing in mind the restoration was undertaken in 2005. With new Wilton carpets throughout, a virtually new hood with just slight patina and excellent lining, the car still benefits from that wonderfully fresh smell of leather. The hood mechanism is in excellent condition with the motor and hydraulic mechanism moving with ease and precision. In addition, there is also a matching cream leather hoodbag and indoor red car cover. Last serviced in April 2026 and alongside a clean MoT test certificate passed in May this year without advisories, this extremely rare coach-built Silver Shadow Drophead Coupe fires up and runs smoothly. Also included is a specialist DAB Retrosound digital stereo specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with period classic cars and connects to discretely hidden speakers behind bespoke leather panels in each door. Given its condition and rarity, this is thought to be priced very competitively indeed and thought to be one of the most collectable examples of the Crewe-based connoisseur's art available today. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille

Lot details
Year: 1968
Make: Rolls-Royce
Model: Silver Shadow Drophead Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward
Registration: BWA 438G
Chassis No: CRH3445
Engine No: 3445
Odometer: 95,241

* Rare pre-Corniche coachbuilt model
* Both folding roof & all electric windows work well
* Comprehensive history file detailing restoration