The Shadow's arrival in 1965 was none too soon and did much to reverse the notion that Rolls-Royce was falling behind the times. It resulted in many firsts for the company, including: unitary construction rather than separate body/chassis units, disc rather than drum brakes and independent rear suspension. Though shorter and narrower than the Silver Cloud III it replaced, the John Polwhele Blatchley-penned Shadow nevertheless possessed greater space for both luggage and passengers and certainly boasted far more contemporary looks. At launch it was powered by a 172bhp V8 engine of 6230cc, though this was enlarged to 6750cc during 1970. Early cars employed the same GM automatic transmission as the Silver Cloud, but this was superseded by the much vaunted Turbo Hydramatic system from 1970 onwards. The car's famed 'magic carpet' ride was achieved courtesy of a high-pressure hydraulic system licensed from Citroen. Initially it featured self-levelling at both ends, but this was deleted from the front in 1969. A two-door Saloon variant with coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward was made available from 1966, just 606 examples of which were produced before the model morphed into the Corniche in 1971.

On behalf of a valued client, this decidedly handsome Mulliner Park Ward two-door Saloon was converted from a Rolls-Royce into a Bentley 30 years ago, by marque specialist Royce Engineering. It is presented in its original livery of Regal Red coachwork, Beige hide upholstery and Red carpets. The vendor presently classes the V8 engine and automatic transmission as 'excellent' and the bodywork, paintwork and interior trim as 'very good'. The indicated mileage of 75,800 is apparently confirmed by the old MOTs that accompany the car, along with the driver's instruction manual, original tools, and even the emergency window winder handle; plus a current MOT certificate valid until August 18th 2018.

PLEASE NOTE: All estimates are subject to a buyer's premium of 15% incl. VAT (@ 20%)