Part 5 - By David Marshall-Martin

Here is the next in the series of this great article David has written for our enjoyment.

Picture 20 - Silver Shadow. 1965 saw another major change in the way Rolls-Royce produced cars. This was the introduction of unitary or integral body-frame construction. This meant that there was no longer a separate chassis, but front and rear sub-frames were attached to the body unit. This allowed the Silver Shadow to be about nine inches shorter, (overall length of 2031⁄2 inches), three inches narrower and four inches lower than the Silver Cloud. The superb V-8 used in the Silver Cloud III was installed in the Silver Shadows. There were 2,776 standard and LWB Shadows (at 2071⁄2 inches in length) produced. In addition there were 606 two-door coupés and 505 drophead Shadows. From 1971 these models were named Corniche. This is an ATC model of a standard saloon. Although not of the best quality, this model is unusual in having opening doors-but marks off for door gaps.

Picture 21 - Silver Shadow two-door Coupé (later Corniche). As mentioned previously there were many two- door and drophead Silver Shadows. In 1971 these became the Corniche and were produced until 2002 with a total of 6,636 built. This is a Corgi Whizz Wheels 1967 HJ Mulliner two-door model. Again, unusually for 1/43 scale, this model has doors, bonnet and boot which can open. This is more a toy than a collector model: the wheels are too small, it has no wipers or mirrors and yet the motor under the bonnet is very detailed. In many respects the scale is fairly accurate.

Picture 22 - Silver Shadow II. 1977 saw the introduction of the Silver Shadow II, produced until 1981. During these years 8,425 standard Shadows were produced, plus 2,135 of the LWB-now called the Wraith II. The Wraith often had an Everflex roof-a type of vinyl fabric. There were many upgrades to the cars. But the most obvious difference in external appearance is the rubber bumpers-gone are the over-riders and instead we have straight bumpers with a rubber insert. The overall length was increased by one inch for both the standard saloon and the LWB Wraith II-2041⁄2 and 2081⁄2 inches respectively. This is a model of a standard saloon by TrueScale Miniatures.

Picture 22A - Silver Shadow II. But the Silver Shadow lent itself to many modifications. Perhaps the most unusual example is this model of one of only three cars converted for Krug Champagne. To quote from their website: ‘In the mid-1980s Krug created a very special vehicle to deliver its prestigious champagnes to VIP customers, converting a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II into a panel van, covered in Krug white and burgundy livery. Only three of these unique Rolls-Royce models were commissioned to serve the European, U.S. and Japanese markets. The custom interior was designed to deliver a memorably chic picnic to the Champagne House’s loyal aficionados, notably at high-profile events. The rear is fitted with two refrigerators to chill sixteen bottles, plus two varnished wood cases holding eight tulip champagne glasses, two ice buckets, a table and folding chairs, and a tent that folds out from the rear door’. This Krug model is also by TrueScale Miniatures.

Picture 23 - Phantom VI. 1968 saw the introduction of an- other Phantom. Basically the same as a Phantom V, one of the Phantom VI’s most notable difference was the change from coach (rear-hinged) back doors to front hinged back doors-although early cars still had rear-hinged doors, as does this model. Interestingly, although the Shadow II bumpers were changed in 1977, the old fashioned steel bumpers with over-riders were retained on the Phantoms. The overall length of these grand cars was the same as the P V at 238 inches. Over the period from 1968 to 1990 only 374 vehicles were built. This is a TrueScale Miniatures model of a 1970 James Young Touring Limousine.

Picture 24 - Camargue. Perhaps one of the most controversial designs which Rolls-Royce ever produced. Using the basic Shadow and Corniche platform, motor and drivetrain the two door coachwork was styled by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina and built by Mulliner Park Ward. The unusual styling had the famous R-R radiator leaning forward at an angle of seven degrees. Between 1975 and 1986 only 531 were produced. This is a NEO diecast model.

For those interested, this is my setup for photographing the model cars. Fun in itself.

By David Marshall-Martin, GSM