1976 | Ed Bolian's Cannonball Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Overview
This 1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is owned by VINwiki founder and prominent YouTuber Ed Bolian, and it was driven in the 2023 US Express cross-country cannonball event by Bolian and his team. The event saw the vehicle driven over 2,800 miles from New York to Los Angeles in 36 hours and 10 minutes. Before the event, the car underwent significant service work performed by DC MotorWerks to comprehensively address the car's systems and additional service was performed after the conclusion of the event. Before Bolian's purchase, the car spent four decades with one family, traveling extensively to locals such as the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia with the Rolls-Royce Owners Club before eventually making its way to the US.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, introduced in 1965, marked a significant departure from the manufacturer's previous design philosophy, embodying both technological innovation and stylistic evolution. A significant leap forward was the implementation of a monocoque chassis, a first for Rolls-Royce, which contributed to its improved ride quality and interior space. Notably, the Silver Shadow was equipped with advanced features for its time, such as disc brakes and an independent rear suspension. The car also showcased Rolls-Royce's commitment to craftsmanship, with a luxurious interior finished with fine materials. Its V8 engine and smooth automatic transmission ensured the even power delivery synonymous with the Rolls-Royce brand. As a symbol of luxury and engineering excellence, the Silver Shadow became one of the most iconic and best-selling models in Rolls-Royce's history.
After Bolian's purchase, this example underwent service that included replacing the brakes, rebuilding the radiator, cleaning the heater core and adding a manual switch, cleaning and flushing the hydraulic system, changing the fluids, and replacing various bulbs. Additional work included installing a supplementary 12-volt power system and auxiliary driving lights as well as a tachometer, volt meter, and coolant temperature gauge. According to Bolian, much more additional work was also performed at that time, and records are available upon request. After this work was completed, Bolian drove the car across the country for the cannonball event, with little to no trouble experienced along the way. The vehicle was then further driven to Las Vegas, and according to Bolian, the car is the only Silver Shadow in existence that has been driven 4,500 miles in the past 60 days. This Rolls-Royce is now offered with a third-party inspection report, spare fluids, and a clean title.
Features & Options
- Odometer shows 73,041 miles, TMU
Modifications
- Supplementary 12-volt electrical system
- Auxiliary driving lights
Service Records
Partial service records from DC MotorWerks are available upon request.
Ownership History & Provenance
The car spent approximately four decades with one family before Bolian acquired the car in 2023.
Known Shortcomings
This vehicle shows wear consistent with its age according to a third-party Inspection Report.
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- The seller states nearly all the fluids leak, although the car runs well.