1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, Ex—Jack Paar
Overview
This 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II arrives finished in Horse Chestnut Metallic with painted pinstripes, paired with all-original Beige Connolly leather upholstery. Showing just under 46k original miles, the car presents in outstanding condition throughout, retaining matching carpets, factory sheepskin rugs, footrests, mohair headliner, and exquisite burled walnut woodwork. Chrome trim, including the iconic grille and bumpers, remains superb, underscoring the car’s careful stewardship from new.
This Silver Shadow II benefits from extensive recent servicing totaling over $30k within the past six months, including new tires and brakes, a comprehensive fuel system service, tune-up, replacement of fluids, belts, hoses, and a full rebuild of the air-conditioning system. The result is a motorcar that drives exactly as Rolls-Royce intended—effortless, whisper-smooth, and refined. The engine runs cool and quiet, automatic transmission shifts almost imperceptibly, and the power-assisted steering delivers remarkable ease and precision.
Adding to its significance, this example was purchased new by the wife of legendary television host and comedian Jack Paar as a gift for her husband and remained in the family until after his passing. Offered with original owner’s manuals, documentation, tools, and service records, this Silver Shadow II represents truly hand-built Crewe, England craftsmanship. Provenance, originality, and low mileage, make this Rolls-Royce a rarity with staying street presence.

Features & Options
- Horse Chestnut Metallic
- Beige Connolly leather
- 6.75L V8
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Rear-wheel drive
- Rebuilt air-condiitoning system
- Jaeger & VDO instruments
- Blaupunkt AM/FM radio
- Pioneer Cassette deck
- Burled walnut woodwork
- Mohair headliner
- Matching carpets
- Sheepskin rugs & footrests
Service Records
- Seller's Disclosure
- Service records from previous ownership
- $30k in recent maintenance includes:
New tires, brakes, tune-up, all fluids, belts & hoses,
Air-conditioning system rebuilt
Fuel tank flush, cleaning & servicing of the fuel system
Ownership History & Provenance
Jack Paar's wife purchased this 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II for her husband, who kept it until his death in 2004 at the age of 85. The vehicle remained in the family's ownership, and recently acquired from the estate. Sold with original owners manuals, registrations, recent service history, and more, this example's provenance speaks volumes.

Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II shows wear consistent with its age and low mileage according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This car is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.
Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This car is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.
Items included in the Sale
- Keys
- Owner's manual & service books
- Past registrations & period iterature
- Service records from previous ownership
- Spare tire
- Tool kit