1977 ROLLS-ROYCE Silver Shadow Coupe (Corniche) 6.75 V8

Vehicle Overview

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was the best-selling model in the British carmaker lineup, with over 30,000 deliveries worldwide in three shapes: sedan, coupe, and convertible.

The Silver Shadow came on the market in 1965 and was upgraded several times. Unlike its predecessor, the Silver Cloud, it was lighter and easier to drive. In 1977, the carmaker introduced an updated version, including the rack and pinion steering system and an enhanced front suspension. It became a driver’s car more than its predecessor. Impressed by the number of owners who actually drove their Silver Shadows, the British carmaker introduced a coupe version in the late ’60s, which was also upgraded in 1977 along with the rest of the range, and sold it under Corniche name.

From the outside, the car sported the new bumpers, which were initially adjusted for the American safety regulations. While the U.S. versions still kept the rubber protections, for Europe, it featured chrome-plated alloy bumpers, less extended than on the American model. Its classic-shaped radiator grille with horizontal slats and the Flying Lady adorned the car’s front. From its sides, the arched, double-waved sideline was even more emphasized than on the sedan version.

At the back, the car sported a slightly sloped-down trunk. For the back, Rolls-Royce installed vertically-mounted, slim taillights. Like at the front, the bumper was carried over from the U.S. Silver Shadow Coupe built before 1977.

Rolls-Royce installed the same engine under the car’s hood. It was a 6.75-liter V-8. For export markets, it paired it with GM’s three-speed automatic gearbox.