Outstanding Customer Reviews 
A Full-Circle Moment: Rodd and His Silver Shadow
“52 years ago, as a young lad, I was introduced to Rolls-Royce for the very first time,” Rodd recalls. “By a neighbour of my parents’ home who, one day, elegantly arrived in a newly purchased 1968 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. I remember it well. Finished in a dark burgundy, which I later learned to be known as the colour Garnet. It had ‘biscuit’ leather interior, and I remember this Shadow not ‘driving’ onto the neighbour’s front lawn but ‘gliding silently.’ From that very moment, an instant love affair began.”
Rodd’s fascination wasn’t with the engine, nor with what lay under the bonnet — it was the interior. “I remember peeking my head inside this Silver Shadow, and whilst every other neighbour was admiring the engine, I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and craftsmanship of the interior. The wood, the fine chrome detail, and the rich leather. It was like seeing a stunning antique piece of furniture in motion.”
That love at first sight became a life-long passion. “It is what started everything. Fascinated and obsessed with everything Rolls-Royce, I became a professional Rolls-Royce collector. From this passion, the Park-Ward Motors Museum was formed, first established in Australia in 1984, and now operating out of Chicago, USA since 2006. As a collector, I have owned some 200 Rolls-Royce motor cars over the years. As a dealer, thousands!”
But the story doesn’t end there. Two years ago, Rodd hunted down the very Silver Shadow that had ignited his obsession. “I was shocked to find that it was still with the same owner of some 50+ years. The same owner who drove that car onto the neighbour’s front lawn so many years ago. The car was pristine, kept in stunning condition its whole life. She truly looked identical to the day I saw her 50-odd years ago!”
The original owner wasn’t ready to sell, but Rodd made him promise first dibs when the time came. “I literally made him promise. Two years ago, he reached out to me. He kept his promise, knowing how significant and important this car was to me. I said yes immediately. In fact, to keep all the vibes good, I paid him $5,000 more than he was asking. A bit of a ‘good karma’ thing!”
