1965-1980 | Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I, II & Bentley T1, T2

This catalogue covers the four door standard steel vehicles as well as the Two Door MPW and Corniche Fixed Head and Drophead, LWB, Silver Wraith II and Camargue models.
The most innovative model to come from Crewe was undoubtedly the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T Series which featured monocoque (front and rear subframes rather than a single chassis) construction for the first time, together with independent rear suspension, automatic self-levelling control and disc brakes all round.
Comprehensively equipped, and beautifully trimmed, these cars were the epitome of luxury. Initially offered with the 6.23 litre V8 engine, the capacity was increased to 6.75 litres in 1970, the extra power being necessary to overcome growing global emissions legislation.
Remaining in production for over 15 years, many improvements and modifications were introduced throughout this period including ‘Compliant’ suspension and radial tyres in 1972, flared wheel arches from 1974 and electronic ignition from 1975. The Silver Shadow II and Bentley T2 were launched in 1977 featuring rack and pinion steering, rubber faced bumpers (previously introduced on the later Series 1 models in the USA) and a revised dashboard.
Elegant two door versions were also available in both Rolls-Royce and Bentley variants, a saloon from 1966 and a convertible one year later, originally titled the “MPW Two Door” which evolved into the “Corniche” from 1971.
Even more individuality and luxury was offered with the arrival of the Pininfarina styled Camargue coupe in 1975, of which just 531 examples were produced.
This period saw a large increase in production at Crewe with over 40,000 cars produced. However, the emphasis was very much on Rolls-Royce with just under 38,000 manufactured, as opposed to just over 2,500 Bentleys.