Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II wedding car hire

Silver Shadow II: a Rolls-Royce from the 1970s

The Silver Shadow replaced the Silver Cloud in the mid-1960s. It was the first Rolls-Royce with a monocoque body, which made it lower and more compact than its predecessor, with sleeker, straighter lines. The Silver Shadow II is the second series from the late 1970s, with redesigned bumpers and a spoiler beneath the front end, among other changes.

As a wedding car, the Silver Shadow II has a character of its own. It looks less vintage than a Silver Cloud, but it still has the grille with the Spirit of Ecstasy and the luxury you expect from Rolls-Royce: leather seats, wood trim and a calm, smooth ride. For couples who want a classic Rolls-Royce with a slightly more modern look, it is a good choice.

Why it rides so comfortably

The Silver Shadow has a hydraulic system that keeps the car at the right height automatically, whatever the load. Together with the large eight-cylinder engine, this gives a remarkably soft ride, even on cobblestones or a gravel drive.

Room for the dress, the train and your company

With four doors and a wide rear seat, the Silver Shadow II is practical on a wedding day. The couple sit in the back with room for a full skirt, and in the front there is space for a witness next to the driver.

Getting in with a full dress

The seat is at a normal height and the doors open wide. Sit down first, then swing your legs in; someone can pass in the skirt. A long train fits into the rear footwell. There is also enough headroom under the roof for an updo.

Comfort and technology

Depending on the car, climate control may be fitted, although it does not always work like it does in a modern car. Ask about it if you are getting married in summer. The car is wide and long, so in a historic town centre it helps to choose a drop-off spot in advance.

Colour and appearance

Silver Shadows are out there in many classic colours, sometimes in two tones. Look at photos of the car in daylight beforehand to see how the colour goes with your bouquet and outfits. A dark Rolls-Royce gives plenty of contrast with a white dress, while a light colour looks softer.

The Silver Shadow II at your wedding

This Rolls-Royce suits a wedding at a castle, a country house or a stylish city venue. It looks wonderful in photos in front of a wide staircase or a classic front door, with the bride stepping out. A ribbon over the bonnet to the figurine and a flower arrangement in the colours of the bouquet complete the look.

For a formal day, also think about the drive after the ceremony. Many couples use the Rolls-Royce only for the arrival and the photos, but a ride to the dinner or the party makes the whole experience complete.

If you are looking for an older model, take a look at the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. All models of the brand can be found under Rolls-Royce wedding cars, and you can find similar cars from other brands in our overview of luxury wedding cars.