1976 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Reviews

The second image reveals its rear-end styling, while the first teaser showed the car’s profile -- confirming that the Wraith is in fact the long-awaited Ghost coupe seen testing in prototype form for the past several months and reported on for more than a year.Unlike the current Phantom Coupe, which features a boxy profile similar to that of the sedan on which it’s based, the new Wraith gets a fastback look that’s very sporting and sleek.The bold new styling hints at the extraordinary power and dynamic promise of the Wraith, which Rolls-Royce has already confirmed will be the fastest and most powerful model ever launched by the marquee.Power is expected to come from the Ghost’s twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine, which in its latest application may be tuned to deliver more than 440 kilowatts. Rolls-Royce describes the output as “more than ample.”In addition to extra power, the Wraith will also benefit from a lighter chassis, stiffened suspension, and uprated brakes and tires. Sales of the new Rolls-Royce Wraith will commence in the fourth quarter of the year, and it’s almost certain a convertible version will follow the coupe.www.motorauthority.com 

In the lead up to the reveal of the new 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith at March’s Geneva Motor Show, the first teaser image of the car has surfaced online, confirming that this is in fact the long-awaited Ghost coupe seen testing in prototype form for the past several months.Unlike the current Phantom Coupe, which features a boxy profile similar to that of the sedan on which it’s based, the new Wraith gets a fastback look that’s very sporting and sleek. The bold new styling hints at the extraordinary power and dynamic promise of the Wraith, which Rolls-Royce has already confirmed will be the fastest and most powerful model ever launched by the marque.Power is expected to come from the Ghost’s twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre V-12 engine, which for its latest application could be tuned to deliver more than 780kW and 420Nm. In addition to extra power, the Wraith will also benefit from a lighter chassis, stiffened suspension, and uprated brakes and tires.Sales of the new Rolls-Royce Wraith will commence in the fourth quarter of the year, and it’s almost certain a convertible version will follow the coupe. While you await the Wraith's reveal, click here for our previous spy shots of the car.www.motorauthority.com

Why drive when you can be driven? With its Ghost EWB, Rolls-Royce is appealing to the chauffeured classes.The hotel driveway is crammed with cars that catch the eye: Maseratis and Bentleys, lots of Mercedes and BMWs. And one Rolls-Royce. It's outnumbered, but commands the forecourt with an effortless patrician air. Not to mention colossal presence. This could be a hotel anywhere, of course, because luxury cars speak a universal language of affluence.But in China, where this gathering happens to be, it's a snapshot of a moment before its wealthy buyers became the most influential. When taste was still determined by the West. In a few years, after the elite in the world's largest market have worked their purchasing magic, this forecourt will have changed.The rich are different from you and me, and China's rich are different again. They like limousine-length vehicles. They prefer to be chauffeured and their self-esteem is measured in legroom and long bonnets. Expansive rear seats bristling with gadgets are more important than an ability to beat all-comers away from the lights.China's car market may be slowing to a simmer but luxury demand remains on the boil. This year, observers expect growth around 20 per cent - double the overall rate. Rolls-Royce is one brand alert to the opportunities.In 2011, its centenary year, China overtook the US to become its largest single market and Beijing its top dealership. At the 2011 Shanghai motor show it launched a car in China for the first time: the Ghost Extended Wheelbase, an XXL edition of its junior limo. The Ghost EWB, as it's known, arrives before the upcoming Ghost Coupe makes its pitch to Western buyers. It's a sign of priorities to come. The standard Ghost was the main reason last year's sales soared to a record 3,538.VALUEFor Australian buyers the Ghost EWB is a less formal, less expensive option to the million-plus Phantom. It plays country manor to the Phantom's stately home. The latest Rolls-Royce Ghost starts at $645,000.TECHNOLOGYFrom behind the wheel, the Ghost EWB loses little to the standard car, with the same 6.6L turbocharged V12 and the same giant strides to reach 100km/h in five seconds.DESIGNThe EWB reinforces the Ghost's claim to Chinese attention. Its extra 17cm is all in the back and the car's proportions are sweeter as a result. The rear doors open gatewise for dignified entry to a commodious compartment with all the toys you could want. Everything opens and shuts, is heated or cooled. The wraparound lounge poweradjusts.The doors swing shut at the push of a button and feet sink into lambswool rugs. There are rear screens and a 16-speaker hi-fi, frosted glass and ambient lighting. Everything is weighty and substantial, from the bull's-eye aircon vents to the tiniest piece of trim.DRIVINGYou hear the engine if you put your foot down but nothing disturbs the serenity of the cabin and a sense that the car is looking after things. Forget sports buttons and suspension settings, it doesn't have any. Just put it in D and let Rolls decide. Power delivery is smooth and relentless. It's got adjustable damping, active anti-roll bars and a whole lot more. Its refinement and comfort are first-rate.Of course the steering is slow and lazy. Of course it needs a football field to turn around. Around town it's an urban sailboat, only a bit more floaty. But if you're on the bridge (or the recreation deck if Chinese), the world is spread out below (some SUVs excepted).VERDICTThe Ghost defers only to the Phantom in being a paramount statement of luxury motoring. Ghost EWB, the Chinese luxury buyer awaits.Rolls-Royce Ghost EWBPrice: from $645,000Warranty: 4 yearsSafety rating: not testedEngine: 6.6-litre 12-cyl petrol; 420kW/780NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, RWDBody: 5399mm (L); 1948mm (w); 1550mm (h)Weight: 2360kgThirst: 13.6 L/100km, 317g/km CO2

The Rolls-Royce 'Spirit of Ecstasy' bonnet ornament is one of the most recognised -- and beautiful -- in the car world. The luxury British brand has taken it to another level in this sultry commercial. We’re a bit surprised Rolls thinks it has to advertise… even the last Kalahari Bushman we bumped into knew who they were. However, they’re doing it in great style and with very sexy flavour, judging by this behind-the-scenes video.

The newcomer extends the Ghost range in the same pattern as the larger Phantom, which points - eventually - to a new convertible with a similar low-line roof to the car caught testing new BMW HQ in Germany. 

On Sunday he bought 17 vintage and veteran cars costing more than $2.5 million, with plans to open a museum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. That brings his collection of rare vehicles to more than 80, worth a total of about $20 million. It is believed be the biggest private holding of vintage and veteran cars in Australia. "Vintage cars have always been a passion of mine,'' said Mr Palmer who has also dabbled in politics and expressed an interest in building his own media empire and a Titanic replica. "I now own some of the rarest and most sought after vintage cars in the world, including a large Rolls-Royce collection and several cars dating back to 1900. "I plan to create a vintage motor car museum at the Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast.''  Mr Palmer sent a team of buyers to Denmark to attend last Sunday's sale of vehicles from the Danish Aalholm Automobile Museum. Among the 17 cars they bought are a 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost which was the first car at the museum and a 1931 Bugatti Type 40A Tourer, one of only 32 built.  Dan Bowden of Bowden's Own motorsport museum on the Sunshine Coast welcomed the new motoring museum. "Anything is good for the Sunshine Coast to bring people up here,'' said Mr Bowden who has ``pulled the pin'' on plans to relocate his family's Buderim museum to the Big Pineapple site at Nambour. "There is enough interest to have another museum up here. We could do a tour every single weekend if we chose because we have that many people wanting to have a look at the cars. "There might be a couple of other car collections bigger than (Palmer's) in Australia, but that's possibly the biggest collection from that (pre-war) era. "He could do something quite special, I believe, and I dare say the cars will be well restored.'' Mr Palmer said his new acquisitions would go on show to the public along with 30 more that are already at the resort. All are in working order. "This auto museum will consist of up to 50 vehicles at any time and will create another tourist opportunity for the Sunshine Coast,'' he said.  "These vintage cars, many of which are extremely rare and have been sourced from around the world, will attract motoring and vintage car enthusiasts from around the country and possibly even the world bringing more tourists to the Sunshine Coast.'' Mr Palmer said his museum would be ready in about six weeks and would generate 30 jobs.  

Company founder Sir Henry Royce aimed to "strive for perfection in everything you do" but problems happen even to the best of them - Rolls Royce has issued two recalls on its Ghost and million-dollar Phantom.The BMW-owned British marque is investigating a fault with the Ghost's turbocharger cooling system on its 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, as well as the Phantom's hydraulic fault within the braking system.The company issued a recall on the Ghost Sedan over fire risks if "the turbo cooling pump cracks, the pump electronics may smoulder, possibly causing an engine compartment fire or a vehicle fire," the notice said. The recall covers Ghosts available for sale between September 1, 2009 and June 30, 2011.Rolls-Royce Asia-Pacific aftersales general manager Carl Whipp said in a letter to customers said vehicles may be affected by an auxiliary water pump failure within the turbocharger cooling system. "In extreme cases this could lead to overheating, posing a potential fire risk," the letter to customers said.The bastion of British motoring has also recalled the Phantom - in sedan, coupe and convertible forms - sold between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, over concerns oil can get into the brake booster. In a letter to owners, Rolls-Royce aftersales general manager Michael Dedekind told Phantom owners a potential oil leak in the braking system and reduce of braking assistance."Mechanical braking is still available to slow and stop the vehicle and there have been no reported incidents among Rolls-Royce owners. "Furthermore, as this issue relates to older vehicles with a high mileage, we believe it is highly unlikely that Rolls-Royce customers will be affected," the letter says.The recall numbers are only a handful as the company's Australian volumes are not considered high - the brand's total sales for 2012 so far is 4 and just 20 Rolls-Royce cars were sold last year.In fact, over the last 10 years only 124 Rolls-Royce cars were sold in Australia - but that's no surprise, given the Ghost starts at $645,000 and the Phantom's asking price starts at just over $1-million. 

Travolta's car, worth around $100,000, was reported stolen last September after the actor left it parked near a Jaguar dealership in Los Angeles.Following a tip, investigators followed Michael Green, 58, to an illegal auto repair facility and discovered what they called a "chop shop" of stolen cars and car parts.Various parts from Travolta's 1970 Mercedes 280 SL convertible were among those found. Green, from Los Angeles, admitted stealing Travolta's car and more than 30 other classic cars over a two-year period.D.L. Rayford, 52, also of Los Angeles, admitted to helping to steal Travolta's car and hide it. Green was jailed for 14 years and Rayford received an 18-month sentence.The "Pulp Fiction" star is an avid car collector, in addition to being a bona fide aviator. His array of vehicles includes a Rolls-Royce and a Jaguar XJ6.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase makes Australian debut in Sydney to coincide with the opening of a new and extended showroom in Sydney's O'Riordan Street.  The long wheelbase Ghost, which at $695,000 is $50,000 more expensive than the existing Ghost, is the sixth new Rolls-Royce model to be available in Australia.  Standard is a panoramic sunroof, lambs wool carpets, multi-media theatre system and electronically-controlled air suspension. But more than luxury on wheels, the 420kW/780Nm 6.6-litre V12 engine allows the lengthened Rolls to sprint to 100km/h in only five seconds - about the same time as a Subaru WRX. Rolls-Royce regional director for Asia-Pacific, Paul Harris, says "The Ghost Extended Wheelbase is a car for all occasions''.  "Owners who enjoy Ghost for its effortless power-delivery and driver dynamic will be delighted with the enhanced rear-cabin space in Ghost Extended Wheelbase,'' he says.  "This truly is the perfect, no compromise motor car - a fact that's been reflected in the phenomenal media and customer response the car has enjoyed across Asia-Pacific.'' Rolls-Royce in Australia sold 20 cars in 2011, down from 25 in 2010, and has sold three cars to the end of February.  But Mr Harris says the Ghost - at $645,000 a "less formal'' Rolls-Royce that is $423,000 shy of the bigger Phantom - has seen "exceptional demand'' since its 2009 launch in Australia.  "It has introduced a new generation of customers to the marque, wowed by its combination of drivability and hallmark Rolls-Royce exuberant luxury,'' he says.  The new Rolls-Royce showroom, operated by Trivett, is described as a custom-built, state-of-the art facility with room for four cars and a "bespoke'' space for customers to comm ission their hand-built cars. In addition to the bespoke area, the showroom has a mezzanine entertainment lounge designed by renowned interior designers POCO.  Customers will be able to view the latest paint, leather and wood samples from the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, and commission a car "as unique as their own fingerprints'', says Harris.

... rival the prices on the BMW options' list for things like salad and spuds.So it's no surprise that the top end of town calls the shots at the Palexpo alongside Geneva Airport as Europe's carmakers go head-to-head for the first time in 2012. Ferrari and Lamborghini battle for go-faster bragging rights as Rolls-Royce and Bentley get serious about family motoring for the ultra-rich, while Infiniti pitches an new exotic coupe and even Ssangyong of Korea goes upmarket with a new concept. There are also dozens of one-off dream machines and hotrod tuner cars in Geneva, a show that is traditionally dominated by European design stars including Pininfarina and Giugiaro. But there is plenty, too, for ordinary car buyers as the Fiesta ST brakes cover, Hyundai updates the i20 and teases with the Veloster Turbo, Jaguar confirms an XF station wagon, Audi and Mercedes-Benz previews their A3 and A-Class, and Ford even updates its box-boring Transit workhorse. Picking the best of the best is tough with so much gorgeous stuff on the stands, but Alfa Romeo is the winner for 2012 and edges out the Infiniti Emerge-E with its Disco Volante.The pretty little red coupe is dreamy without being stupid and is already confirmed for production, although the slightly-retro body will be draped over Alfa's existing 8C Competizione chassis - 4.7-litre V8, 335kW, 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds - which means it's no chance for Australia with only left-hand drive.The Ferrari F12 is exactly what you expect from the fastest car to wear the badge - 340km/h and 0-100km/h in 3.1 seconds - including a swoopy body that taps the past as well as the influences that created the California convertible, but Lamborghini goes even better with an Aventador J preview car that is snapped up for a rumoured $2.8 million ahead of genuine production of an open-topped Aventador supercar.Rolls-Royce updates the Phantom with a new nose that still demands respect, as well as tweaking its colour choices with a two-tone approach that triggers memories of cheap seventies vinyl roofs, and Jaguar gets serious for families with an XF Sportbrake that will still struggle in a world of SUVs.Further down the food chain, the Audi A3 looks good but not as edgy as an A-Class that must break away from the bus pass generation into something closer to the Y-Gen futurists, and Volkswagen previews a more car-like Tiguan crossover with its Cross Coupe.Hyundai has a preview of a new flagship coupe called the i-oniq - did it mean ironic? - Kia shows a Track'ster that will become the new Soul, Honda shows the CR-V design that's coming to Australia, and the pocket rocket Ford Fiesta ST breaks cover with a confirmation for Australia.The action and excitement at Geneva goes on and on, and that is - really - the best thing about the show. Detroit in January hinted that the word's carmakers are finally emerging from the austerity and fear of the global financial crisis and the big-spending effort in Geneva confirms it, with good news for almost everyone from Euro billionaires to ordinary Aussie families.PG PICKS:1. Bentley EXP 9 F.Only one word fits - Ugly. With a big capital U. The hulking British bulldog might tick the boxes for cashed-up families, but this SUV makes a LandCruiser look elegant, and subtle.2. Giugiaro Brivido.Exactly what you expect to see in Geneva, as designers go all-out to impress the crowds - and each other. Not for production but a great looker with huge gullwing doors.3. Range Rover Evoque Convertible. A certainty for production as Land Rover milks its most successful design - ever. This one will never go bush but is being fast tracked for Double Bay and Toorak.4. Ssangyong XIV-2. Who knew the South Koreans could trump the Euros with a design that combines SUV practicality with a coupe-convertible body? A big surprise.5. Toyota FT-Bh: Just when you thought the uglies were done, Toyota lobbed with this. If it's the future for hybrid cars then sales will be slow. Very slow.