by Non-Standard Rolls-Royce with Increased Ground Clearance
A very unusual 1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is up for sale. This car has been seriously modified – it was mounted on the chassis of a Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck, which gave it increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive. Instead of the original V8, a turbo diesel four-cylinder engine now resides under the hood.
The idea for this conversion came from the famous rally car Jules Dakar Corniche, which participated in the Paris-Dakar rally in 1981. Although this Rolls has lost its “aristocracy,” it has gained practical advantages: a fuel tank for a 2000 km range and fuel economy of around 30 miles per gallon.
An original 1959 Rolls-Royce advertisement claimed that the loudest sound in the cabin was the clock, but in this modification, the clock will definitely not be heard over the noise of the diesel engine.
Technical Features and Price
The car has retained most of the 1970s interior elements, although some details, such as the dashboard, do not look very presentable. However, the price of this exclusive is only about $25,800, which is significantly cheaper than any modern Rolls-Royce.
This project cost its creators about $41,000, but the result is a truly unique car that combines the luxury of the British brand with the durability of a Japanese pickup. Despite its heavy weight (the car essentially has two chassis), it turns out to be more economical than the original.
Similar projects always cause controversy among auto enthusiasts. On one hand, it’s the destruction of a classic car; on the other, it’s the creation of something completely new and unusual. It is worth noting that the original Silver Shadow was the first Rolls-Royce with a monocoque body, making this modification even more bold.
