Depending on where you live, the sight of a Rolls-Royce can be a rare experience. They’re not exactly everyday cars for every person. Even if you live in Beverly Hills, you’ve never seen this Rolls before.
There are a few reasons for that:
1.) It’s a 1970s Silver Shadow. That’s not to say cars of its age aren’t seen every now and then, but you have a better chance of seeing more modern luxury vehicles than this 40-something.
2.) The maker of the following videos states in the description of each one that the R-R shown testing is in Finland. Last I checked, that’s a little far from the U.S.
3.) In case you didn’t notice, CHECK OUT THE SIZE OF THAT FREAKIN’ BLOWER! When it comes to the Silver Shadow’s roofline, the blower is literally over the top. By using 12 cylinders and twin turbos, Rolls-Royce makes powerful ultra-luxury cars, but nothing like this.
In fact, the huge engine the builder of this beast put into it changes not only the output and appearance of the sedan, it changes its entire identity. Rolls-Royces are supposed to be quiet, powerful, (somewhat) understated means of opulent transportation, more to be chauffeured around in than driven. This is a roll-cage-lined monster with thick rear rubber meant to be driven as quickly as possible at a drag strip.
The owner has kept some elegance in this odd mashup, though. The characteristically thin steering wheel is still in place. The front dash appears to have retained its wood veneer fascia. If you look at the bottom of the second video, you’ll notice a bottle holder filled with a container of what we’re assuming is fine spirits and a pair of glasses flanking it. It’s the perfect setup for enjoying a post-race victory toast. A Rolls-Royce taking on a Camaro and winning – talk about a rare sight…
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
