weverka@drip.colorado.edu (Robert T. Weverka) asks:
>What year did RR begin to produce the unit body? Which years should I
>avoid in order to keep away from the rust problem?
There are much more knowledgeable RR/Bentley enthusiasts than myself on the
net, but I believe the first RR monocoque body was the Silver Shadow/
Bentley T1, made by Pressed Steel Fisher in Cowley, which will have been
introduced in about 1966. The previous models - the Silver Cloud Series I,
II and III, and their Bentley equivalents all had chassis.
The Shadows/TI/TII also had very complicated hydraulic suspension and other
systems, I think, which may have been neglected recently as the cars are so
comparatively cheap now (at least over here).
I have just been offered a _beautiful_ low-mileage 1975 Shadow II in BRG
with perfect black leather interior for Pounds 7000, and by my neighbour,
too, who knows all about the car! If it were the Bentley, I would get it
(Rolls is a bit flash for my taste!).
The last RR/Bentley for the home mechanic, I believe, might be considered to
be the Cloud Series I/II with the 6-cylinder engine. Later Series IIs and
onwards all had V8s.
Good luck,
Paul.
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