Feature Car: Johnny Cash 1970 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow
August 20, 2014
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Johnny Cash’s rags to riches story embodies the American dream. His trajectory from son of a share crop farmer to international superstar is well documented. Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash are the only two people to be formally inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Johnny Cash broke down barriers and reaped the rewards of his stratospheric celebrity and position as an American Hero.
Between June 1969 and March 1971, “The Man in Black” hosted his own TV music variety show on ABC. Appropriately called “The Johnny Cash Show” the series was quite successful. 58 episodes aired with Nielsen ratings climbing as high as number 17. Hollywood and music greats from Bob Hope to Carl Perkins to Bob Dylan appeared.
Ordered and purchased by ABC Television Network, the 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow LWB (long wheelbase) “long door” Saloon shown here was given to Johnny Cash as a gift. What better way for ABC to recognize the success of “The Johnny Cash Show” than to present the star with a shiny black Rolls-Royce?
Offered for sale at the 2014 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction, the Johnny Cash Rolls-Royce comes with provenance including “build to order” specification paperwork, . The car was ordered with left hand drive, a privacy partition and factory-provided “JRC” initials in gold on the rear doors. Additional paperwork shows Tennessee registration and published references to Johnny Cash’s ownership. The provenance is as interesting and fun as the car. The car was purchased from Johnny Cash in the mid-1980’s and has been in private ownership since then.
Very special in their day, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows feature extensive use of aluminum, including the hood and trunk lid. Key specifications include a twin-carbureted 412 cid aluminum V8, independent front and rear suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. This particular vehicle shows 32,000 miles on the odometer and is presented in largely original condition.
Join us in Las Vegas September 25 through September 27 for the sale of the Johnny Cash Rolls-Royce — a car that punctuates the success of an American Hero in 1970.
The 1970 Johnny Cash Rolls Royce Silver Shadow is presented in largely original, unrestored condition.
Silver Shadows feature prominent, instantly recognizable grilles as well as hood ornaments known as “The Spirit of Ecstasy”.
Beautiful emblems greeted rear seat passengers and they entered the Silver Shadow. As with most of the car, the emblem and top are presented in unrestored condition.
The iconic “Spirit of Ecstasy” hood ornament is presented in original condition with some patina. Rolls Royce trivia: The Spirit of Ecstasy is also known as “Emily”, “Silver Lady” or “Flying Lady”.
The largely original 412 cid engine received a light cosmetic restoration. Look closely and you’ll see two carburetors and beautiful Rolls-Royce logo valve covers.
Rolls Royce is world renowned for its impeccable wood treatments and leather upholstery.
Closeup of original dash. The Silver Shadow’s steering wheel is simple, yet elegant.
This is it. The rear seat where Johnny Cash, family and guests were driven in comfort by chauffeur. The original privacy partition works in conjunction with the long wheelbase (LWB) configuration.
Here is one of the most interesting pages included with the provenance. The original plan to apply a “Golden Guitar” to each of the rear door’s was scrapped in the interest of time. Instead, the factory applied “JRC” initials per hand written instructions.
The original Rolls-Royce owner’s manual is part of the provenance included with the Man In Black’s Silver Shadow.
Johnny Cash’s name and address can be found Inside the Rolls-Royce owner’s manual.
The warranty card at left is made out to Johnny Cash at his Tennessee address. The page at right shows a Mr. Vernon Burns ordered the car on behalf of Johnny Cash.
Included with the sale are registration and tax receipts from the state of Tennessee. These are dated February 2, 1984.