High rolling football legend’s car for sale

A classic British car once owned by footballing legend George Best is coming up for sale at H&H Classics in Duxford in October.

George Best and his white silver shadow Rolls-RoyceThe 1972 white Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow has an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000. Best, who died aged 59 in 2005, was known for his off-field antics and once said, “I spent 90% of my money on women, drink and fast cars. The rest I wasted.” During his career he scored 137 times for Manchester United in 361 appearances, helped the team to victory in the European Cup and was crowned European Footballer of the Year in 1968.

Launched in 1965, the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was a bold departure for the Crewe-based company. Their first monocoque design, it also benefited from olio-pneumatic rear suspension, power disc brakes and, from 1968, GM’s silken 400 series automatic gearbox. Such ‘new technology’ did not encroach on the luxurious interior with its sumptuous leather hides, rich wood veneers and deep lambswool carpets. Performance from the smooth 6230cc V8 engine (upgraded to 6750cc in 1970) was assured, the car wafting forward on a seemingly unstoppable wave of torque. Still immensely cosseting to drive, Shadows offer a genuinely different ownership experience to their mass made peers.

No stranger to publicity, George Best and his new acquisition were photographed by the Daily Mirror in the showrooms of Ian Anthony Car Sales on 4th December 1972. The car has sported various registration numbers over the past forty-four years but on that occasion wore plates advertising Mr. Anthony’s Manchester-based dealership. Mr. Best is understood to have been only too happy to promote his friend Mr. Anthony’s business. The Acrylic White Rolls-Royce was also pictured outside Manchester United’s Old Trafford grounds with its surprised owner turning round just as he was about to open the driver’s door (doubtless in response to a shouted paparazzi request).

Repainted since belonging to Best, the luxury saloon has also gained a Black vinyl roof covering (a ‘must have’ automotive accessory during the late-1970s) and later-style integral reversing lamps. However, the Silver Shadow still pleasingly retains its original steering wheel, Black leather upholstery and Grey Ambla headlining. Thus, any future custodian has the pleasure of knowing that they are not only driving a car that George Best owned in his heyday but also sitting on the very same leather.

Acquired by its last registered keeper during 1994, chassis SRH 13549 has had some £22,000 spent on it over the last twenty-two years. Adorned with more aesthetically pleasing bumpers than their successors, first series Silver Shadows have become increasingly collectible of late (with post 1970 cars boasting both the more powerful engine and smoother transmission). The Rolls-Royce possesses a current MOT certificate valid until 14th June 2017 and offers a new owner the chance of restoring it back to ‘Best’ specification.

the sale will take place on October 12 at the Imperial War Museum, Cambridgeshire.

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