At the start of the 20th century, Henry Royce and Charles Rolls met for the first time in Manchester, England. Each had built his own fledgling automotive business – Royce was a manufacturer, Rolls was a dealer. They were so impressed with each other’s work that they decided to go into business together, selling four models of the newly-badged Rolls-Royce automobiles.

Over the years, the company continued to up the stakes on technology and engineering in their pursuit of creating “the greatest car in the world.” Along the way, Rolls-Royce was contracted to produce engines for airplanes and tanks for both the first and second World Wars. While the post-war climate in England wasn’t exactly ripe for high-end cars, the company persevered through several lean years. Eventually, the world’s appetite for high-quality cars would catch up to the company’s reputation for producing them. This would propel the company to “luxury car” status. Their efforts laid the foundation for what was to become a brand synonymous with luxury automobiles – and luxury, itself.

1975 marked the 10-year anniversary of the legendary Silver Shadow. This full-sized luxury sedan featured a unitary body and chassis, along with a number of other innovative upgrades designed to help the company keep pace with other brands. Disc brakes and independent rear suspension helped refine the car’s ride quality and drivability. The suspension is also self-leveling, keeping the car at a consistent ride height, regardless of how many passengers and cargo are being carried.

The interior is of the 1975 Silver Shadow is richly appointed in leather and wood, with an array of amenities far more modern that you would expect in a nearly fifty-year-old car. In a nod to a time when people of means had drivers to chauffer them around, the rear seat of the Silver Shadow is as comfortable as the front, and even includes angled foot rests for enhanced comfort. The trunk (or “boot,” as they call it in England), is cavernous enough to hold everyone’s luggage for the trip to your country estate.

Acceleration is smooth and powerful, hitting 0-60 in a more than respectable 10 seconds. Although this car was never meant to hot laps at the track, it’s nice to know there’s power when you need it. Top speed in the Silver Shadow is 118 mph. Reliable, durable, dependable, and luxurious. Everything Rolls-Royce represents.

Several years ago a study of global brands showed that Rolls-Royce ranked behind only Coca-Cola in terms of brand recognizably. Rolls-Royce may not be the only luxury car maker, but no other brand has seized and retained that designation better than Rolls-Royce. Consider this brand – and this car – the O.G. of luxury automobiles.