When we created this range of Prestige Parts shock absorbers we commissioned two independent companies to advise us on the ideal specification for each shock absorber. Initially we began with the two Bilstein counterparts to the long stroke front shock absorber and the standard four-door rear shock absorber. The Bilstein components are well-regarded in the industry, having been used in popular handling packages and also as direct replacements for the original Sachs-Boge shock absorbers supplied by Bentley Motors. If there is a criticism of the Bilstein units, it is that they can be slightly more harsh at low speeds, which is partly a function of their being gas-charged as opposed to oil-filled.
The manufacturer was provided the brief to mimic the damping curve of the Bilstein units above a particular shaft speed, but allowing the shock absorber to compress at slightly slower forces than that exhibited by the Bilstein. A second company was employed as technical adviser to audit the work of the manufacturer, ensuring that the end product met the agreed specifications when tested on a dynamometer. Samples were fitted to test vehicles to ensure that product specification transferred to the road.Â
When it came to the short stroke front shock absorber and the rear shock absorber for convertible Corniche models, the brief was simpler, and was to mimic the damping curve of the original Sachs-Boge units. This was because it was felt that altering the specification of shock absorbers with a shorter stroke would tax the unit beyond its ideal damping range.Â
In addition a third company was commissioned to produce the rubber gaiters and bushes which may, incidentally be purchased as spares:
Part no. | Description | Bentley Price | IntroCar List Price |
RH3367 | Front Shock Absorber (Short Stroke) Silver Shadow series (1001-11465) | £475.46 | £329.00 |
UR71744 | Front Shock Absorber (Long Stroke)
Silver Shadow series (11466 on)
Silver Spirit series (1001-27998) |
£474.92 | £189.00 |
RH12437 | Rear Shock Absorber (Fixed Head) Silver Shadow series (1001 onwards) | £501.99 | £179.00 |
RH3372 | Rear Shock Absorber (Drop Head) Mulliner Park Ward / Corniche (1698-50000) | £501.99 | £349.00 |