I think you are spot on Bryce.
Besides a few scuff marks that cleaned off well, the back like you say is pristine.
Door handle areas are a good place to look for grime and wear.
Worn or loose door handles inside and out can be a good give away if someone is trying to mis represent the cars odometer reading.
I would say not much use here at all that’s for sure.
(Please see bottom 2 images)
The wife and the mother in law who have both traveled extensively in the rear of the Shadow, and the 560, both say this is the nicest rear seat they have been in.
But both agree the head rests are a little on the tall side to be of much use to them as they are shorter ladies.
The wife does like the front seat of the 72 Shadow more, but after playing with the multitude of adjustments, found a pretty comfy spot, but the more firm German seats still were not as favourable to her compared to the almost lounge suite comfort of the Shadow.
However the front headrest in the 430 is far better for her compared to the almost afterthought Shadow headrest.
The exterior paint on this car is like glass, so shiny and super hard which makes getting some minor marks out very difficult, but also this is great for the minor marks, as the quality of the finish also aids in it looking fantastic when I’ve got the marks out. The super hard and glass like quality of the factory paint has certainly protected it from minor scuffs and scapes which other paints certainly would have been major scuffs and scrapes.
As the build sheet states (posted at the start of this thread) the factory paint protection is awesome.
If this is still available for anyone ordering a new car, I would say be sure to tick this box.
As I said the paint is super shiny, and the only thing required is just a light hand polish (which I have already done to the rear half of the car) to get the “roughness” of 17 years off the paint surface I can only feel under my hand.
Yep, quality paint that’s for sure.
Most of the marks are where something has scraped along the car, but the car has not suffered at all, but the other car or push bike handle has transferred their paint, rubber or plastic onto this car. Just a matter of actually getting it off this car.
As I mentioned earlier, this car was garaged it’s entire life until around 7 months ago, when it’s was relegated to the street in Birchgrove, and then to the owners son in laws house in Newington.
That being said, a lot of marks on this car are from what I would say have been caused by it being put into a tight and well used garage. But pretty much all sorted now.
The below pics are always a give away for me when inspecting a car if it has or has not been well garaged.
These are the rear door hinge areas, a place not many people look.
(Always be sure to check out door hinge areas when doing inspections for, dirt, rust, damage or non original wiring runnng between pillar & door)
These images are before I even gave them a wipe over.
All rubbers are as new.