Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II

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1980 was a watershed year for Rolls Royce Ltd as they moved into the next decade in partnership with Vickers, leaving behind the difficult and uncertain 1970s.

The Silver Shadow had been in production for 15 years, the new era heralding the introduction of its replacement, the Silver Spirit, and the new Bentley, the first of the fabulous Mulsanne models.

Mechanically the cars remained much the same, namely the trusted 6.7-litre V-8 engine of advanced alloy construction, coupled to a GM400 3-speed automatic gearbox with electric power assistance. All of the latest chassis developments were incorporated, including servo disc brakes, ventilated at the front, with separate pads for the foot-operated, hand-released parking brake.

Suspension was independent all round, with anti-roll bars and hydraulic self-levelling ride control, using twin pumps feeding two accumulators. Rack-and-pinion steering was power assisted, of course, with a collapsible energy-absorbing column.

Outside was a different matter, the Silver Spirit sporting a new and very contemporary steel monocoque body which defined the new range of cars. Weight was saved by the use of aluminium doors, bonnet and boot lid, and the area of glass was hugely increased (by more than 30%) over the Shadow. The new car was only three inches longer and two inches wider, but its lower waistline, extra inch of wheelbase and rakish angular styling made it appear far lower and longer. The handsome and striking design immediately made the new Spirit look much more modern and attractive.

Nine years after launch, the Silver Spirit II was unveiled at the Frankfurt show, featuring a number of improvements to the suspension and interior. Most significant was the introduction of Active Ride Control, a sophisticated system of electronically adjustable shock absorbers that greatly improved body control. The revised dashboard gained some extra bulls-eye vents and ABS braking became standard.

This stunning Silver Spirit II was registered in late 1989 as a 1990 Model Year car. It was therefore delivered with the Active Ride Control as confirmed by the letters ‘LCH’ within the chassis number.

A copy of the original factory build sheet shows a number of special order items were requested from the factory. The Vermillion paintwork was extended below the bumpers to the valences, the Parchment leather was piped in St James Red (along with the steering wheel and column shroud) and the woodwork was specified in birds-eye maple. To finish the car off, discreet (but not too discreet) Rolls-Royce badges were fitted to the rear quarter panels.

Affectionately known by its owner as ‘Red Arrow’, this superb example has covered just 30,000 miles from new, a figure substantiated by its comprehensive history file and service book which contains 10 stamps. It is MOTd until April 2015 and has very recently had a new set of white-wall tyres costing £1,000.

The vendor assures us that it drives as well as it looks, which must make it a very fine motorcar indeed. It may interest bidders to know that this car was the subject of a road test by Classic Car Weekly fairly recently which gave it a glowing report in all departments.