Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II

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"A gloriously individual possession that signifies impeccable excellence and taste, an extravagant celebration of detail over function, a monument in the driveway and an occasion to drive" – Autocar 1980.

As this press review suggests, the Silver Spirit was warmly received when it was launched in 1980 to replace the outgoing Shadow, although it was very much an evolution of its much-loved predecessor rather than a radical new departure. The well-proven 6,750cc V8 engine was retained but the new car featured more modern, angular styling being longer, wider and lower but with 30 per cent more glass area.

Road-holding was reported to be "the best yet from Rolls-Royce" thanks to significant improvements to the self-levelling rear suspension. Interior appointments were as luxurious as ever, using only the finest hides and veneers, the most noticeable change being the adoption of separate rear seats.

In 1989 a MkII version was launched with even more sophisticated ‘Automatic Ride Control’ suspension, ABS brakes, fuel injection and improved ventilation in the cabin. A proper ‘gentleman’s club on wheels’ in the finest Rolls-Royce tradition, the Spirit had bags of effortless grunt on tap and could hit 60mph in 10 seconds with a top speed of 125mph with barely a ripple on Sir’s glass of champagne.

This particular Spirit II was supplied new by Appleyard’s of Ripon in January 1990 and has covered only 77,000 miles to date with a reassuring service history comprising 12 Rolls-Royce stamps to date, the last service being carried out by Broughtons of Cheltenham in March 2012 at 66,471 miles.

A former Rolls-Royce apprentice, the vendor acquired the car back in 2007 and has maintained it regardless of cost, a quick tot up of the bills in the history file showing that he has spent some £16,000 on the car during his 8-year ownership, including new rear brake accumulator spheres at 66,500 miles and a recent set of new tyres. He states that the car has always been a pleasure to drive with everything working as it should, although he notes that the driver’s window now operates a bit slower than it used to following a period in storage.

The car certainly fired up instantly and ran beautifully when we were treated to a test drive around Malvern on the occasion of our visit, despite not having been used for several months previously (lack of use being the reason for sale). The grey leather interior is nicely patinated and would no doubt scrub up beautifully if desired, the woodwork is excellent but the paint has a couple of blemishes (one on the boot and one on the back edge of the roof) which the vendor believes were caused during storage when the car cover used to protect it was dropped on the floor at one point and picked up some brake fluid or other contaminant. 

As Autocar pointed out, these Silver Spirits turn every journey into an occasion with a feel good factor that has to be experienced to be believed. This low mileage and well maintained example looks absurdly good value at the modest guide price suggested and will make the fortunate new owner feel like a millionaire every time they slip behind the wheel.