Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

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There were no real surprises in the autumn of 1980 when Rolls-Royce unveiled their new Silver Spirit and its long wheelbase counterpart, the Silver Spur, alongside Bentley's sporting Mulsanne range.

The well-proven 6,750cc V8 engine previously used in the Silver Shadow 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 and the new car had a top speed of 120mph.

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 and the re-instatement of folding picnic tables. "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," was how Autocar summed it up.

This late 1983-built Silver Spirit left the factory painted Nutmeg with Champagne upholstery piped dark brown. First registered DBP 77 on 1 January 1984, it has paid no fewer than 23 visits to the service centre, it’s comprehensively stamped service book remaining current until 2013 by which time just 84,660 miles had slipped under its wheels. Since then, the odometer reading has risen by just over 1,000 miles.

Due to carry a fresh MOT by the time of the sale, this well presented, low mileage and well cared for Spirit is fitted with a fully functional LPG conversion which dramatically reduces running costs and looks like a great deal of motorcar for very little outlay. Go on, treat yourself - everyone should own at least one Rolls-Royce during their lifetime.