Rolls-Royce MPW FHC

ENGINE 6230cc/V8/OHV POWER 220bhp@4000rpm TORQUE 340lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 114mph 0-60MPH 11sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 10-14mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed automatic MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 76,719 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This car – one of 606 two-door MPWs – was professionally remodelled to Bentley spec by Royce Engineering around 30 years ago. But this changes little except for cosmetics, the driving experience having all the hallmarks of a Silver Shadow/TSeries. The V8 starts easily with a little throttle and runs at the correct temperature. Power is smooth and willing, the light power-assisted steering entirely free from slop; teamed with the smooth-changing ‘box, this is a truly effortless car to drive. The silken ride suggests that the hydraulic suspension is working as it should, while the disc brakes requires little effort at the pedal.

BODYWORK CHECK

There’s a lovely lustre to the Regency Red paint; this Rolls has had work to remove corrosion, but it’s all been carried out masterfully. There are signs of the paint being touched in on the boot lip and driver’s door edge, but you need to look closely to find evidence of either. Chrome is superb, though the cowling for the lamps have minor scratches in them. Chunky new Avon tyres have plenty of tread remaining.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

Beige leather by J Barclay has been nicely preserved. The front seats look as though they’ve been refurbished, but there are no marks or scuffs to speak of, and the rear bench is in perfect order. There’s still a fantastic gloss to the centre console wood, but the veneer on the door cappings are slightly UV damaged at the front and there are some minor cracks in the rears’. The headlining is unmarked and the carpets faultless throughout. All the electrics work, including the windows, and there’s an aftermarket head unit discreetly hidden in the glovebox. Front passengers benefit from inertia reel seatbelts.

UNDER THE BONNET

Kent Rolls-Royce specialist, Goldhurst Service Station, recently overhauled the gearbox and brake pumps and decoked the cylinder heads. As such, the engine bay presents well, with no signs of any leaks, no swollen rubber hoses and fresh-looking NGK ignition leads. The engine bay is painted black and while there are some cracks in the paint on both the inner wings, these are only cosmetic issues.

THE CCW VIEW

While this is undoubtedly a beautiful car, what makes it exceptional is not just its specification as an MPW coupé, but its history, which goes all the way back to day one, when the car was bought new from Glasgow agent A&D Fraser Ltd. As such, there is reams of evidence to back up our impressions from having given this car the once over that it has been well maintained throughout its life. As opulent classics go, this one takes some beating.