Rolls-Royce Silver Spur
ENGINE 6750cc/V8/OHV POWER 237bhp@4300rpm TORQUE 332lb ft@1600rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 120mph 0-60MPH 10.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 12-18mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-sp auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 83,375 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
How effortlessly these Eighties luxury barges waft down the road never fails to impress and this one is no exception. The ride is incredibly smooth without feeling overly soft and the light steering only adds to the overall comfort. That’s not to say that the steering isn’t precise – it goes exactly where it’s pointed without any vibration through the wheel. The engine pulls extremely well and power delivery is consistent in every gear. The column shift automatic gearbox is positive while retaining a fluid feeling that is commensurate with the rest of the controls. The brakes have ample power, pulling up straight with no drama.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Larkspur Metallic Blue bodywork is in fantastic condition with no swirls or blemishes to speak of. All of the chrome trim pieces have a mirror-like finish and an inspection underneath the car reveals nothing untoward and there are no signs of any corrosion anywhere, even inside the wheel arches. All of the panel gaps are straight and none of the doors have dropped. The original wheels look brand new and all four are shod with evenly worn Goodyear Eagle GA tyres with plenty of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
There is slight patina to the interior’s most used areas but it’s exemplary, considering the age of the car. The blue piped magnolia hide has retained its suppleness and all of the leather pieces look splendid. The walnut woodwork hasn’t faded or cracked though there are a few small, inconsequential marks on the dashboard. The carpets and lambswool overmats are clean and dry and the headlining is taut. All of the electrics and gadgets work perfectly.
UNDER THE BONNET
Upon lifting the gargantuan bonnet it quickly becomes evident that the engine has lived the same charmed life as the rest of the car. It’s clean and tidy under there and it sounds exactly as it should with no untoward noises or exhaust smoke – just a deep, glorious growl from the V8 and both oil pressure and temperature gauges sit bang in the middle. There are no leaks from the engine, braking system or self-levelling suspension and all visible parts appear to be in great shape. The only issue we could find was a rather crude repair to the top air hose.
THE CCW VIEW
You get a lot of car for your money when you buy an old Rolls-Royce and this particular example has obviously been cared for and well-maintained. It exudes quality and luxury from every pore and while some may be put off by the woeful fuel economy it’s not the sort of car you would likely drive every day anyway. Just make sure that it will fit in your garage before you hand over the money!