Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
ENGINE 6750cc/V8/OHV POWER 245bhp@450Orpm TORQUE 3981b ft@250Orpm MAXIMUM SPEED 118mph 0-60MPH 10.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 12-18mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 73,378 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The 6.75-litre carburettor-fed V8 starts and idles well, emitting no smoke from the exhaust or unwanted tappet noises. It has ample power but doesn’t feel forced or show signs of overheating. It’s incredibly comfortable and surprisingly easy to manoeuvre despite its size and weight. The selflevelling suspension works as it should, offering a smooth yet far-from-wallowy ride. The brakes are effective, pulling the car up quickly and in a straight line with no pulling.
BODYWORK CHECK
The maroon red paint retains a deep shine, there is no rust on the panels themselves or underneath the car and the wheel arches, sills and bulkhead are all clean and tidy. The chrome is similarly well presented, the glass is free from damage or blemishes and the wheels – which look factory fresh – are shod with Avon Turbosteel tyres with good tread and even wear. This Rolls appears to have been well cared-for and has covered just 3000 miles in the last five years.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This Silver Spirit’s interior is perfectly crafted and presents extremely well. The cream leather seats are in perfect condition and the headlining and door cards are undamaged. The carpets are dry and the fl oor pans underneath are solid, showing that water is not making its way into the cabin – a common problem with these cars, whose windscreen seals can leak. The walnut dash looks superb, albeit with some minor imperfections here and there. The myriad switches, gauges and lights are all present and correct and everything works as it should. The heater blows hot and the air conditioning was re-gassed last summer.
UNDER THE BONNET
There’s a lot going on under the bonnet but everything is accounted for and in fine shape even down to the sound deadening material. Fluids are all at their correct levels and an inspection of the radiator shows no damaged fi ns or coolant leaks, as well as fresh belts. There is no corrosion or evidence of standing water. An inspection of the suspension and braking components reveals no hidden nasties and the car has recently benefitted from a service at Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist, Hanwells of London, to the tune of £3500.
THE CCW VIEW
Silver Spirits can be costly to run, what with their poor fuel economy and lofty repair costs, but this particular example appears to want for nothing. And even if your budget won’t stretch to running it as a daily, it can be enjoyed immediately as a weekend toy or for special occasions. There’s nothing like driving an old-school Rolls Royce, especially one with so few miles on it and in such good.