NO RESERVE! - 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit

No Reserve!


Highlights


﹒Low mileage and original throughout.
﹒Running and driving extremely well.
﹒History records, (partial) with current MOT.
﹒Road ready to drive and enjoy straight away.


THE BACKGROUND

In the boom time of the 1980s, it was a modern and monied time for many. Particularly in London, people were seemingly having it all and lusted after the trappings of excess and success. High end sports or executive cars were the thing to be seen in. One such candidate that reflects the time and style of the 1980's is the Rolls Royce Silver Spirit, where angles were in and not a curve in sight. 

The audacious Silver Spirit remains a luxury car, and while it's settled into entry-level status in the brand’s back catalogue, it still features all the highly appointed comforts of Rolls Royce models that came before.

Entering the market in 1980, the Silver Spirit (and long-wheelbase Silver Spur), where the first new developments for the Rolls Royce since the Silver Shadow of 1965 and the Camargue of 1975.

1988-Rolls-Royce-Silver-Spirit_01.jpg 2.93 MB

 

THE HISTORY

This particular example has had only five owners across its life, with the previous owners have retained the car in their family for some 20 years, before being acquired by the current owner in May 2020.

The current owner bought this Silver Spirit as a way to bring some fun and enjoyment to disadvantaged children or those with ill health, by giving them the full Rolls Royce chauffeured experience. Unfortunately, with the past year of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated restrictions, those wonderful plans were unable to be fulfilled and the Rolls has been in storage with a local garage.

This Silver Spirit was no doubt selected for the task, due to its smooth running and notably pleasurable drive.

1988-Rolls-Royce-Silver-Spirit_85.jpg 1.77 MB


THE PAPERWORK

The paperwork accompanying the car is a partial history. Unfortunately, owing to a house move the owner cannot trace the full documentation. The existing records show stamped servicing in the original Rolls Royce service manual and the current MOT notes only one advisory, reflecting the fine running state of the vehicle.

The charming and original Rolls Royce book pack accompanies this Silver Spirit.

1988-Rolls-Royce-Silver-Spirit_Docs06.jpg 4.2 MB


THE INTERIOR

It’s on the inside, where you feel the true essence of Rolls Royce. The carpets are suitably plush and the distressed leather seats are still a standout feature of sumptuousness, which makes entering the cabin a real occasion. Then there’s the walnut door cappings and dashboard, which compete the experience of a fine feeling of luxury. In fact, the woodwork throughout this Silver Spirit and the internal brightwork of the handles, switch surrounds etc, are all in great condition.

The interior’s age-related marks are commensurate with the age of the car, but do little to detract from the air of occasion, when seated in either the front or rear seats. 

Moving to the boot of the car, the deep red carpeting continues and shows no signs of damp or staining.

1988-Rolls-Royce-Silver-Spirit_07.jpg 1.81 MB


THE EXTERIOR 

The prominent angular shape and bodywork is generally in a very presentable condition. There are areas of corrosion beginning to show under and through a few areas of paintwork, which would certainly benefit from rectifying to bring back the full former glory of this Rolls.

The exterior is finished in a traditional cream with complimentary brightwork (which shows minimal signs of pitting), including that dominant front grille and of course the all-important Spirit of Ecstasy flying up front. 

Working your way around the car, particularly the front end, the bonnet, head light surrounds, bumper and trims all have very few stone chips, which tallies with the low mileage. Door shuts, sills, wings, inner wings and valances all appear in a good solid condition.

The underside does have surface corrosion, to be expected given the car’s age. Again, this would ideally benefit from some preventative maintenance, to ensure longevity of the car for years to come. 

Finishing off the exterior are the Rolls Royce badged chromed wheels, with all tyres believed to have been recently replaced (at quite some expense) and with plenty of remaining tread.

1988-Rolls-Royce-Silver-Spirit_02.jpg 1.73 MB


THE MECHANICS 

This Silver Spirit looks to be in great mechanical shape throughout. Starting with ease, the 6.75-litre alloy-block V8 settles to idle effortlessly. On the move it sounds great and changes direction and comes to a stop with no suspect sounds or notable concerns. Electrics, controls and functions all appear to work as intended.

The engine bay presents very well and appears to have been subject to regular servicing. It has most recently been stored and looked after by a local garage, who speaks very positively about the running state of this Rolls, noting what a real pleasure it is to drive.

1988-Rolls-Royce-Silver-Spirit_33.jpg 2.3 MB


THE APPEAL 

The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, boxy as it is, has presence and grace with handsome angular lines of patina, complimented by its highly appointed interior.

One of the best things about the Silver Spirit, which truly qualifies it as a proper Rolls-Royce, is its 6.75-litre V8 powerplant, an engine that has been in continuous production for more than 60 years. This one fires up with ease, is smooth running and with no suspect sights or sounds.

This Silver Spirit would certainly earn its keep as a wedding or prom car, whisking it’s occupants to their destination in style and comfort.

The lineage of the exemplar of luxury motoring is evident throughout this car. Like all Rolls Royces, the Silver Spirit was a fabulously built vehicle, hugely expensive when new, but can now be acquired for a very reasonable price. Make no mistake, despite their mixed market favour over the years, the highly appointed Silver Spirit is every bit a true Rolls Royce.



Notice to bidders

Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.

Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1988
  • Make Rolls Royce
  • Model Silver Spirit
  • Colour Cream
  • Odometer 53,015 Miles
  • Engine size 6750
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Isle of Wight
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
56 bids
  • Ai•••• £5,600 12/04/21
  • Ru•••• £5,500 12/04/21
  • Ru•••• £5,400 12/04/21
  • Ai•••• £5,300 12/04/21
  • Ru•••• £5,200 12/04/21
  • Ai•••• £5,100 12/04/21
  • Ru•••• £5,000 12/04/21
  • NE•••• £4,900 10/04/21
  • Ko•••• £4,800 09/04/21
  • Ai•••• £4,700 09/04/21
Message C&C Auction Team

The Gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.