1981 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit
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Highlights
- Great condition
- Legendary 6 ¾ litre V8 engine
- Sumptuous brown leather upholstery
- Desirable private registration
The Appeal
Blending modern design with the more traditional core principles that make a Rolls Royce the final authority on luxury motoring, the Silver Spirit really is a fine example of what Rolls Royce can do on their a-game. While appreciation for the 1980s icon is growing steadily among enthusiasts the Spirit still provides a wonderful and excellent value way into Rolls Royce ownership.
AHZ 2781, a very early example of the Spirit, is a car that with some light aesthetic and mechanical recomissioning will be a truly impeccable example of the model. In good honest original condition and with an extensive history file this Spirit has all the good bits a discerning Rolls buyer could possibly want and makes an excellent case for why the Silver Spirit is now finally getting the recognition it deserves as one of the all time great Rollers.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 01/10/1981
- Extensive collection of Silver Spirit owners literature
- Comprehensive file full of specialist service history from throughout the car’s life
- Correct V5 registration document present with the vehicle
- Both MOT and tax exempt due to historic status
The Interior
- Quality brown leather upholstery
- Highly original example
- Presents in great order
A true testament to quality British craftsmanship the glorious splendour of the Rolls Royce’s cabin simply cannot be undersold. Lavishly appointed with rich brown leather and elegant wood trim, the Silver Spirit does a marvellous job of doing exactly what a Rolls Royce should. Provide pure unadulterated comfort and luxury.
Being such a quality, well maintained example, it comes almost as no surprise to report that the interior has been preserved incredibly well. The sumptuous leather found on the excellent seats, door panels and dashboard is of a marvellous quality, still rich in colour and distinctly lacking in the wear and damage found on so many of these examples.
The wood finish used to detail the door trims and dash panel is of a brilliant standard and still exudes a wonderful glossy shine. The same can also be said of the elegant chrome appointments and switchgear fitted to the plush door panels and dashboard.
At the rear we find a neat and simple boot area, lavishly upholstered in smart brown carpeting. Here one is also presented with a battery isolator switch great for both preserving the car’s battery life and in the interests of theft prevention.
The Exterior
- Unusual gold paint scheme
- Quality chrome trim
- In good original standing
Draped in marvellous gold paintwork embellished with exquisite coach lines, this Silver Spirit is one that very much personifies the term opulent. The paint itself is largely of a good standard but does present with some signs of wear, blemishing and age related marking, most notable of which is a small rust whole that has appeared on the top of the drivers side front wing.
The large collection of chrome trim found at nearly every angle of the Rolls is in good honest condition and presents as such, although it should be noted that there is a small area of trim detaching around the lower section of the rear passenger side.
Ground level highlights a wonderful set of factory Rolls Royce wheels, well detailed with the correct chrome trims. All four of the wheels present in great order and look marvellous on the car.
The truly iconic vertically slatted front grille piece found on the shadow is of an impeccable standard and gives the Spirit a wonderful road presence. Of course an important feature of any Rolls, the beautiful spirit of ecstasy still sits proudly atop of the grille.
Interested parties should note that at present the front passenger side door is somewhat temperamental and will occasionally only open from the inside.
The Mechanics
- Legendary 6 ¾ litre v8 engine
- Good original example
- Lends itself well to light mechanical recomissioning
Among Rolls Royce aficionados the 6 ¾ litre 8 cylinder engine needs no introduction and has safely cemented itself as one of the all time greats. A stark contrast from the majority of production V8s, the glorious powerhouse, famed for its longevity, effortlessly blends excellent power with refinement and subtlety, something one can only get from a Rolls Royce.
A well maintained low mileage example, AHZ 2781, has been well maintained by a host of independent specialist workshops throughout its lifetime and as such presents well. The most recent piece of work undertaken at a cost of around £3500 was an extensive mechanical refurbishment of the car along with several rust repairs to the floor and underside sections of the car at the hands of RM Restorations of Colchester.
At present the Rolls fires into life immediately and with ease, slipping into gear comfortably and driving well, however it would appear as though the car isn’t running on all of its 8 cylinders currently, quite possibly due to inactivity in recent months. As such this is an example that does lend itself quite nicely to light mechanical recomissioning at the hands of its next owner.
Summary
Presenting great value for money, the Rolls Royce Silver Spirit is the ideal way for one to get into the world of luxury motoring and classic Rolls Royce ownership. Stylish, timeless and effortlessly classy, the Spirit checks all of the important boxes for what makes a Rolls so great.
Demand and appreciation for this previously underrated model is undeniably soaring and so good examples such as this are very much in short supply. In good original condition, with a marvellous interior, this certainly isn’t one to miss.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1981
- Make Rolls Royce
- Model Silver Spirit
- Colour Gold
- Odometer 84,771 Miles
- Engine size 6750
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Maldon
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
17
bids
- Bu•••• £4,300 18/09/22
- ar•••• £4,200 18/09/22
- Bu•••• £4,100 18/09/22
- ar•••• £4,000 18/09/22
- Bu•••• £3,800 18/09/22
- ar•••• £3,700 18/09/22
- Bu•••• £3,600 18/09/22
- ar•••• £3,500 18/09/22
- Bu•••• £3,400 18/09/22
- ar•••• £3,200 18/09/22
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