Low mileage, very solid and presentable early Silver Spirit
Attractive Walnut metallic paintwork with beige leather interior
MOT and tax exempt but regularly MOT’d
Regularly serviced by Seller and has just bee serviced before sale
Very limited use since 2006 but ongoing servicing and maintenance work
Optional gold finish Spirit of Ecstasy
The Appeal
When Rolls Royce began developing a new model to replace the popular Silver Shadow it didn’t mess with a winning formula: the new Silver Spirit of 1980 carried over most of the running gear, including the super-smooth self levelling hydropneumatic suspension, but clothed in a more modern bodyshell designed to appeal to the American market.
The Silver Spirit remained in production for many years, evolving through various updates. This low mileage early model is finished in attractive Walnut metallic and in the hands of the current owner for many years. It has been little used recently but has still been regularly serviced, by the owner and most recently by the Vendor before sale.
It is in very good, original and solid condition, with just a light patina of age on the interior. For anyone looking for a useable classic with more than a touch of class and presence, few cars can compete with the Silver Spirit and this looks like a very attractive example.
Beige leather interior with light brown carpets and over mats
Wood veneers generally in very good condition
Original factory rear footrests
Good headlining
Aftermarket sound system
The sense of occasion delivered by a Silver Spirit starts when you step up rather than down into this expansive saloon car. Everything you can see has been hand made and the fit and finish is remarkable, a seamless blend of leather and wood.
This car has light beige leather with light brown carpets, a combination that works well with the Walnut metalwork. The interior reflects the low mileage but also the age of this 43 year old car – there are signs of patina but nothing significant no visible damage.
The front seats are lightly discoloured and creased with age and would likely respond to hide feed or a good valet. The headlining and rear seats are excellent. Likewise the door trims, only the driver’s side showing signs of creasing and discolouration typical of the age of vehicle.
The plentiful veneers are in generally very good condition, just the cappings on the offside rear door and front passenger door having delaminated slightly. The dashboard veneers are in very good condition and the switchgear is also excellent. There is an aftermarket sound system fitted.
The carpets, Rolls Royce over mats and rear footrests are very good, showing only slight sun fade.
Distinctive Walnut metallic bodywork with body colour wheel caps
Correct Avon Turbosteel 15inch tyres fitted all round
Optional gold finish Spirit of Ecstasy
Bodywork very presentable and solid with no obvious deterioration or corrosion
No structural advisories on MOT
Car garaged when not in use by current owner
The unusual Walnut metallic paintwork of this 1982 Silver Spirit was very in vogue in the early 80s but still looks distinctive and attractive. It is in very good condition – it appears to be original – and the body remarkably free of deterioration and corrosion for a car entering its fifth decade.
The signs of age are minor and not immediately obvious. On the driver’s door top the paintwork appears to have reacted near to the chrome trim strip resulting in some bubbling and delamination. This panel also has a couple of small marks, likely from parking damage. The rest of the bodywork appears to be very good, including the large bumpers and chromework.
The paint on two of the body colour wheel centre caps have delaminated slightly – on the offside front wheel and the nearside rear wheel.
Factory correct Avon Turbosteel 15inch tyres are fitted all round and appear in good condition with good tread. The Spirit of Ecstasy is finished in gold to complement the bodywork.
There were no structural advisories on the last or any recent MOT.
6.75litre V8 Rolls Royce engine with twin carburettors
3spd automatic gearbox with column shift
Covered only 2,000 miles since 2006 but regularly serviced and MOT’d
Thick history file of maintenance work
Carburettors refurbished and thermostat and sender replaced in 2017
Brake hoses, brake pads and hydraulics attended to in 2016
Regularly serviced by the current owner
MOT to August with no advisories
The vast 6.75litre V8 at the heart of this big car is known for its durability and reliability. It is a mated to an equally good 3spd automatic gearbox operated, as Rolls Royce tradition requires, via a column mounted shifter.
MOT records show that this low mileage car has covered only 2,000 miles since 2006. The temptation with such low mileage is for owners to assume servicing isn’t required. That has not been the case here. The owner has kept it garage and home serviced it regularly. The Vendor has just serviced the car ready for sale.
This fastidiousness is also reflected in the MOT history – although that limited use might suggest MOTs would be ignored, the car has been continuously tested, achieving a generally regular run of first time passes since 2007 with only two exceptions.
The history file also reveals sizeable bills for work in 2016 and 2017 when the carburettors were refurbished, thermostat and sender replaced, brake hoses and hydraulics overhauled and a ball joint replaced. All of which seems to indicate an owner concerned to maintain the car regardless of the cost.
The MOT runs to August and contains no advisories.
The Silver Spirit sustained Rolls Royce’s reputation as a builder of luxury cars rivalled by none. Driving one or to be driven in one is likely the legal definition of unruffled.
This lovely early Silver Spirit has clearly been cared for, its good condition bodywork and interior appearing to reflect light use by careful owners. These cars are currently great value, delivering a level of cossetting and occasion that few classics can match. With its good history file and condition, this car looks ready for a new life of care, attention and envious looks.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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.
1982 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit
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