Description
This is lot number 273 in the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed sale on July 12th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
• Rare and exclusive extended-wheelbase limousine
• One of only 68 cars ever built
• Circa 53, 000 miles recorded
• Service history available
• Fridge and Alpine audio/ navigation added
• Interior reupholstered
• All books and tools
Typically Rolls-Royce in so far as it represented evolution rather than revolution, the Silver Spirit and long-wheelbase Silver Spur were based on the preceding Silver Shadow II, to which they bore a distinct family resemblance, and were introduced in 1980. By now all cars, regardless of final destination, came with a Bosch fuel-injected V8 engine in three-way catalysed 'California' specification capable of meeting all current emissions targets. The long-wheelbase Silver Spur turned out to be a major success for Rolls-Royce, and by 1985 accounted for almost the same number of sales as the shorter Silver Spirit despite being around 20% more expensive.
What would turn out to be the final version of the Silver Sprit/ Spur was introduced late in 1995 for the 1996 model year. Major changes included the introduction of a Garrett turbocharger and the adoption of a Zytec engine management system, replacing the previous Bosch. Also new were integrated front and rear bumpers and 16" wheels. As of 1997, the long wheelbase became standard, with limousine models offered in extra-long only.
Replacing the Silver Spur/ Spirit Touring Limousine, the Park Ward Limousine was a limited edition with a 24" (610mm) extended wheelbase and a 2" (51mm) taller roof. In the middle of the 1998 model year the name was changed to Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Park Ward. Standard equipment on this model included an electrically operated internal division; an intercom, a rear-compartment sunroof; and a cocktail cabinet complete with crystal decanters and goblets.
Currently displaying a total of circa 53, 000 miles on the odometer, this Park Ward Limousine boasts the additional conveniences of a fridge in the rear compartment and an Alpine audio/ satellite navigation system installed in 2016. This particular example was ordered new without the standard rear-compartment sunroof, it therefore has allowed our vendor to have a television installed, which is fitted to the rear roof. The interior has been reupholstered in cream leather at a cost of £40, 000. Jack Barclay have serviced the car since 2016 and there are service documents available. The car is offered with a V5C document and current MoT, and comes complete with handbooks, tools, jack, spare wheel, two Rolls-Royce umbrellas, and some spares. Interested parties should note that the vendor has started the process of retaining his UK private registration number, and the car will be offered with a UK V5C with an age related number plate.
