Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 29th July from 12pm
Auction: Wed 30st July from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph
Retained by Rolls-Royce and in single ownership from 2000-2025
Estimate
£30, 000 - £35, 000
Registration No: R405 DTU
Chassis No: SCALA61E2WCH01048
MOT: February 2026
Supplied new to Rolls-Royce and retained by them for two years (presumably for press and special duties)
First registered with the Works number plate 'R405 DTU'
In single private ownership from 2000 - 2025
Warranted 68, 000 miles from new
Comprehensive specification includes a factory-fitted sunroof
Recent bill on file from marque specialist The Chelsea Workshop for c.£10, 000 worth of fettling and a full service
An undisputedly fine motorcar, the Graham Hull-penned Silver Seraph marked Rolls-Royce's intention to reclaim its reputation as producer of `the best car in the world'. Following a long gestation period that dated back to the late '80s, the model was actually only made for four years - 1998 to 2002 - as a result of which just 1, 570 examples ultimately vacated the factory in Crewe (1, 382 stanard and 188 long-wheelbase cars). Although, only 369 of those were to right-hand drive, standard wheelbase specification. The company claimed the monocoque chassis to be 65 percent stiffer than that of the Silver Spirit it replaced. Power came from a BMW-derived all-alloy V12 engine of 5. 4-litres, making it the first 12-cylinder car to transport the Silver Lady since the mighty Phantom III of 1939. The Seraph shared its platform, bodyshell and much else with the Bentley Arnage of the period. But while the twin-turbo V8-powered and more stiffly-suspended Arnage was aimed at the enthusiast driver, the Seraph was all about comfort and luxury. Unveiled to the UK press at Ackergill Tower Castle in January 1998, one of the demonstrators was a pre-production car registered as ‘R396 DTU’.
Among the earliest RHD Silver Seraphs to be completed, chassis WCH01048 was issued with the Works number plate ‘R405 DTU’ on February 12th 1998; several weeks in advance of the model’s international launch at the Geneva Motor Show. Retained by Rolls-Royce themselves (presumably for press and special duties), the luxury saloon was re-registered twice whilst BMW and Volkswagen contested the marque’s future. A long-term Rolls-Royce devotee who had previously owned a Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit, Howard Coleman Esq became the Silver Seraph’s first private keeper in 2000. Retaining the car until his passing twenty-five years later, more recent invoices on file detail attention to the air-conditioning condensers (2019), rear suspension spheres (2021) and alternator (2023). Entrusted to marque specialist The Chelsea Workshop during August last year, ‘R405 DTU’ had its battery replaced, brake / cooling systems fettled and underwent a full service at a cost of over £10, 000. Warranted to have covered a modest 68, 000 or so miles from new, the Silver Seraph is thought to retain the majority of its original Black Sapphire paintwork (actually a rich Dark Blue metallic hue) and still presents extremely well. Piped in Atlantic Blue to match the dashboard top, the Oatmeal leather upholstery is complemented by burr walnut veneers, Dark Blue Wilton carpets and Dark Blue lambswool over rugs. Predictably well specified and finished given its first custodian, the four-seater has the unusual (and very costly) extra of an electric sunroof. A notably early, factory-registered example, this handsome Silver Seraph is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, book pack, service history (predominantly Broughtons) and tool kit.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
