1986 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

Lot details
Registration No: D214YAU
Chassis No: SCA2S0009GCH16299
Mot Expiry: July 2011

OFFERED ON BEHALF OF THE RSPCA'S DERBY & DISTRICT OFFICE

The Silver Spirit was launched at the Paris Salon in 1980. Penned by Austrian-born Fritz Feller, it was a welcome replacement for the long-serving Silver Shadow and the first of a new generation that spawned the Flying Spur, Silver Dawn, Touring Limousine and Park Ward models for Rolls-Royce, and the Mulsanne and Eight Series cars of its sister company Bentley. The Silver Spirit was not entirely new, however, and employed the floorpan of the outgoing model as well as its proven OHV 6750cc V8 powerplant. The opulent newcomer was, however, lower and longer than the Silver Shadow and featured a considerably larger glass area. Courtesy of its finely-tuned Girling hydraulic self-levelling suspension, it was said to provide the best roadholding ever offered by the marque. It was also the first Rolls-Royce to feature a retractable version of the Spirit of Ecstasy - it automatically withdrew into the radiator shell if dislodged from its standard position. There were a total of four iterations of the Silver Spirit, via which it remained in production until 1998. By that time BMW had obtained an interest in the manufacturer and the Spirit was replaced by the BMW V12-powered Silver Seraph. Some 8,128 series I Silver Spirits were produced between 1980 and 1989.

The right-hand drive example on offer was manufactured in 1986 and features Cotswold Beige coachwork teamed with Dark Brown piped Beige leather upholstery. Little is known about the car's history other than the fact it was bequeathed to the Derby & District office of the RSPCA by a Mrs Farrar and is now being sold for the benefit of the animals in their care. The manager considers the bodywork, paintwork and trim of the Silver Spirit to be "excellent", but has not tested the engine or transmission. `D214 YAV' is taxed until the end of January 2012 and can hopefully achieve the unusual feat of simultaneously making a new keeper and a lot of animals very happy. In terms of luxury per pound, these imposing looking pre-BMW Rolls-Royces are currently hard to beat. The luxurious combination of sumptuous leather seats, veneer covered facia and deep pile carpets never fail to impress.

PLEASE NOTE: We have been provided with the following information regarding the late Mrs Farrar from the Executor of her estate:

Mrs Farrar's husband worked as an aero-engine fitter at Rolls-Royce and following his retirement, she agreed to fulfil his dream of owning a Rolls-Royce motorcar, which she retained following his death in 2007.