1-of-3: 1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Cabriolet

When most people walk into a showroom to purchase a new car, price is often a governing factor behind their choice. They have a budget in mind but may splash a few extra dollars on options to enhance the ownership experience. However, imagine being able to make that purchase as a “money is no object” exercise. Such is the case with this 1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit. Three brothers ordered identical cars, commissioning a renowned coachbuilder to transform all three vehicles into Cabriolets. This is one of those cars, and the time has come for it to find a new home. It is ideal for an enthusiast seeking a luxury classic with a twist.

Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Spirit to its model range in 1980. It was a case of “business as usual” for the crew from Crewe, with the company taking an evolutionary approach to its development. One notable feature that appeared for the first time was the retractable Spirit of Ecstacy hood ornament. This item was previously fixed, but the change, which is still present today, improved pedestrian safety. Our feature car emerged from the factory and is 1-of-3 ordered by the Fabbri brothers. They established the Fratelli Fabbri Editori publishing house in 1947, amassing a small fortune due to the venture’s success. It allowed them to enjoy the finer things in life, including splashing the cash on a 1988 Silver Spirit. Rolls provides a bespoke program, allowing buyers an almost infinite choice of paint and trim combinations. However, the one item it couldn’t offer was a Cabriolet version of the Spirit. Therefore, the brother dispatched their new purchases to master coachbuilders, Autocostruzioni Torino Diomante. It removed the roof, strengthened the body, and completed a Cabriolet conversion on the three vehicles. The fit and finish are as exceptional as you might expect, although the physical size of the soft-top makes its Green cover look slightly cumbersome. However, there is little else to criticize. The Black paint holds a shine that Rolls describes as “piano finish,” achieving the appearance by hand-rubbing and polishing the exterior once the car emerges from the paint booth. The panels are laser-straight, and there is no evidence of flaws or rust. The trim and glass are in good order, and the gold-plated wire wheels are excellent.

Rolls-Royce once followed a very strict standard when questioned about engine power. The response to such inquiries was, “sufficient.” However, this car’s 6.75-liter V8 sends 200hp and 398 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, power assistance for the steering and brakes was standard equipment. The company never quoted performance figures, focusing almost exclusively on isolating occupants from road and drivetrain noise. These cars are renowned for cruising effortlessly for hundreds of miles at freeway speed, and this Silver Spirit should be no exception. It spent the past four years in a private collection in Kuwait, only recently arriving in North America. We receive no information regarding its mechanical health, but it is fair to expect a car of this caliber and price to be a turnkey proposition.

The seller claims the interior trim and custom touches inside this Cabriolet cost more than the average house when it was new. Considering its original owner selected Green crocodile-skin leather for the seats and other upholstered surfaces, that is unsurprising. They also equipped the car with rear seat entertainment comprising a TV and video player, and the driver benefits from a reversing camera. The buttoned seats and walnut timber bring to mind a stately English manor house, with the upholstery bearing an uncanny resemblance to a Chesterfield lounge. Faulting the presentation is almost impossible. There is no visible wear anywhere, the carpet is spotless, and the hand-finished walnut is immaculate. It is guaranteed to provide the new owner with an exceptionally luxurious classic motoring experience.

The seller listed this 1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Cabriolet here on eBay in Crownsville, Maryland. Their BIN of $44,900 OBO is well above market expectations for a spotless survivor, but this classic writes its own rules courtesy of the Cabriolet conversion. A brief online search confirms it failed to sell previously at $46,500, suggesting there might be room for potential buyers to negotiate. It isn’t genuinely affordable but would suit someone seeking a luxurious classic that will draw admiring crowds. What do you feel would be a fair price for this Rolls?