Is there ever a point at which it’s safe to pursue a former exotic or high-end luxury car when it reaches peak depreciation? I would say that it depends entirely on how well or poorly the car in question has been maintained. In the case of 1980s-era Rolls-Royce and Bentley products, these cars have been at maximum depreciation for a while now, and really the only people paying to keep them on the road are enthusiasts that act as stewards to the brand. This 1989 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur is listed here on eBay by an older seller with no reserve and bids to just under $10,000.
The Silver Spur enjoyed a lengthy production run, with different eras unveiled according to various engineering and design improvements. As a 1989 model, this is considered a Mark II, which featured a completely overhauled suspension called “Automatic Ride Control” that introduced self-adjusting dampers at all four corners. Today, it’s just an incredibly costly system to repair, so don’t get too excited at the prospect of riding on a cloud. The seller doesn’t mention whether it’s still operational, so it’s a worthwhile question to ask – even with the safety of a no reserve auction.
The Rolls-Royce has just over 100,000 miles, which doesn’t bother me in the least. In fact, I’d call it a good thing given that means it has actually seen regular use and potentially indicates a history of proactive maintenance. The seller mentions that he is older, so I wouldn’t expect to see as much detail as we might see on a listing belonging to a broker or vintage car specialist, so I’d just get on the phone and talk to the guy about his passion for British luxury cars. The white leather interior with red piping is in excellent condition, as are the carpets and the interior of the trunk.
The 6.75L V8 will likely still move the Silver Spirit with some urgency, but this generation will have to make do with GM’s three-speed unit, the Turbo Hydramatic. Later cars got upgraded to a 4-speed ‘box, but this one will be fairly bulletproof if you treat it right. The seller mentions that his car could use a tune-up, but doesn’t elaborate; he does confirm that the brakes, tires, and air conditioning are all in good working order. When it comes to cheap luxury, if the maintenance has been kept up with, I see it as a great way to own an overbuilt car that oozes with character for a nominal purchase price compared to modern high-end vehicles.
A 39 year old Roller, with 100,000 miles on it, that just needs a “tune up.” The checks in the mail…
You forgot the AC only needs a recharge…
I had a Silver Spur ( a longer wheelbase version of the Silver Spirit) for about 8 years. My car had 250,000+ miles on it when I sold it. The next owner used it as a limo in a small town, adding another 100K miles.
These cars are very expensive to maintain, if you are using a Rolls specialist or dealer. If you have the skills, tools and facility to work on it yourself, it can be done at a somewhat reasonable price. There are a number of companies in the US and UK that supply new, and used parts for these. While most of the car uses “Rolls-Royce/Bentley” designed exclusive parts , several systems like the Bosch fuel injection, or GM transmission use widely available parts.The Rolls Royce Owners Club is absolutely worth joining, with strong support for members who work on their own cars.
If owning a Roller is on your bucket-list, this car may(or may not) turn out to be an OK buy. The seller says it needs a tune-up….. Which may mean it needs a few hundred bucks worth of plugs, filters, fresh fuel etc. Or there may be more $erious issue$ waiting. Frankly I am always suspicious when sellers say a poorly running car “only needs a tune-up”.
If it is your first Roller rodeo, having a pre-purchase inspection by a genuine Rolls mechanic is the only way to go.
The SZ Series cars like this were built from 1980-2003. They are at about the bottom of the depreciation curve…… and will likely stay there for the foreseeable future. Buying one with significant needs is not a wise investment, unless you are in the Rolls used parts business.
In that this car is white, somebody will suggest it could make alot of money as a wedding car. It won’t. The insurance required for limo use will cost more than the car is worth. Expecting a 35yo to work reliably for daily commercial use, without major maintenance costs is not realistic.
Cam W.,
That was a very impressive article with a lot of substance that could truly help a person that has a Rolls-Royce or Bentley on their bucket list like myself. Thank you very much for a very well thought out article.
There is literally nothing more expensive than a cheap Rolls.
Or a Benz, or Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche, etc….
Part of Vinyl Top has been removed. For some reason, it is typical for these cars at this age for the vinyl top to start to rip. In Nashville, the cost to replace the vinyl top is $3500 plus.
An older RR or Bentley is comparable to buying a boat; The 2 best days of ownership are the day you buy it and then the day you sell it, money-pits!
I swear, Rolls had to inlay the suspension with LEAD, these things are so damn heavy. They should attach (big) rockets on the sides and turn them into kinetic projectiles.
The most expensive thing in the world is a cheap Rolls-Royce! Here in expensive L.A. it could be parked and rented-out as an Air BnB? Really use those “picnic tables?”
Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor owned Rolls-Royce cars over the years. The final car Eva Gabor had a 1980s
But they were both crazy, dahling.
If you do your own repairs and maintenance…and have back up transportation….go for it. Google can be your friend with many tutorials on just about anything! Parts are available…just have to source them. Also, might have to improvise or fabricate some parts.. many high end cars have been … neglected…not necessarily abused and need some TLC, time and money to bring them back presentable…