Most of us are aware that Rolls-Royce is the incarnation of luxury. Less well known is that Charles Rolls not only didn’t live to see his mid-thirties, but he became completely uninterested in automobiles not long after founding the company that bears his name. Always fascinated with speed, Rolls was the first undergraduate in Cambridge to own an automobile. He raced Peugeots and Panhards, eventually opening a dealership with friend Claude Johnson to sell French makes in Britain. He’d have rather sold British cars, but felt the dearth of quality keenly. Meeting engineer Frederick Henry Royce in 1904 coalesced his vision of a making the best car Britain had ever seen, and Rolls-Royce was born. Belying the elegant and staid reputation of his cars, Rolls raced a 20 hp Rolls-Royce in the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man in 1906, winning outright. But just three years later, he fell out of love with autos because a new invention captured his imagination: the aeroplane. He brought the same derring-do to aviation as he had shown motoring, culminating in an overly ambitious display at an air show in 1910. The plane’s tail broke, and Rolls plunged to his death at age 32. Royce, however, soldiered on, a talented engineer who had supported himself from a very early age and to which we credit many inventions including adjustable shocks. Ok! on to the car at hand: here on craigslist is a 1986 Silver Spur, a model made in several generations between 1980 and 2000. It’s available in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the price of $30,900 is negotiable. Thanks to Mitchell G. for sending along the tip!
Rolls and Royce were aided by Rolls’ partner Johnson, acting as Managing Director for the new firm. It was Johnson who promoted the car’s silent engine and strong performance, creating the tag line, “not one of the best, but the best car in the world”. Propelling this magnificent machine is a 6.75-liter fuel-injected (US delivery) V8 first developed in 1959. Horsepower runs about 220, and the gearbox is a three-speed automatic. The Silver Spur was introduced as the long wheelbase version of the Silver Spirit, and many prefer its ride to its four-inch shorter sibling. The self-leveling suspension licensed from Citroën can be a pain point, but this one has new rear accumulator spheres, gas springs and seals. The brakes are disc all around, and we’re pleased to see new rear brake accumulator spheres. The power steering has been rebuilt, and the rear axle seals, fuel pump and tank sending unit are new. Someone’s touched the engine lightly – the valve cover gaskets have been replaced.
A car’s interior is really its “user interface” and that’s where Rolls-Royce truly shines. Plush with leather, wool, and wood, no finer interior exists. The Silver Spur offers power everything, and of course, air conditioning. Every inch of this cabin is in fine shape, from the polished instrument panel to the leather upholstery. The original window sticker, owner’s manual, and service book come with the car.
This is a 120-mph car with enough torque to provide a 10-second zero to sixty sprint. It’s nearly the last of its breed. BMW owns Rolls-Royce now, after a drawn-out transfer involving Volkswagen; hand-made ultra luxury cars are fading into the past. Low production numbers (6214 Silver Spurs were made between 1980 and 1989) are helping lift 1970s and 1980s Rolls-Royces prices, but buyers should find a knowledgeable mechanic before breaking out the checkbook. Those with the know-how to tackle these complicated cars are few and far between. And speaking of the checkbook, make sure it houses plenty of digits – parts and service are expensive!
Given that these predated all the useless and rubbish electronics and modules that came later and the engine is nearly bulletproof, this would be a great car and you could make your money back using it for weddings and events. I drove a RR Camargue of the same era (and perhaps even the same platform) when I lived in London back in the day and it was heaven to drive. Even your local mechanic should be able to repair these.
It looks like a nicely maintained vehicle and the price ( according to todays standards) is gentle for what you are getting. These older RR cars have limited market. They are very similar to the high end BMW 7 series of the day. They are nice big drivers but who really wants them? The people that can afford these cars (without batting an eyelash) alway buy new. I had an egotistical uncle who always wanted one of these. He got it, he was a restauranteur and he had his Grey Poupon mustard in the glove compartment. After a few years and limited driving, he sold it and said he liked driving his big Chevy station wagon better!! Go figure!!
A critic once described the SZ Series (Spirits and Spurs) as “the best Mercedes ever built by Rolls-Royce”. Having owned Benz & BMW product of that era, I would agree. I owned a Silver Spur a Silver Spur for about 8 years, and it was a nice ride. While it was a smooth ride, it had a more modrn “road feel” than the SY (Silver Shadow) series.
While the car here may seem expensive compared to other SZ cars for sale, most of them need (at least) the service work that has been recently done on this one. I will bet receipts for the last year or two add up to $10-15K. The body and interior on this car are also very nice. I have seen $10-15K bills for interior retrim & wood refinishing on these cars too.
If you want a SZ car, always buy the best you can afford….And Always have an expert do a PPI, Before making an offer. The advert says the owner will consider offers, so this may be a good car for someone.
Excuse me, do you have any Grey Poupon?
Ok I’ll show myself out…
Why, YES! I do have Grey 💩 on! 😅 🤣 😂 .
Can we disable the use of emojis on BF? Even I will comply.
3, 2, 1…que the emoji responses…
I would feel somewhat comfortable putting in an offer on this beauty if a close relative was a highly experienced European mechanic with his/her own shop & had a buddy who owned a foreign car parts store, I do think it’s a big plus that it was made before the gizmo-age of electronics/computers took over & looks well sorted! GLWS
Double yawn.
Weren’t accumulator spheres replaced by interossiters?
Thanks for the history of Rolls , wasn’t aware of that.
The Rolls always have such beautiful interiors, but that engine compartment, talk about intimidating!
I don’t really want to own it however I would like to take it for a cruise to see if they are really as comfortable as people claim compared to a nice older Lincoln or Cadillac.
Driving or riding in a ROLLS-ROYCE is like floating on a CLOUD ☁️.
My family had a 1956 Ford station wagon that did 0-60 in10 seconds. Far from impressive today, or in the 80s.
Started to buy one a few years ago, but when called dealer to check on servicing, told me that they ONLY serviced what they sell. End of the purchase. Would like to test drive or rent for a week, check of an item on Bucket List.
My late brother had several Rolls Royce automobiles. His 62 Silver Cloud (purchased in late 70s) needed body work and new hides. The restoration totaled $25,000. More than he paid for the car. Keeping a ROLLS-ROYCE on the road often is more expensive than buying one. But if you have the money 💰, It’s well worth the investment.
Once again Michelle, you have delivered the goods. So much information I did not know. You really do your homework and it shows.
If I were back grading papers, you would get a star. (I was looking for a star emoji, but I guess they don’t make them anymore).
Oh well, so much for the good old days.