Rolls Royce Silver Spirit III 1994

1994 ROLLS ROYCE SILVER SPIRIT III

Vehicle specification

Year 1994Make Rolls RoyceModel SILVER SPIRIT IIIColour RedOdometer 65,662 MilesEngine size 6750Location MerseysideCountry United Kingdom

HIGHLIGHTS

• Less than 66,000 miles from new
• One of just 131 RHD models made
• Cream leather with burgundy piping
• Hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension

THE BACKGROUND

First introduced in 1980, the Silver Spirit continued the Rolls Royce tradition of opulent, hand-built luxury saloons but introduced a whole new generation of models. 

Renowned for its cosseting ride, effortless performance and luxuriously appointed interior, the Silver Spirit could be considered the quintessential modern classic Rolls Royce.
The mark 3 benefitted from a raft of upgrades over the mark 2, including a redesigned intake manifold and cylinder heads for increased power.

THE HISTORY

This vehicle started life with its first owner in Jersey, before coming across to the mainland UK in 2012. It then resided in Yorkshire for eight years before the current owner purchased it from Quality Cars Sheffield in December 2020. Since then it has been in the north-west, the current owner only being willing to sell the vehicle as a new purchase means he no longer has room to store the car. 

It's one of only 131 right-hand-drive Silver Spirit III models made, so is an increasing rare vehicle.

This classic luxury car comes with:

- Large file of documents, including service history, work receipts and original handbooks
- MOT until December 2021
- Halogen headlight upgrade
- Upgraded head-unit including Sat Nav and Bluetooth
- Two keys

THE PAPERWORK

A large folder of work receipts and current / previous MOTs comes with the vehicle, as well as the original owners handbook and service record. 

The paperwork confirms the mileage, service history and ownership record of the vehicle.

It should be noted that in the photos the vehicle features a private number plate that will not be transferred with the vehicle.

THE INTERIOR

One of the key selling points in any Rolls Royce is the interior. They've always been a hushed and luxurious place to spend time, and this Silver Spirit III is no exception. The walnut veneer, cream leather with burgundy piping and thick, wool carpets really do give the interior a high-class old school luxury feel.

The leather seats are in good condition, with just the driver's seat showing some signs of wear on the seat-base. The carpets are thick and comfortable, and the bespoke rugs, made in late 2002 / early 2003, have seen little wear. All the switchgear and the dashboard is in excellent condition, with the usual Rolls Royce mix of high-grade walnut, polished metal and thick leather.

The current owner has added an aftermarket tyre-pressure monitoring system, which can be easily removed if you so wish, and has upgraded the standard fit head-unit to a newer model with fold-out screen, satellite navigation and Bluetooth integration. The original head-unit comes with the car, and the original Alpine CD changer is still present in the boot, along with the original tool kit and jack.

In fact, the only issue that requires some attention in the interior is that the walnut veneer on the rear door cards is beginning to peel on the door tops and needs to be addressed.

THE EXTERIOR

While aesthetics are always a subjective thing, it's difficult to find much to fault with the look of the Silver Spirit III. It's a well-proportioned luxury vehicle, with classic detailing. And the burgundy paintwork of this model really does suit the shape.

Overall the paintwork is in very good condition, with a small amount of cracking that the new owner may wish to correct on the passenger side rear door. The chromework is also all present and correct and in superb condition. Obviously, this is a 27 year-old car, so there are some minor blemishes and signs of age, but nothing that should be of any real concern.

The headlights have been upgraded to halogen items for increased visibility, and the amber indicator lenses replaced with clear items – although the original amber lenses come with the car. The current owner has also removed the chrome outer rings on the wheels as one was missing, the three that remain also come with the car.

THE MECHANICS

Rolls Royce's aluminium 6.75 litre V8 is a legendary unit - unparalleled in its smooth delivery of power. In this car, it fires up smoothly and runs very nicely. 

The owner tells us the ride is excellent, with the hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension operating well and the gearbox changing smoothly and seamlessly. Underneath the car looks solid and in good condition, and the engine bay is clean and tidy and we didn't see any signs of leaks or damage.

It benefits from an extensive service history and low mileage, and has had a new set of plugs installed this year.

The only mechanical issue that the owner is aware of is that the air-con needs to be regassed. Other than that, they assure us that the vehicle is mechanically in very good condition. Air Con regased and is now working perfectly.

THE APPEAL

A Rolls Royce has always been the ultimate statement of automotive luxury and quality. 

From the smooth yet powerful performance of the classic V8 unit to the deeply lavish and well-appointed interior, the Silver Spirit has always been a deeply desirable example of one of the greatest British marques.
The mark 3 deepened the appeal with improvements to power delivery and ride that make it one of the loveliest places to spend time when travelling.

This example also comes in a fabulous colour scheme, the deep burgundy paintwork really suits the car and, when complemented with the cream leather with burgundy piping, makes for an enticing specification.

If you're after a classic British luxury tourer, it's impossible to look past Rollers of this vintage - they benefit from a raft of modern luxuries while retaining that traditional, coach-built feel of a classic Rolls Royce. 
They're fast becoming modern classics and are becoming rare, this RHD mark 3 is one of just 131 examples that were made. So the chances of seeing another on the road are quite slim, especially in the same spec.

It's a lovely car, with some modern upgrades like the tyre pressure monitors, Sat Nav/Bluetooth head-unit and halogen lights that would make everyday ownership and use a much more practical option. It's opulent, beautifully built and presented in a lovely specification. If you enjoy wafting around in effortless luxury, there are few ways better than this.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

Want to buy this car?