Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
Not even the self-proclaimed "Best Car in the World" can survive poor servicing and extreme climates. Joe Kenwright looks at one of the best prestige buys on the market and why some would be too dear, even if they were freeTWO MINUTE TEST
HISTORY
First new R-R since 1965 featured carburettor engine and all-new styling. From Chassis 8000/1984, doors and pillars were re-engineered. Look for full door timbers and interior revisions for 1985 model year. Strangled US fuel injected engine for 1986 model year and firmer seating. From Chassis 20000/1987 model year, look for revised seats, more powerful engine and upgraded suspension then ABS. Facelifted Silver Spirit II arrived in 1990, Silver Spirit III in 1993 then revamped as LWB Silver Dawn for 1996-98.
PRICES
Nasty pre-1989 Hong Kong basket cases and dodgy maintenance on others corrupt used market for $20,000 starting price. Top 1987-90 examples, including dehumidified stored cars from Hong Kong, sell in $40- $70,000 range for outstanding prestige value but only with documented servicing by R-R experts.
CHECK IT OUT
Hong Kong humidity creeps into every component including complex electrics, instruments and ancillaries for ongoing expense. Extra cost for good local car insignificant compared to repairing a bad import.
Overheated all-alloy engine can weep oil from liner seals and exhibit piston slap for $10-15,000 overhaul bill depending on damage.
Poor servicing can generate rattly hydraulic lifters, computer problems and serious ongoing hydraulic suspension and brake woes if wrong fluid is used.
Undersized brake rotors are $700 each with rears generating big labour bills.
Worn front ball joints cost $600 each plus hundreds in labour. Leaky rack and pinion steering can cost up to $1400.
Diffs prone to whine and can cost $2500. Gas supplementary springs can seize up for choppy ride.
Failed windscreen seals and heater cores can rust out front floors on even the best cars. Check from inside. Look for rear screen water leaks and downstream rust especially if Everflex roof is fitted.
Tail light sections cost $2000 each and hubcaps are pricey. Steel backing for rubber bumper facings can rust out. Grille repairs require special plating and polishing process otherwise ruined. Fake mascots often hidden by gold plating, allow $2500 for genuine item.
Damaged wood panelling requires ultra-fine preparation and UV-proof coating.
Pre-1984 examples had Shadow door locks which can rattle. Pre-1987 cars had plastic GM electric seat motors which self-destruct under tropical heat and humidity.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
