1981 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Incredibly low mileage example
• Just one former keeper plus family

The Silver Spirit represents an era when Rolls-Royce aimed to combine opulence with updated design language. Introduced in 1980, and succeeding Rolls’s ubiquitous Silver Shadow, the Silver Spirit was produced until 1999. With classic, clean lines and a long, elegant profile, the Silver Spirit is unmistakably a Rolls-Royce and featured modern touches that reflected late 20^th century aesthetics. The Silver Spirit also incorporated advanced hydraulic self-levelling suspension to ensure a supremely comfortable ride, and features such as power-adjustable seats, climate control, and premium audio were introduced in the late 1980s. Under the bonnet, the Silver Spirit featured the Rolls-Royce 6.75 litre V8 engine, delivering smooth, understated power that prioritised comfort over raw performance. Inside, the Connolly leather seats, meticulously crafted wood veneers and plush carpets exude effortless luxury and elegance, whether its occupants are seated in the front or rear.

This wonderful example of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was first registered on 29th September 1981 and has remained within the same family since April 1986, when our vendor's late father purchased it as only the second owner from new from HRH Prince Yazid B S Abdulla Aziz. The car has only recently passed to his daughter following his death. When purchased, the Silver Spirit had been standing for a number of years. As the owner of a successful family bodyshop, our vendor's father saw the opportunity not only to expand into working with more prestigious motor cars, but also to fulfil a long-held ambition of owning a Rolls-Royce. Preferring the elegant combination of white coachwork with a contrasting Everflex roof – a specification chosen by his wife after seeing it featured on the cover of the Rolls-Royce sales brochure – he commissioned a full glass-out repaint together with the fitment of a new roof. During the restoration, numerous components were renewed, supported by a substantial collection of invoices dating from 1986, together with photographs documenting the work, illustrating the meticulous attention to detail throughout.

The biscuit leather upholstery, wood cappings and dashboard all remain original and present beautifully, befitting what is genuinely a two-owner car showing just 25,000 miles. Although stored over the past year, the car has been started regularly, fires immediately on the turn of the key and all electrical equipment appears to be functioning correctly. The Silver Spirit was last serviced by marque specialists in 2018 and was subsequently prepared for its MoT by the same specialists, Bradshaw Bentley, in February 2026. The company has cared for the car since 2012. Whilst we would recommend a routine service upon purchase, this is a remarkably well-preserved example which, with its exceptionally low mileage, two-owner history and continuous family ownership for over 40 years, represents a highly collectible motor car. Offered with an excellent history file including almost every MoT certificate from its life together with its original sales brochure, this exceptional Silver Spirit is worthy of close inspection and comes highly recommended. Consigned by Mathew Priddy.