Vehicle Description
After fifteen years in production, Rolls-Royce replaced the
venerable Silver Shadow/Shadow II series with the new Silver Spirit
of 1980. While the Spirit retained the 6.75-liter V8 engine and
Citroen-derived hydraulic ride control and high-pressure braking
systems of the Shadow, it was a completely redesigned car meant to
carry Rolls-Royce into a new era with increased attention paid to
safety and emissions. The exterior styling was lower, wider, and
longer than before, yet with the same understated elegance that
made it undeniably a Crewe product. As with the Silver Shadow and
its Wraith II counterpart before it, the extended wheelbase version
was sold as a separate model known as the Silver Spur. The factory
produced a handful of highly exclusive stretch-wheelbase touring
limousines, and there were also a handful of cars fettled for
private clients by Park Ward and Hooper, while several other firms
converted standard cars into limousines, convertibles, and more.
The 1987 Silver Spur offered here is understood to have been
converted from a standard car to its current open and stretched
configuration early in its life. The work was possibly done by a
coachbuilder in Italy, perhaps Autoconstruzione S.D. Torino, who
performed similar conversions on various Bentley Mulsanne S, along
with some other outrageous glam-era custom work. Per the factory
build records supplied by the Rolls-Royce Foundation, this car was
originally finished in Acrylic white over blue hides and was sold
new in South Florida. It spent its early years in the Miami area,
where a bright white, stretched, convertible Rolls-Royce limousine
surely attracted the attention its owner desired! Dealer service
records are included, though they do not indicate precisely when
the conversion took place. About 25 years ago, it came into the
care of the most recent owner, who was an active Rolls-Royce
Owner's Club member and a regular participant in club events,
tours, and shows. That owner took obsessive care of the car, as
evident by the substantial stack of service records and
correspondence. In his ownership, it was repainted in a more
understated and attractive shade of medium metallic blue, which
better suits the car's character and gives it a more timeless
appeal. After years of occasional use, this Spur remains in
excellent condition overall. The paintwork has a few superficial
imperfections; however, it is generally in very good order with an
attractive, consistent finish. Exterior trim is in similarly good
form, with brightly polished alloy and chrome, and of course, the
iconic radiator grille topped with the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.
The vinyl-covered convertible top is made up of two sections, each
independent of the other. It can be configured fully enclosed, as a
landaulet, a town car, or full open-topped convertible. The
interior trim is in fine fettle as well, displaying some light
patina from use, particularly in the driver's seat. Lovely dark
blue Connolly hides are piped in white, with indigo blue Wilton
carpets to match. The extensive woodwork is all in good condition,
displaying a pleasing and consistent finish all around. The
upholstery in the rear is excellent, appearing well maintained with
an appropriate amount of light creasing in the seating surfaces.
Carpets, factory door panels, and other leather-trimmed areas are
all excellent. From behind the wheel, the equipment and
instrumentation are all fairly standard issue and familiar to
anyone who knows the Spur/Spirit series. The real transformation
took place behind the front seats - with the addition of a powered
divider window and integrated, custom-made cabinetry. The rear
cabinets house everything that the Jet-Setting 80's Man or Woman
needs, including an entertainment system with TV and VCR, the
latest in Sony mobile hi-fi, separate HVAC controls, and naturally,
a wet bar with crystal decanters and whisky tumblers. Wall Street
Journal sold separately. Thanks to the attentive and enthusiastic
previous owners, this Spur is in sound mechanical condition today.
Extensive service records go back to when the car was nearly new
and indicate the previous caretaker spared little expense in
keeping his cherished Rolls-Royce in top working order. The overall
presentation under the bonnet is tidy, honest, and indicative of a
well-maintained example. Accompanying the sale are the books,
service records, accessory manuals, and factory build sheets. With
the ever-increasing interest in the heady and glamorous side of the
1980s, this unique Rolls-Royce is sure to grab the attention of
anyone it glides past. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6629-1987-rolls-royce-silver-spur-landaulette/
