1981 Rolls Royce Silver Spur
£14,950
- Make
- Rolls-Royce
- Model
- Royce Silver Spur
- Year
- 1981
- Engine
- 5
Overview
A 1981 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur, the limousine variant of one of Britain's most iconic luxury marques. This early production example features the carburettor-fed 6.75L V8 and 3-speed automatic gearbox. Recently refreshed with a striking two-tone silver and blue bare-metal repaint, the tan leather interior remains in excellent condition with original period sound system. Equipped with the celebrated hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension and air conditioning. Well-maintained and running reliably, this is a piece of automotive heritage ready for appreciative ownership.
From the Dealer
- •Bare metal repaint in two-tone silver over blue; vinyl roof in good condition
- •Early carburettor V8 model with 3-speed automatic and hydropneumatic suspension
- •Tan leather interior with minimal patination; carpets, headlining and venery in excellent order
- •Air conditioning and period sound system (Blaupunkt radio, Pioneer cassette)
- •Originally Scottish chauffeur-driven collection car; 20 years with current owner; imported to Guernsey in 2018
About the Rolls-Royce Royce Silver Spur
▶
The Rolls-Royce Silver Spur is a full-size luxury saloon that positioned itself as the marque's more contemporary alternative to the Silver Cloud, emphasizing modern engineering beneath classical coachwork. Launched in 1980 and produced through the 1990s across multiple generations, it appealed to established wealth seeking understated British prestige rather than ostentatious display. The car is distinguished by its self-levelling suspension, modern V8 power, and handcrafted interior appointments. Later iterations introduced more modern styling cues while maintaining Rolls-Royce's philosophy of whisper-quiet, floatingly comfortable long-distance travel. The Silver Spur represented the brand's commitment to bespoke customization and automotive craftsmanship during an era of increasing electronic complexity.
Pros
- +Exceptional ride quality and refinement on all road surfaces
- +Hand-stitched leather and wood trim throughout interior
- +Commanding presence and strong brand heritage recognition
- +Robust mechanical simplicity compared to contemporary competitors
- +Depreciation stabilizes after initial drop due to collector appeal
Watch out for
- −Extremely expensive to maintain and repair
- −Poor fuel economy and high running costs
- −Heavy steering and limited visibility in tight spaces
- −Electronic systems can be temperamental when they fail
Common issues
- !Carburetor and fuel injection problems on early models
- !Air suspension leaks and compressor failures
- !Electrical gremlins in climate and comfort systems
▶See full dealer details
Overview **Overall Comments** This Rolls Royce has clearly been well-cared for throughout its life but has recently seen limited use and the owner is keen for it to move on to a new and enthusiastic keeper. The car is currently Guernsey registered and we can assist with (international) shipping and importation processes if required. **Body** The car has had a bare metal repaint and the striking two-tone silver over blue paintwork is generally in very good condition, as is the vinyl roof. The bodywork is not entirely corrosion–free, as there are a couple of blemishes in the lower body around the rear wheelarches. **Mechanical** Being an early model from the Silver Spur’s production run, this car uses the carburettor-fed V8 engine and 3-speed automatic gearbox. As with the older Silver Shadow, the car utilizes hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension and a ride height control system. Subject to regular maintenance, the Rolls Royce runs and drives very well. **Interior** The tan leather interior shows little patination and is good throughout, as are carpets, headlining and veneer work. Fitted with air conditioning as might be anticipated, there is a period sound system, comprising push-button Blaupunkt radio and Pioneer cassette tape player! Asking Price £ 14,950 History The Rolls Royce Silver Spur was introduced in 1980, at the same time as the Silver Spirit model, upon which it was based. The Silver Spur featured a mildly lengthened wheelbase, which provided more rear passenger room, emphasizing the limousine nature of the car and suitability for chauffeur-driven, luxury travel. The Silver Spirit/Spur models were essentially updates to the outgoing Silver Shadow model and, initially, made use of the same powertrain – the 6.75 litre V8 engine coupled to a 3-speed General Motors automatic gearbox. The styling, whilst still unmistakably following the same well established lines of the Silver Shadow, was subtly updated to provide a softened and lowered appearance, first seen on the Pininfarina-designed Camargue. The Silver Spur remained in production until 1999 (a little longer than the Silver Spirit) and was revised (along with the Silver Spirit) several times over its lifespan, with updated mechanicals – fuel injection; turbocharger; revised 4-speed gearbox; improved hydraulic suspension controls. Bodywork and interior changes were minimal, the most obvious being the adoption of larger 16-inch wheels on the later models, together with revised bumpers. Various coachbuilt models based on the Spur – often with further wheelbase extensions – were produced in small numbers, but the Spur itself was a great success with over 9,000 built. This Silver Spur was first registered new in the UK in May 1981. We have little early history, but know it was originally part of a chauffeur-driven collection in Scotland and finished in a lime green colour! It has been in the hands of the current owner (who changed the colour scheme) for around 20 years. In 2018 he re-located to Guernsey and the car was imported and registered there in May of that year.
