Silver Spirit

(1980-1987)


1983 Silver Spirit previously owned by me, finished in Light Oyster


No. Made : 8,129

Engine : 8 cylinder 90 degree V configuration

Transmission : Rear wheel drive, 3 speed automatic gearbox

Chassis : 5 seater 4 door saloon, steel monocoque, separate sub frames front and rear

Dimensions : wheelbase 120.5 inches

Performance : Max speed 120 mph (193 km/h)


Before David Plastow left his senior position at Rolls-Royce following the take-over of Vickers plc, he had been responsible for a series of models, amongst which was the Silver Spirit.

The coachwork of the Silver Spirit had been designed at the in house styling centre by Fritz Feller and gave the impression of being stretched in comparison with the bodies of the previous generation. Direct comparison, however, showed only small differences. The new models had slightly grown in length and width, height had been cut a little.

The interior was dominated by the expected combination of fine wood and sumptuous leather. Instead of leather for the upholstery, the finest velour could be ordered.

The instruments were supplemented by digital units which gave such information as the time, elapsed driving time and external temperature.

From the model year of 1988, a console was installed running through from the dashboard area between the seats which separated the front foot wells. Fitted in the console was comprehensive in-car entertainment equipment and the controls for adjustment of the external mirrors and the seats.

Amongst these controls there were digital memory controls which allowed the choice of four given seat positions to be stored and recalled at the touch of a button.

On later series of Silver Spirit models a Bosch developed anti-lock brake system was adopted.