$58,300
First unveiled on March 3rd, 1998, at the Geneva Motor Show, the Silver Seraph was a large luxury car produced by Rolls-Royce from 1998 to 2002. Development of the car began in the late 80s and design work began during October 1990. After undergoing numerous refinements, a concrete design was agreed upon by 1994. After nearly a decade, development concluded in 1997 and production began in 1998. Roughly 1,570 Silver Seraphs were built during the car’s production run.
First unveiled on March 3rd, 1998, at the Geneva Motor Show, the Silver Seraph was a large luxury car produced by Rolls-Royce from 1998 to 2002. Development of the car began in the late 80s and design work began during October 1990. After undergoing numerous refinements, a concrete design was agreed upon by 1994. After nearly a decade, development concluded in 1997 and production began in 1998. Roughly 1,570 Silver Seraphs were built during the car’s production run.
Extensive development time spent on the Silver Seraph meant it was lightyears ahead of the preceding Silver Spirit upon release. Powered by the BMW M73, an aluminum alloy 5.4L V12, and mated to a 5-speed automatic, the Silver Seraph was the first V12 Rolls-Royce since the 1939 Phantom III. The body of the car is 65% stiffer than the Silver Spirit, and standard equipment included a digital engine management system, adaptive ride control, and anti-lock brakes.
The exterior of this Silver Seraph is white and has been very well maintained since leaving the production line. There are two or three scuffs on the rear bumper, and two more on the passenger rear quarter panel, but none of them have damaged the paint let alone the body. Curiously though, on both sides of the trunk there is mismatched paint. The difference in the shades is extremely slight and difficult to notice even with close examination, but we can’t decide why the trunk needed repainting in the first place. While this may be something to keep in mind the rest of the car is spotless. All glass is clean and free of chips or cracks, the chrome trim is straight and lines up with itself nicely, and the wheels sport very little curb rash.
Quality inside the Seraph mirrors the quality on the outside, there some scuffs in just a few places and that is it. Cream leather seats are wonderfully complemented by deep brown piping, the passenger seats look flawless, and the driver’s seat exhibits very minor creasing. The back seat looks almost as if it has never been sat in. As for the footwells, all carpets are clean and rest neatly in their respective positions. Perhaps the most stunning area of this interior is the dashboard and all of its glorious woodwork. Every piece of wood in the car, on the door panels, dashboard, center console, and so on, has been left completely unharmed over the last 20 years. All the mounted gauges are clean and easily readable, and the chrome air vents are totally untarnished. A particularly eye-catching feature in the cabin is the multi-material steering wheel. Surrounded by both leather and wooden inlays this wheel is a complicated piece of design that looks brilliant. The inlays are supremely glossy, and the deep tan leather being a separate color from the seats really adds a pop of color to help keep things fresh inside. The white leather headliner hangs just as tight as both of the sunshades, and appears to free of any stains as well. Overall, this interior needs no work at all. A few hours at the detailer would probably turn the metaphorical clock inside all the way back to 2002.
We are pleased to report that this Silver Seraph is hiding no major damage in its undercarriage. The frame and floorboards are solid, the suspension components all look to be in proper order, and the exhaust shows barely any discoloration at all. Everything looks the same under the hood as well, the engine cover has some water stains on it, but nothing looks damaged, and everything appears to be in its proper place.
Based upon the documents available to us, we gather that the seller acquired the car in October of 2015.
The Silver Seraph is a forgotten car in Rolls-Royce’s catalog of extraordinary luxury vehicles, but not because it was a poor luxury car. With just over 1,500 units built, it can be said that the Silver Seraph didn’t appeal to the masses in the luxury car segment. It certainly didn’t confuse the Rolls-Royce formula either; the car still has a subdued exterior, handsome profile, and stunning craftsman-like interior. Today’s offering needs little to no rehabilitation work and comes loaded with a ritzy interior and a wonderful combination. The Silver Seraph might not have been a smash hit for Rolls-Royce, but it is still more than worthy of bearing the marque’s name, and for that reason, we are confident this Seraph will achieve its $40,000 - $60,000 estimate.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS
It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.
We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.
Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.
