2002 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

The Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph can be a great entry point to modern Rolls-Royce ownership without having to empty the bank account. Listed here is a 2002 model, complete with some paperwork, a nearly immaculate interior, and an exterior that makes it appear exactly as classy as you'd expect a car from the marque to be. A great way to experience what was once sold as the world's finest motor car — even though it may be a stretch? You bet! It has just under 40,000 miles on the odo, but it's LHD, and as the photos show, comes with ZERO error codes. But before moving any further, let's also clear that this is the limited edition Touring Saloon by Park Ward — and not the standard iteration of the Silver Seraph. This means it's a fair bit longer, has more comfortable individual seating at the rear (along with more space), and it's even rarer — just 127 of these were made.

If you're reading the description and wondering if it can get any better, we'd like you to have a gander at the photos. It's stately with its long body, sat close to the ground, with its black bodywork making an equally lasting impression. Condition-wise, let's keep in mind that the car is more than two decades old, and it has, since then, covered nearly 40,000 miles. So while imposing, its body does have some imperfections — as scratches, minute dents, and use-related signs on the paintwork. From what we see, nothing is major or that can't be fixed, if you'd like your Rolls-Royce to be absolutely perfect.

For the Rolls-Royce Touring Saloon by Park Ward, the rear half of the car was extended to open up more room in the cabin. But this was done with utmost care to not make the car appear disproportioned — both the front and rear doors were lengthened.

When the Silver Seraph came out, some of the things that it was criticized for were the limited room inside the cabin and the fact that one could see BMW-sourced switchgear. Now, as a classic, it's highly unlikely those things would matter as much. The 2002 example has a clean interior, with some marks of use and wear, but nothing that would put buyers off. Its gray interior complements the liberal appointment of wood, and as a result, exudes the kind of class you'd expect only from a Rolls-Royce.

This Touring Saloon model by Park Ward had no such issues with rear legroom. With the elongated wheelbase, there's ample room at the back. It has individual seats at the rear offering unmatched luxury and comfort, which some would argue should've been standard with the Silver Seraph.

The Silver Seraph shared its platform with the Bentley Arnage — and was even produced in Crewe, where Bentleys are made. But the two weren't the same. For instance, powering the Rolls-Royce was a V12 engine, sourced from BMW; the Bentley, on the other hand, used a V8. When new, the Silver Seraph was noted to lack the outright, locomotive-style impetus of the brand's V8s, but that in no way means the car was gutless, though.

This Park Ward example, with about 40,000 miles of use, doesn't look tired from the way its engine bay and underside look. For a car that left its factory in June 2002, that's impressive.

The Silver Seraph found itself in the midst of the battle of Rolls-Royce ownership between BMW and VW. The drama eventually ended with Bentley going to Volkswagen and Rolls-Royce to BMW. But the twist in the tale was that production for both would still be under VW for the next few years, and BMW would continue to supply components. The Silver Seraph was made in limited numbers and stayed on sale for less time than the Bentley Arnage. The Park Ward Touring Saloon was introduced in 2000 and it's reported that 127 examples were produced of the LWB car.

It's a clean Rolls-Royce at a price that makes it sound like an amazing deal: it's estimated to be valued between $25,000 and $40,000. What steals the show is the fact that this is a Park Ward model, much rarer, and one that brought more luxury and space to the Silver Seraph. It might have been a model that was soon eclipsed by its successor, but the Silver Seraph surely deserves a second chance too, don't you think?

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for several years and we have no history available beyond that shown in the photography section.

We have not started or driven this vehicle so we cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. The vehicle will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.

Buyers should expect the title within 30 business days following the sale; however, please note that for reasons beyond Bonhams/The Market control, including any delays in lien releases by lien holder and/or delays by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) in certain states, there are instances where the Buyer may not receive the title within 30 business days and, in those circumstances, Bonhams/The Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

If a Lot is rendered “Title in Transit”, it is unlikely that the Buyers will receive the title in the mail within 30 business days following the auction/sale; however, Bonhams/The Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

The Buyer acknowledges that delays in transferring titles including, due to delays at government Motor Vehicle departments, happen from time-to-time and, the Buyer will hold both Bonhams/Market and the Consignor harmless from any allegations of damages arising out of government or other delays.

Please note it is the responsibility of the Buyer to transfer ownership in compliance with their jurisdictional rules and regulations.