1986 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

This Rolls is being sold by John, a gentleman who buys and sells cars for a living, and he’s sold several successfully via The Market. Being from the Emerald Isle he has connections across the Irish Sea and this car has been ‘in the trade’ with Jim Hutchinson Motors since 2015.

It has covered just 490 miles in the past 6 years and has just passed its MoT, so that now expires on 30th September 2022. It has had 4 former owners and the V5 document is an old-style Northern Ireland one, but it’s still the DVLA nonetheless.

You can see the modest amount of paperwork that we have displayed in the photo gallery.

You should come and inspect the vehicle in person if you can, after all, it is being auction ‘as seen’. If you are unable to travel to us then we can suggest some independent vehicle inspectors who will make a report for you. Or, we can make a video call with you so you can direct us to any point of interest. Just contact us to make an appointment.

We’re not sure how the Silver Spirit has done it, but it’s managed to move from being an ostentatious car when new to a relatively discreet classic in the present day – no mean feat for such a big car.

The bodywork isn’t perfect, but it is pretty good. If you allow your eye to follow that pinstripe detailing along each flank then you’ll be rewarded with straight, beautiful fitting panels.

The paint retains a deep lustre and is reasonably free from swirl marks or scratches. There are a few tiny spots of bubbling, but as of yet these haven’t broken through the paint. The alloy door skins are generally free from the stress-mark spidering so common on these cars.

Door shuts, sills and panel gutters all remain gorgeous. That prestigious, and considerable, front grill and The Spirit of Ecstasy emblem atop both remain free from pitting and in tip-top condition.

The chrome wheel trims are similarly well-presented and it’s shod in fairly new all-matching Avon tyres.

We also note that the right-hand rear lights work, but the indicator does not. The left-hand lights don’t work, but the indicator does!

If you liked the outside of this car then the interior is where it really shines. Its leather is simply glorious. Throw in the other Rolls-Royce givens (lashings of high-quality wood and superior fit and finish), and there’s no doubt that it is a stunning cabin.

The leather has wear but there are no visible rips or tears. Given a good feed it’ll come up beautifully. The wood veneer remains in very nice condition, with just one or two minor cracks on the top of the door cappings.

The carpets are in lovely nick, and up top the headlining is as good as the day it left the factory. All electrics function just as they should.

Pop the boot and you’ll find it fitted out in matching carpet.

It starts first time on the key and drives as you would expect from such a motor car. The V8 has a whisper quiet tick-over and under load it’s barely any more perceptible, but one thing that is, is the surfeit of torque. It’s delivered in such a smooth, un-ruffled manner that the cabin ambience never shifts far from serene.

There may be one cylinder not firing, but we’re not experts on these things. The brakes offer a reassuringly solid pedal and plenty of stopping power. The oil pressure is good, while the coolant temperature remains where it should be and the fans cut in when necessary.

Pop the bonnet and you’ll find a remarkably grime-free engine bay. The quilted under bonnet sound-proofing also remains in place. A quick look underneath unveils a similarly positive picture with just a touch of surface corrosion on springs and suspension components, but nothing of an untoward nature.

The original owner’s record shows that the first of these was the American Express company in London. It had very good care taken of it by Jack Barclay from new in 1985 up to 1989. Periodic services include…

18/11/86 Jack Barclay Service - 2516 miles

04/03/86 Jack Barclay Service - 3856 miles

20/05/86 Jack Barclay Service – 4746 miles

29/09/86 Jack Barclay Service – 7562 miles

10/04/87 Jack Barclay Service – 9209 miles

07/04/88 Jack Barclay Service – 12777 miles

26/08/88 Jack Barclay Service – 15752 miles

22/08/89 Mach Racing Engineering – 21576 miles

30/08/94 Mach Racing Engineering – 35148 miles

26/04/04 Jim Hutchinson Motors – 50702 miles

13/05/07 (unidentified) – 51208 miles

03/07/12 (unidentified) – 51879 miles

16/05/15 Bentley Belfast – 52834 miles

It also comes with the original service book and this shows a fairly comprehensive service history (mostly at Rolls-Royce main dealer & specialists). Most importantly, it demonstrates that this low-mileage example has been very well treated since new.

We note it was reported Cat D insurance marker on 22nd January 2004, after which it went to Jim Hutchinson Motors. The HPI report is shown in the gallery.

In terms of outlay there’s surprisingly little fiscal difference between buying a very good Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, and a ropey one. However, there is a world of difference in terms of both the driving and ownership experiences that you’ll have.

These complex cars don’t respond well to neglect and a lack of use so your best bet is to find a lowish-mileage one that’s been cherished, serviced regularly and driven.

As it’s being sold in a no-reserve auction, it could also be snapped up at a bit of a bargain price. We think it’ll sell for somewhere between £5,000 and £10,000, which is a lot of car for the money.

This car was monstrously expensive when new but while that value was temporary, its quality is permanent.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.