1997 Rolls Royce Silver Spur 6.75L V8
Summary:
Excellent car with loads of class
Faults:
So far, only normal maintenance. No issues that need to be discussed at all. It is really a great car, that hasn't lived up to what some would consider a bad name in terms of service.
General Comments:
When many people think of Rolls Royce, they think of well elegance and wealth, but more importantly, you talk to people about Rolls Royce, and the first thing that comes out of everyone's mouth is "too expensive to service." In my experience, and this is my second Rolls Royce product (first being a 1989 Bentley Mulsanne S), I have not run into that issue with either of my cars. My Bentley had 90,000 miles on it when I traded it in, and my 1997 Rolls now has 46,000 on it. A few thing really get to me every time I sit in the car. The most amazing wood I have ever seen, the nicest leather I have ever sat in, and carpet and wool overlays nice than my carpet in my house.
The rear seat, which now had rear A/C vents (Bentley didn't have that) has tons of room, even with the seats all the way back. In 1997, the LWB model was standard and it's great. Foot rests are in the back to top it all off. The relocation of the buttons and A/C controls on the dash is more accessible, however the key location is a little awkward. I am fine with a left side key, but it is rather low. The engine bay has been cleaned up cosmetically, and looks great with the Rolls Royce covers on it. I did notice the hood ornament on these cars are a little smaller than the earlier Spurs, however the integrated bumpers make the car look much newer and sleeker than the older ones.
The ride is nothing short of amazing, smooth and silk, nothing more to say. Like riding on a cloud.
This 1997 gets looks like you would not believe. There is nothing on the road that looks like a Rolls Royce Silver Spur. The body style is so classy, I would prefer it over a new Phantom any day. A real mans heart and soul was poured into this car, and it shows in every way. I would not think of driving anything else.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd January, 2011
1st Aug 2012, 15:51
I own a 1982 Silver Spur, and I think that it is the nicest body style ever built. It is right in the middle of old world luxury and new age technology. This car stands tall everywhere I go. I would love to buy another.
13th Feb 2013, 11:42
Enjoy your 442.6 ft-lb of torque at 2,000 RPM and 301 hp at 4,000 RPM. Great cars that never got the love they truly deserved.
2nd Feb 2014, 16:56
Just love the looks of a Spur. Question: should I get an 89 or a 97?
6th Feb 2014, 18:19
I have an 89 Silver Spur since 2007. In that time it has cost me very little in repairs, and no problems that could not be solved by my local mechanic. From my research and experience, you would be best advised to look at those in the 20000 (last 5 VINs) range. That is right in the late 88, 89 range from what I recall.
3rd Oct 2016, 07:03
Both are great cars and you can't go wrong with either. However, bear in mind that the 1997 model will have some additions over the 1989 that will not be easily serviced by a local mechanic. So if cost is a concern at all, the 1989 would be the better bet and the less expensive model to keep around.
16th Nov 2011, 09:31
Very nice review. I think the Spur/Spirit models produced by Rolls-Royce are the most under rated models out there today. They're great cars that catch a lot of flak because of their more understated styling, but I honestly think their styling is the best of all the vehicles made by Rolls, especially the later models.
Mechanically, they are also very good too, and they are just right in terms of technology. Not too primitive, like the older models, and not too high tech, like the newer Rolls-Royces. This is the best of both worlds, because you won't find as many bugs with the car that will require major servicing costs to keep in line.
The sales figures say all as well. The Spur/Spirit models sold close to 20,000 cars, compared to the only 1,570 Seraphs, and close to 5,000 Phantoms. These sales figures show that the Spirit/Spur models were the second most successful car ever produced by Rolls-Royce (second only to the Silver Shadow models, which sold over 30,000 cars), so honestly Rolls must have been doing something right back then.
Enjoy your Spur dude, I hope it treats you right and doesn't give you serious problems in the future. These classics are real Rolls-Royces, not like those modern ones that aren't even true Rolls, and are made with mostly German parts from BMW.