Lot 315: Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Centenary Limousine

Typically Rolls-Royce in so far as it represented evolution rather than revolution, the Silver Spirit and its ong-wheelbase Silver Spur sibling were based on the preceding Silver Shadow II to which they bore a distinct family resemblance. The Shadow's floorpan was retained and power-train differences were minimal, the newcomers' chief advance over their immediate forebear being the heavily revised and improved type of rear suspension that had first appeared on the company's two-door models. The styling too came in for revision, with a lower waistline, increased glass area and a more-modern angular look; rectangular headlights graced the front of a Rolls-Royce for the first time, and the oft-changed radiator became wider and squatter. Inside, the Crewe firm's exemplary standards of equipment and finish were maintained, the most noticeable change being the adoption of separate rear seats and the reinstatement of folding picnic tables. By now all cars, regardless of final destination, came with a Bosch fuel-injected V8 engine in three-way catalysed 'California' specification capable of meeting all current emissions targets. The long-wheelbase Silver Spur turned out to be a major success for Rolls-Royce, and by 1985 accounted for almost the same number of sales as the shorter Silver Spirit despite being around 20% more expensive. Great Britain celebrated 100 years of motoring in 1985 and to mark the occasion Rolls-Royce produced an exclusive, limited-edition run of 25 Silver Spurs  the Centenary model  one of which (No. 17) just happened to be the firm's 100,000th car (all the Derby and Crewe-built Bentleys were included in the total!). Even more lavishly equipped than the already generously endowed standard version, they were eagerly snapped up by collectors worldwide. Last of the 25 manufactured, the car we offer was first owned by the late Ronald 'Tiny' Rowland, one of this country's most high-profile and controversial businessmen, who was chairman of the Lonrho conglomerate from 1962 to 1994. Following Mr Rowland's death in July 1998, the current owner acquired the Centenary from the estate in March 1999. The car is finished in blue metallic with cream leather interior, the latter boasting several special features including leather headlining, large walnut trim panels to the rear doors, Stewart cut crystal shot glasses, two silver-plated hip flasks and its original sound system. 'C36 BYL' has been used solely for the owner's private pleasure and the accompanying expired MoTs verify its relatively low mileage. Described by the private vendor as in generally very good condition, this rare and exclusive version of an already exclusive model is offered with current MoT/tax and Swansea V5.