The Rolls-Royce Silver Spur is a full-size luxury car (long-wheelbase version of the Silver Spirit) manufactured and marketed by Rolls-Royce Motors from 1980 to 2000. It was the first automobile to have a Spirit of Ecstasy that could retract. If moved from its place, the spring-loaded mascot slipped into the radiator housing.
History of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Mark I (1980–1988)
In 1980, Rolls-Royce released a new line of high-end cars built on an updated platform version first used in the 1965 Silver Shadow. This gave the cars more power and better handling. Rolls-Royce used to introduce new models whenever it felt like it. The Silver Spur's predecessor was the company's all-time best-seller. Therefore, you might argue that they didn't require a completely new design. However, the Silver Spur long-wheelbase and the Silver Spirit debuted in 1980. The structure, motor, and suspension were all completely new. The high-quality components and skilled artistry, however, remained unchanged.
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Mark II (1988–1992)
When they debuted at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Silver Spirit II and Silver Spur II were improvements to the early models. The most significant alteration was made to the suspension, with "Automatic Ride Control," a technology that instantly and automatically modified the damping force applied to each vehicle's four wheels. In addition, ABS and fuel injection were made standard across all models and territories. Mark I Silver Spirit/Spurs were produced until chassis number KCH27798, with Mark II models beginning with chassis number 29001. Bosch's MK-Motronic replaced the previous fuel injection system. Rolls-Royce made small changes to the exterior and interior, like making the steering wheel smaller and adding two more air vents to the front fascia, to give it a more modern look.
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Mark III (1992–1995)
Even though the third generation of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur came out in 1993 with a look that was mostly the same as the second generation, they greatly improved the engine and other mechanical parts. The new Silver Spur features a more powerful iteration of the 6.75L V8 engine, which can generate 304 horsepower and propel the car to a top speed of 141 mph (227 kph). The British automaker also included dual airbags, a new safety feature, and back seats that you could adjust separately. Since Rolls-Royce released the fourth generation in 1998, production of the third generation has ceased.
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Mark IV (1995–1999)
The New Silver Spur, the last iteration of the Silver Spur, was unveiled in late 1995 for the 1996 model year after being conceptualized in the fall of 1992. All new versions feature a Garrett turbocharger, and the old Bosch engine management unit has been swapped out for a Zytec version. Wheels measure sixteen inches in diameter and have been revised, and combined front and rear bumpers were also added. In 1997, the extended wheelbase became the standard. Only limousines had the extra-long wheelbase. Rolls-Royce installed wooden support in the middle of the dashboard. In 2000, cars were still being made so that they could use the last Silver Spur chassis and parts. The Silver Spur model was discontinued after the 1997 model year.
Price
In 1998, Rolls-Royce retailed the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur with an original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $189,900, which is around $345,790 in 2022 conversion.
Specs and Performance of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur
The Rolls-Royce Silver Spur 6.75L engine delivers 300 hp (224 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) at 2,000 rpm of torque. Rolls-Royce sold the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur as a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle with a 4-speed automatic GM 4L80-E transmission. The Silver Spur accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 8.8 seconds and has a top speed of 135 mph (217 kph). Dimension-wise, the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur measures 5,395 mm (212.4 in) long, 1,914 mm (75.4 in) wide, and 1,485 mm (58.5 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 3,162 mm (124.5 in) and has a curb weight of 5,445 lbs (2,470 kg).
Release Date
The Rolls-Royce Silver Spur was released from 1980 to 2000 as an extended wheelbase version of the Silver Spirit. It was discontinued in 2000 to make way for the new Silver Seraph.