1986 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit from North America - Comments

All four tires went "out of round." The car had not been driven more than a few miles every 2-3 months for the previous 2 years.

One of the AC/radiator fan belts failed--luckily there are actually two identical belts, so this did not stop the car, but it made some awful noises!!!

Relays that control position of transmission (park, reverse, etc) intermittently need to be reset, and sometimes even then the car will not change gears when the lever is moved. Still looking for the problem.

Drives better than expected--not as numb and "floaty" as I expected.

Engine is powerful and moves the car with authority and a deep bass rumble, but at the expense of dismal fuel economy (13 mpg highway).

Decadent interior: leather, wood, chrome, and wool everywhere. Power everything (except, strangely, for seat back angle!)

Not to be used as your only vehicle? Why not? It's the ideal family car for us.

You front seats have power tilt, as have all Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1965.

These cars can most definitely be used as a daily vehicle --indeed that is what they were designed for. Unfortunately, a lot of people buy these cars for the wrong reasons and keep them in the garage, ready to brag about low miles. Let's not forget these cars are the most complex vehicles on the planet -- a RR has 80,000 parts. An S-Class Benz about 12,000. With the complex hydraulic systems etc, a Rolls should be looked at in the same way one would look at owning a light aircraft. If they are driven, and maintained as the Owners Handbooks clearly states, these sturdy cars are capable of a lifetime of service. My 1982 Silver Spirit has been in daily use, with proper maintenance since new. And is now as good as new at just a bit over 200,000 miles. It is also important that people regularly treat the leather with nothing, but Hide Food. Reupholstering one of these cars correctly will cost $20,000 - $25,000. And of course, use ONLY HSMO Hydraulic Mineral Oil and POSITIVELY NO OTHER to top up the twin reservoirs.

I totally agree about people buying them for the wrong reasons as in keeping them in a garage. I recently bought a 1986 silver spirit and I use it everyday and drive the car with respect as I hope other RR owners do. It has been a life long dream to own a Rolls and I believe every walk of life these days could own one. As I've just turned 34yrs of age and yes I have had the odd sports car and cheap run around in my past, but since I bought the Rolls I've never looked back. I belive in the long run its cheaper to run a Rolls than a Mini due to wear and tear. I did have to save up and pay for a bill of £1250 for the rear brake callipers overhaul, but that's all needed doing. The last owner passed away and looked after the car as you can tell with the receipts and all the wood has been restored. I'm very surprised on my insurance as well!! as I've been a good boy my insurance was cheaper than a small family saloon "fully comp" as I've never claimed anything before, I just hope this car will last me for my later days as I'm now a very happy and proud RR owner, my last point would be that I couldn't stress how important regular service will be on the car, I know it maybe be pricey depends on the job, but if you're not up to standard the car will suffer!! and if you are fortunate to own a Rolls then you must be prepared for the attention the car needs, and in return your car will truly be the envy of the world. Safe driving.

I love my Silver Spirit, compared with the 2 Silver Shadows I did own, and sold, at a great loss, to avoid costly refinishing. I will miss them.

The Silver Spirit I bought in 1993; a 1983. I completely redid everything. Wood, leather, stereo 14 speakers and 4 amps, wood additions, suspension by Harvey Baily, refined the body all in more exciting colors, and made many mechanical mods and the car is absolutely wonderful. The total investment is up to 77 thousand, however I prefer it to a 400 thousand dollar Phantom.

The Silver Spirit is a Rolls Royce purebred and I remodelled it just the way I want it. With european headlamps and the disappearing lady from the UK models.

Using the best components, Rolls parts, and keeping up its service.

I have 15 cars and should drive it more to keep it up to par. My car can be seen on youtube.com; search Rolls Royce.

It has mirrored sideglass, you can't miss it. Enjoy.

Cheers.