Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit 1980–1989 car dimensions: 5278 mm long, 1887 mm wide and 1486 mm high. Unladen weight is 2,245 kg. Braked towing is 1,800 kg.
The cabin uses Connolly leather seats with electric adjustment for height, reach and tilt, plus burr walnut veneer on the dash and doors. Fully automatic split-level climate control keeps upper and lower cabin temperatures separate. Cruise control is standard. A digital display shows outside temperature, time and elapsed journey time. The interior is quiet with thick carpets and lambswool mats. Power windows, mirrors and central locking come as standard.
Boot space holds around 550 litres with the seats in place. The opening is useful for luggage but the rear seats do not fold.
Self-levelling rear suspension is standard and helps keep the car level with a load. Payload is listed near 500 kg. Towing figures appear in some later data sheets at around 1800 kg braked, though a factory tow hitch was not a common factory fitment on this luxury saloon.
The cabin offers deeply contoured seats trimmed in top grain English hide for maximum comfort, matched by burr walnut wood veneer on the dash and console. Front seats adjust electrically in multiple ways for height, fore-aft and tilt. A unique fully automatic split-level air conditioning system maintains chosen temperatures at upper and lower levels. Rear passengers enjoy plenty of stretch-out room with head rests on all seats and reduced road rumble for a quiet ride.
6.75-litre V8 gasoline engine with carburetors early on, fuel injection from 1987
Fuel economy in the 11-18 mpg range
ABS standard from 1986 except North America
Dual-circuit disc brakes all round with self-levelling suspension
Lap and diagonal seat belts plus head rests on all seats
The 6.75-litre V8 runs on gasoline. Early cars use twin SU carburetors while fuel injection became standard from model year 1987 for better economy and emissions compliance. Observed fuel use sits around 11 mpg with EPA figures near 10 city and 13 highway.
Specialist servicing is needed as the hydraulic system and other components are complex and costly if neglected. The all-aluminium engine lasts well when service history is kept and corrosion inhibitor is used. Regular air-conditioning regassing helps the pump.
Safety kit includes dual-circuit powered disc brakes, self-levelling suspension and central locking. Head rests and lap-diagonal belts fit all seats with a lap belt for the occasional centre rear passenger. The bodyshell meets crash impact, side penetration and roof strength tests. ABS arrived as standard from 1986 in most markets.
Keep the car under cover long-term to limit corrosion. Check service history closely, especially hydraulics and recent work. Parts are expensive but the build quality supports long life when maintained properly.
Length 5278 mm, Width 1887 mm, Height 1486 mm, Wheelbase 3061 mm (Silver Spirit 1980–1989)
Sources: manufacturer data, Wikipedia and Car and Driver, CarsGuide, ultimatespecs/motorlegend.