Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph 'Last of Line', 2001

Chassis No.: SCALA62E92CH08152

Engine No.: 61172539799968

Registration: RR51 SER

Sold £52,072 | Sold

Unveiled in March 1998, the Silver Seraph replaced the Silver Spur. All Seraphs were handbuilt at the Rolls-Royce factory in Crewe, England, which stopped making Rolls-Royce models in 2002 but continued with Bentley. The car had a base price of £155,175 in the UK and was powered by a 5.4 litre, aluminium alloy, BMW V12 engine making it the first twelve-cylinder Rolls-Royce since the 1939 Phantom III. Standard electronics included digital engine management, adaptive ride control and anti-lock brakes and, aside from the radiator grille, badges and wheels, the Rolls-Royce was externally identical to the contemporary Bentley Arnage sharing both its platform and bodyshell.

Inside, the Silver Seraph and the Bentley Arnage were similar but quite distinct from one another. In the Seraph, the gear selector was column mounted, and the gauges followed a traditional Rolls-Royce layout; for example, without a tachometer. In both cars, the seats and dashboard were upholstered in Connolly leather and glossy burr walnut veneer and featured folding picnic trays for rear passengers. The Silver Seraph Last of Line is a special edition of the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. The model was meant to mark the termination of the production of Rolls-Royces in the factory in Crewe.

These cars boasted above the standard cars, special wood veneers with inlayed ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ motif, a commemorative plaque on the centre console, red RR-badges on the grille and the boot lid, ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ motif on the hub caps, chromed exterior mirrors and a subtle badge on the front fenders with the text ‘Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Crewe, England’, together with the British flag. This absolutely stunning example is offered in a combination of Sherwood Green with Barley Hide piped in navy with Wilton carpet and sheepskin over rugs.

One of just 46 right hand drive Last of Line examples, this car boasts just four former owners, the first being the supplying dealer JCT 600 who had this well specified example as a demonstrator before selling it to the first owner in June 2002. The car is offered with a comprehensive service history starting with JCT 600 right through to P&A Wood and recently Silver Lady in October 2020 at 26,898 miles. Complemented by the original two umbrellas in the boot and uprated modern Bluetooth phone kit and satellite navigation, this example also comes supplied with a full book pack, original service booklet and history file.

Thought to be one of the best examples available to market and signifying such a transition for Rolls-Royce, this is certainly a collector’s item – so much so that our vendor commissioned his Spirit of Ecstasy to be gold plated. A stunning example of a truly appreciating classic.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=5782&au=45