Issue 1 • 2014-2015 THE Spirit Official magazine of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club SZ Register

every model covered All production data

cars, owners, events and experiences If it’s SZ, then it’s in here

FREE

TO ALL RREC MEMBERS AS A PDF FILE. A PRINTED COLLECTORS’ EDITION IS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM SHOPTHE CLUB for all owners and enthusiasts of 1980s AND 1990s rolls-royce and cars THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

New | Reconditioned | Recycled www.flyingspares.com Welcome… … to The Spirit, produced by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, and aiming to cover all aspects of owning and enjoying a Rolls-Royce or Bentley SZ car

What I really like about Registers is that We decided to buy a Rolls-Royce on the Silver Spirit stylist they are the home of anoraks; and I am day I turned 40. Back then, in March Fritz Feller summed proud to be one. For me, it is sheer bliss 1996, I knew no more about Rolls-Royce it up for me when to research certain models, really going than I did about any other make of car. In the new model was into their history. I love meeting like- May 1996, after a thrilling three-month announced in 1980: minded enthusiasts to kick tyres and search, I bought my wonderful 1969 Silver “Nothing in this discuss important things such as a missing Shadow that I have owned for 18 years. life is so dull and pinstripe on a hubcap, or why their leather My desire to learn as much as I could miserable as the ‘average’ and ‘mean’… smells better than that of my own car. about everything Rolls-Royce and Bentley Once we regard dreams as a waste of I am 46 years old, I live in Germany and, had ever created was overwhelming. time, magic also dies. That is why Rolls- Specialising to date, I have owned 10 cars from Crewe. My investigations into facts and figures Royce motor cars must always remain I joined the R-REC started then and I have never looked back. true to our best traditions.” in parts for all as a schoolboy and In 2000 I set up www.RRSilverShadow. Keeping that dream and the magic I am one of a dying com and the next year I began publishing alive is what SZ ownership is all about. breed who likes to articles about the cars. Other milestones The aura, the feel, the smell… the sense 1980 to 1998 SZ models add the hyphen would follow, such as the membership of occasion you get from sneaking out to between the ‘double of international clubs, annual visits to the garage to have one last caress of the Dedicated to all post-1945 models of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor car we offer: R’ in R-REC. That’s RREC Rallies, days of research in the Hunt bonnet, one last peek at the dashboard. because I am an anorak and, therefore, I House archives, and the creation of my Owning a Rolls-Royce or Bentley fulfils • Unrivalled stocks of New (Genuine & Aftermarket), Reconditioned & Recycled parts know that it’s important! second website www.RRSilverSpirit.com. a lifelong ambition for many of us and • Ten experienced salesmen dedicated to offering you the fastest service and best prices I used to have a green 1981 Silver Spirit The world of RR&B has brought me into it can take years to find the perfect car. • Fully searchable web catalogue offering photographs and exploded parts diagrams called “Kermit”. I used her every day contact with an unbelievable number of The best source of information comes • Website also includes Tool Hire, Recommended Garages, Cars For Sale, Gifts & Manuals for seven years, covering up to 40,000 enthusiasts, an insight into the heritage from listening to the experiences of other • Worldwide mailorder facilities including fully encrypted web payment system kilometers per annum without any of cars that were owners, so it is great to join Juergen who • Free catalogues available on request or as a download from our website problems. Other Rolls-Royces followed only dreams when lives near Cologne (and whose enthusiasm and, two years ago, I bought a 1995 MY I was young, and knows no bounds) and Marinus from The Brooklands which I drive as often as I can. enormous joy from Netherlands (who has forgotten more SZ Last year, for example, I travelled 3,000 being privileged facts than I will ever learn) in producing kilometers across in her. to travel in many The Spirit. There was an Englishman, a I must say I was surprised to learn just of these ultimate German and a Dutchman… it sounds like what constitutes an SZ and how many are cars. My interest in the SZ generation the opening line of a bad joke but is, in in our database. We now have a brilliant increased a few years after the last car fact, the start of a fantastic adventure. magazine, we will receive technical help left the factory in Crewe and my research I have been amazed by the knowledge from knowledgeable people, and we will into them has led to data and overviews and enthusiasm of SZ owners who have have a lot of fun. I hope you will enjoy that had not previously been available. I sent us articles from all around the world. this Register as much as me and I also can help owners and fans with facts about To them, I say a heartfelt “thank you”. hope you will become an active part. It’s a their favourite SZ models and with insights I hope you enjoy reading their stories place for car nuts, anoraks, and for those into the heritage of of these spectacular and they make you want to join the SZ who want to make friends as part of a big modern cars. I can’t wait to meet you, Register and share your own experiences family around the globe. either on-line, or in person with your car. in the next issue. Juergen Buech Marinus Rijkers Richard Charnley [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

2 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 3 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

Sign up today – membership is free! Who can join A membership form to join the the SZ Register? SZ Register can be downloaded at the Register page on www.rrec.co.uk or Contents by emailing [email protected] The RREC SZ Register welcomes every or [email protected]. Please owner or enthusiast of these charismatic FEATURES complete the form and email it to cars. That means any Rolls-Royce or 3 welcome either address above. Bentley that has a “Z” in the fourth Introducing the first issue of The Spirit position of the chassis number and was 14 in sz-lebrity wheeltracks built between 1980 and 2003. Bentleys with famous owners 40 16 the first ten years Eligible cars include: How the Silver Spirit came of age • All Silver Spirit and Silver Spur models, 21 picnic time Mulliner editions, Park Ward editions, Meet register members at Hythe from 23 to 25 May, 2015 stretched limousines and division editions 22 A good clean fight • Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn (1995-1998) Class 17 concours winners at the Annual Rally 2014 and Flying Spur (1995) 30 the boy’s bentley How a schoolboy dream came true • All Mulsanne, Mulsanne S, Eight and Brooklands models, long 32 la grande corniche Bringing a back to as new condition editions and stretched limousines 38 RULE BRITANNIA • All and RT models, Mulsanne S becomes a work of art 38 and Mulliner editions 40 living with a silver spirit • All R, S, T and SC A used Rolls-Royce as an everyday car models, Le Mans, Mulliner, Millennium 46 it’s still an sz under the skin 32 and Final Series editions There’s more to the Corniche V than meets the eye • All 1995-2003 Azure models, Le Mans, 51 only seven careful owners Mulliner and Final Series editions 32 years old and 15,000 miles on the clock • Rolls-Royce Corniche (2000) and 52 hooperfest! Corniche Final Series Bespoke SZs converge on Rockingham Castle • Rolls-Royce Corniche 59 above rubies Silver Spirits suffering from too much sun and sand from chassis number CCH05037 60 time for t onwards (1982), Corniche II, III, IV and S Bag a bargain Bentley Continental T while you can • Bentley Corniche convertibles from chassis number CCH05822 onwards 64 stretching out The Spirit is produced by Charnley Publishing Ltd for Exclusive production data for stretch limos the SZ Register of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club. 24 (1982), Continental convertible and 70 after eight it was time for a mint… RT SWB It is distributed free of charge as a PDF, with a printed Continental Turbo. The only RHD Turbo RT short wheelbase in the world Collectors’ Edition available from the RREC club shop. 74 members’ gallery Editor What SZ Register members are driving Richard Charnley ([email protected]) Registrar TECHNICAL Juergen Buech ([email protected]) BENEFITS Database and data security 24 pieces of eight Marinus Rijkers ([email protected]) How a basket case became a prize winner Contributors to this issue OF SZ REGISTER Richard Alexander; Ralph Bünger; Daniel Diewerge; MEMBERSHIP Andy Hurfurt; Tony Flood; Ross HappyHearts; DATA Emmanuel de Menten; Martin Puthz; Malcolm Tucker. 6 they came from the shadows The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are 51 Timeline and production data for four-door cars not necessarily those of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ • The Spirit magazine 10 from corniche to continental Club nor of the SZ Register. • Technical advice Evolution of the two-door SZ dynasty The name Rolls-Royce, the Rolls-Royce badge and linked RR device are trademarks of Rolls-Royce plc 56 spot, circle and asterisk the difference and are used by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club 46 Distinguishing between Rolls-Royces and Bentleys under licence. • Car rallies and social events • The most affordable thing – it’s free! 4 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER you willcar ever do with your THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

1996-97 “New” Silver Spirit

They came from the Shadows 1996-2000 1999 “New” Silver Spur Silver Spur Armoured Milestones in the production of Rolls-Royce and Bentley SZ saloon cars with individual numbers built shown overleaf 1996-98 “New” Silver 1985 The Silver Spur with 36 and 42-inch stretch 1990-93 1994-95 Spur Touring Silver Spur was initially sold alongside the Phantom VI. Silver Spirit II Silver Spirit III Limousine Centenary and The extra length was added between the and and replicas doors which were the same as on the standard Silver Spur II Silver Spur III 1998 car. Stainless steel wheel trims were added 1996-99 Silver Spur for 1986, at which time the front number Park Ward Non-Division 1985-88 plate was mounted on the bumper and a 1990-91 1994-95 Limousine Silver Spur limo telephone was fitted in the front armrest Mulliner Spur Silver Spur III The Everflex roof was an option on 42-inch stretch Touring early Silver Spirits and standard 1983 Limousine 1997-98 on Spurs. Headlamp wipers were Silver Spur limo Touring Limo replaced by high pressure jets in 1985 14-inch stretch 48-inch stretch 1995-98 1992-93 Silver Dawn 1980-89 1982-87 Silver Spur II 1997-99 Silver Spirit and Silver Spur limo Touring Silver Spur Silver Spur 36-inch stretch Limousine 1995 Flying Spur Division

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

1998-99 Brooklands R 1980-87 1982-85 1984-92 1986 1988-92 1993-97 and R LWB Mulsanne Mulsanne Turbo Eight Mulsanne L Mulsanne S Brooklands and 1995 Limousine and Mulsanne S Brooklands LWB Turbo S LWB 1998-99 1981-87 1983-86 Turbo RT Mulsanne LWB Mulsanne Turbo 1985-97 1994 LWB Turbo R and Touring Turbo R LWB The Silver Spirit II gained alloy wheels with Limousine 1997 stainless steel trim, plus adaptive ride and Brooklands LWB improved handling. Inside, there was a Division The curved front bumper on the Bentley new fascia with two additional bull’s eye Mulsanne to fit around the radiator added vents, inlaid and crossbanded veneers and a 1.6 inches to the car’s length compared leather trimmed 1998 with the Silver Spirit. The flying B mascot Brooklands R did not retract into the shell on impact Division (unlike the Spirit of Ecstacy) and was therefore supplied loose for the owners to fit themselves, if they wished All data kindly provided by rrsilverspirit.com. All dates refer to model years rather than year of manufacture, sale or delivery

6 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 7 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

All data kindly provided by rrsilverspirit.com. All dates refer to model years rather than year of manufacture, sale or delivery. Special projects for the Royal family of Brunei are not included. Most of these were built on SZ undercarriages, but received a chassis number that was Production of four- door cars not part of a regular series.

8000 8,126

7000

6,240 6000

5000

4,447

4000 Bentley 4dr LWB Bentley SWB Mulsanne, 2268 Bentley LWB Turbo Eight and Brooklands 1953 4548 Rolls-Royce 4dr LWB 9946 3000 Bentley 4dr SWB 9554

2000

1,734 1,658 1,524 Rolls-Royce 4dr SWB 1,344 Bentley SWB Turbo Bentley LWB Mulsanne 1,152 9657 5006 and Brooklands 315 1000 909 802

465 482 496

26 71 37 63 1 56 36 9 3 49 38 20 1 47 61 79 12 24 60 250 2 100 55 1 2 1 2 1 1 234 237 188 145 134 Turbo S 1995 Eight 1984-92 Flying Spur Flying 1995 Turbo R 1985-97 Turbo RT 1998-99 Turbo RT Brooklands R 1998 Brooklands Mulsanne 1980-87 Silver Spur Silver 1980-89 Turbo RT SWB 1998 Turbo RT Brooklands 1993-97 Brooklands Silver Spirit Silver 1996-97 Silver Spirit Silver 1980-89 Mulsanne S 1988-92 Silver Dawn 1995-98 Silver Silver Spur II 1990-93 Silver Turbo R LWB 1985-97 Turbo R LWB Silver Spur III 1994-95 Silver Mulliner Spur 1990-91 Silver Spirit II 1990-93 Silver Silver Spur Silver 1996-2000 Silver Spirit III 1994-95 Silver Mulsanne LWB 1981-87 Mulsanne LWB Silver Spur 14-inch 1983 Silver Mulliner Limousine 1999 Mulsanne Turbo 1982-85 Brooklands LWB 1993-97 LWB Brooklands Mulsanne S LWB 1988-92 S LWB Mulsanne Silver Spur Armoured Silver 1999 Silver Spur Centenary Spur Centenary 1985 Silver Turbo RT Mulliner 1998-99 Turbo RT Brooklands R Division 1998 Brooklands Brooklands R LWB 1998-99 R LWB Brooklands Brooklands R Mulliner 1998 Brooklands Silver Spur 36-inch 1982-87 Silver Silver Spur Division 1997-98 Silver Silver Spur 42-inch 1985-88 Silver Turbo RT Mulliner SWB 1998 Mulliner Turbo RT Silver Spur II Touring 1992-93 Touring Spur II Silver Silver Spur non-Division 1998 Silver Park Ward limousine 1996-99 Ward Park Silver Spur Touring 1996 & 98 Touring Spur Silver Touring limo 48-inch 1997-98 Touring Silver Spur III Touring 1994-95 Touring Spur III Silver Brooklands LWB Division 1997 LWB Brooklands Mulsanne Turbo LWB 1983-86 Turbo LWB Mulsanne Mulsanne L Limousine 1985-86 Bentley Touring Limousine 1994 Touring Bentley

8 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 9 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

All data kindly provided by rrsilverspirit.com. The dates refer to model years rather than the From Corniche to Continental cars’ year of manufacture, sale or delivery

In addition to the Silver Spirit range, the Rolls-Royce Corniche and Bentley Continental carried SZ numbers, as did the Continental R, T and SC

Although based on the The body looks similar to that of Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, the Silver Seraph, but the Corniche the 1983 Corniche badge did launched in 2000 (model year 1999) not include the II suffix but the has its roots in the 6.75-litre SZ range. car carries a 17-digit chassis The instrument layout is based on that number with the fourth position of the Silver Spirit, with an outside being a Z, thus qualifying it for 1992-93 temperature gauge, no rev counter and SZ status Anniversary a column mounted gear selector Corniche 1982-87 Rolls-Royce Corniche 1986-89 1990-91 1992-95 1995 1999-2002 2002 Convertible Corniche II Corniche III Corniche IV Corniche S Corniche Corniche Final Series

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

2000 1998-2000 Continental R Continental SC Millennium 1982-84 1984-89 1990-91 1992-95 1995 2003 Bentley Continental Continental Continental Continental S Continental R Corniche (Corniche II) (Corniche III) (Corniche IV) 1999-2000 2001-02 Final Series Convertible Continental SC Continental R 1996-2003 Mulliner Le Mans The was launched in 1992-95 Continental T 2003 1992 with 360bhp, rising to 385bhp in 1997, Continental Azure which reduced the 0-60mph time from 6.6 Turbo 1999-2002 2001-02 Final Series to 6.3 seconds. Azure-style front seats with 1995-2002 Continental T Continental T Luxury integral seatbelts were also added for the Azure Mulliner Le Mans 1997 model year while the final 1998 models 1992-2003 had curved pleats and partially ruched Continental R 2003 leather. They also gained a matrix grille, new 1999-2003 2001-02 Azure alloys and restyled bumpers Continental R Azure Le Mans Final Series Mulliner Performance

1999-2003 10 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCEAzure MullinerENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 11 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

All data kindly provided by rrsilverspirit.com. All dates refer to model years rather than year of Production of two- door cars manufacture, sale or delivery.

1600

1400

1,292

1200 1,226

1,087

1000 994 Bentley Continental SC Bentley Continental T and derivatives and derivatives 79 Rolls-Royce Corniche 349 (1999-2002) 374 800 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV, Anniversary, S and Bentley Continental, Turbo 325 600 Rolls-Royce, Bentley Rolls-Royce Corniche III Corniche Convertible and Bentley Continental and Continental 631 1041 1311 451 400

Bentley Continental R 329 321 and derivatives 1546

200 194 180 153 148 155 Rolls-Royce Corniche II and Bentley Continental 73 73 62 45 1379 7 40 8 3 39 10 11 6 46 5 4 25 25 23 Corniche S Corniche 1995 Azure 1995-2002 Azure Continental S Continental 1995 Corniche II 1986-89 Corniche Corniche III 1990-91 Corniche Corniche IV 1992-95 Corniche Corniche 1999-2002 Corniche Azure Le Mans 2001-02 Azure Continental T Continental 1996-2003 Continental R 1992-2003 Continental Azure Mulliner 1999-2003 Azure Corniche Final Series 2002 Final Corniche Continental SC Continental 1998-2000 Corniche Convertible Convertible 1982-87 Corniche Corniche Convertible Convertible 1982-84 Corniche Anniversary Corniche Corniche Anniversary 1992-93 Azure Final Series Luxury 2003 Final Azure Continental R Milennium 2000 Continental Continental Turbo 1992 and 95 Continental Continental R Final Series 2003 R Final Continental Continental T Le Mans 2001-02 Continental Continental R Le Mans 2001-02 Continental Continental (Corniche) 1985-87 (Corniche) Continental Continental T Mulliner 1999-2002 Continental Continental SC Mulliner 1999-2000 Continental Continental R Mulliner 1999-2003 Continental Continental (Corniche II) 1986-89 (Corniche Continental Continental (Corniche III) 1990-91 (Corniche Continental Continental (Corniche IV) 1992-95 (Corniche Continental Azure Final Series Performance 2003 Series Performance Final Azure 12 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 13 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT In SZ-lebrity wheeltracks

The rich and famous The last Bentley Turbo RT built in July In addition to his Aston Martins, HRH 1998 for North America – a 1999 model Prince Charles has enjoyed a string of love a Bentley and year LWB Turbo R chassis number 6.75-litre Bentley Turbos over the years. 66516 – was bought new by Barry Gibb of His 1991 model went to auction last high profile previous Bee Gees fame from Braman Motors of year with the estimate set at a princely Miami, Florida. £14,000 to £16,000 but it fetched only ownership can add The black car with parchment leather £10,600 – about what you might piped in black was ordered with $20,099 expect to pay for a similar car without thousands to the worth of accessories on top of its royal provenance. $211,600 list price,making a grand total of On 14 August 1991 this car was price… but not always $231,699. The extras included: veneered supplied by Michael Powell Bentley in Ex-Python John Cleese owned his 1987 door panels ($890); embroidered The society columns and gossip Leicester, who had the Royal Warrant for And back to the man who simply cannot Bentley Eight for 25 years before parting headrests ($471); loose foot rests ($287); magazines almost all reported that pop Bentleys but it remained registered to resist a Bentley bargain… It’s 1995 and radio presenter Chris Evans with it on eBay. With peeling veneers and picnic tables ($1,734); veneered waistrails singer Lily Allen arrived for her 2011 retro Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. After being almost bankrupted by his is branching out into television. Things 73,000 miles on the clock (only 9,000 in ($386); grab handles to rear seats ($118); themed wedding to Sam Cooper in a Special features include extra reading first car with a flying B, presenter Chris are looking up for his career and he has the last 13 years) the service history was triband aerial ($486); uprated hi-fi with vintage Bentley. lights in the rear, softer leather than Evans was at it again a few years later managed to accumulate £103,000 in his sparce with only two stamps in the service Mission speakers ($3,561); special door Actually, it was one of a handful of standard and an extra leather holder in when he snapped up customiser Andy bank account. So what does the ginger book in the past 20 years. step plaques ($933); leather stowage James Young Turbo Rs built in 1997 at the the front passenger footwell for storing Saunders’ Mentally. This features Mazda, petrolhead do next? He sees a £102,000 “Twenty five years on it is a little faded, compartments in the seat backs ($3,979); behest of dealer H R Owen to celebrate police/security radios. The rear glass roof Opel, Volvo, Mercedes, Suzuki, Ford Focus for sale in a and needs some attention to the battle build history photo album ($797); its purchase of the famous coachbuilder’s doesn’t open but the leather liner slides and Scorpio, Austin Montego, Maestro and showroom and blows the lot. scars from a quarrel with a gate post the presentation box for master key in gold name. This metallic green example had an back to increase the light, so people could 1800 Landcrab parts on an SZ bodyshell – “I cleaned myself out. It’s what I keep last time I drove it,” said Cleese. “But it is plate ($361); garage door opener ($699); Everflex roof, vented bonnet and wings, get a better view of HRH in the car. and Evans got it for £17,000. doing, over and over again”, he says. But the most beautiful car I have ever owned. and wooden gear selector ($556). carbon fibre trim, a panoramic glass panel, Sometime later his old 1996 Turbo It took Saunders nine months to give things soon took a turn for the best: “I It’s like driving a starfighter. It removed Oh yes, those prices were all subject modified sports seats, small rear window, RL (pictured below) with just 38,000 the 1983 Mulsanne a two-inch roof chop, had a carphone fitted, and that was where any sense of haste from my life. You don’t to Federal Luxury Tax on top. Pedigree chrome five-spoke alloys and a number of miles came up for sale at Graeme Hunt three-inch suspension drop and 20-inch I was sitting when Michael Grade called to drive it, you guide it. Yet, if you need a Motor Cars of Delray Beach, Florida were other RT-style body enhancements. It cost in Kensington. The build sheets confirm chrome wheels. offer me £500,000 to stay at Channel 4.” moment of acceleration, the power surges offering the car for sale in 2013: it could around £208,000 when new. that Home Office telecommunications It came into Evans’ ownership during Since then, the celebrity Brooklands like a battleship.” have been yours for $49,500. The Lily Allen car sported the Northern equipment was fitted into the glovebox a clear out of Saunders’ collection which has been offered by Targa Florio Cars for Melburnian car dealer Gary Leche Irish registration GIG 3204 that the and that the Brewster green car with included 11 cars and raised £223,000. £9,995 and Evans’ one-time pride and joy posted the winning bid of £17,100 and the Co Fermanagh personal number plate mushroom hide and electrically operated Chris Evans said: “It’s the best £17,000 was seen on eBay for £10,750 but it failed car was shipped to Australia along with company Speedy apparently supplied in individual rear seats originally had a blue I have ever spent.” to meet its reserve on that occasion with a handwritten sheet listing the famous 1998 for the grand sum of £50. light fixed to the roof. Last thing we heard, the car was on its a best bid of just £5,600. bottoms, including Kevin Kline and Jamie way to another new owner, this one based Lee Curtis, to have dented its Connolly in Canada… cushions, plus an IOU for a free lunch next time Leche is in the UK. “It turned over first time,” he said “but it is a run-of- the mill car. Over in England it’s worth about a dollar a foot but as a bonus I do get to have lunch with Mr Cleese at the Dorchester – or he might have meant in Dorchester, I’m not sure.”

14 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

t was 34 years ago, in October 1980, in order to meet the stringent exhaust that Rolls-Royce introduced the emission legislation in those territories, ISilver Spirit, Silver Spur (the long whereas all other markets were still using wheelbase) and the SU twin carburettor configuration. range of motor cars, replacing the Silver Once in full production, the company Shadow II, Silver Wraith II and Bentley decided to enhance the car’s ride and T2 models. Although retaining many handling following a number of problems Silver Shadow II mechanical features, it experienced with the first cars to be built. is interesting to look at the changes that In early 1981 to address the problem, a took place over a 10-year span after the package of front suspension modifications new models had been launched. was introduced, resulting in better They were introduced against a comfort and greatly improved handling. backdrop of what turned out to be the The following year, with the UK start of recession in the UK and other parts recession deepening considerably, of the world but, at least in the short term, the company took the bold step of a new model when introduced attracts introducing a car with a turbocharged interest. However it must be pointed out engine, with the intention of giving an The first Bentley Mulsanne Long Wheelbase, chassis number SCBZN0008BCH02485, that the initial thinking of the company impetus to the marketplace that was model year 1981. This car has the smaller rear window that was only featured on the Silver was that the Spirit model range was to seeing a slow down in sales of the existing Spurs in 1981 and was deleted after 232 examples (picture W Lemaire) be only a ‘stop gap’. Strong rumours models. The Bentley Mulsanne Turbo was originating from the USA suggested that introduced at the smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles and it can be stated confidently that, from would be on North American roads by this point onwards, the Bentley name the end of the decade and, as this was was to experience a great renaissance the company’s biggest export market, a because following its launch, many orders much smaller Rolls-Royce known by the were placed. Unfortunately, at the time experimental code name SX was already of launch, the Turbo could not be sold well advanced at the design stage with a in North America, Australia and Japan. launch date of 1987. However, as we now Several years were to pass before sales in know, that thinking was reviewed during these territories took place – and that will the decade and discarded. be discussed later. The Spirit, Spur and Mulsanne were Running changes took place to all the The first actually launched to the press in the various models during 1982 and 1983, the late summer at Nice, and to the general significant ones being the introduction public at both the Paris and Birmingham of improved door locking mechanisms motor shows during the early autumn. and the car height rear levelling valves. ten years… One notable new feature of the Silver A further model was added to the range Spirit and Silver Spur was that the flying during early 1983, this being the Silver lady mascot was retractable, whereby Spur fitted with a centre division. This 1984 Bentley Mulsanne Turbo, chassis number SCBZS0T09ECX08821 (Rijkers archives) upon impact it would ‘disappear’ into took the place of its Silver Wraith II The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was conceived the radiator grille. However, for the US, predecessor that had been discontinued restricted and hence the model was not The Bentley Turbo R with its distinctive the conventional flying lady, as fitted to in 1980. popular and very few were produced. alloy wheels and wide tyres – and also as a stop-gap model with a limited lifespan… the Shadow range, was retained owing to However, unlike the former model The following year, 1984, resulted the inclusion of a centre console to legislation in that market. which had the rear compartment air in Rolls-Royce and Bentley models differentiate it from the Rolls-Royce Tony Flood, who spent 40 years working at A further important change was that conditioning unit fitted in the car boot, becoming further differentiated thanks to models – was introduced in 1985. Also, both the braking and levelling systems the Spur division car had this unit built the introduction of the Bentley Eight. This in conjunction with Robert Design, Rolls-Royce in Crewe from 1963 until 2003, were now filled and operated by hydraulic into the centre division itself owing to model was clearly identifiable by its mesh the company launched the Silver Spur system mineral oil (HSMO). North the fact the boot area previously used grille but also had a slightly lesser interior limousine which was a 36-inch (915 mm) looks back on the first decade of the range that American and Japanese specification cars on the Silver Wraith II now incorporated trim specification and reduced features in stretched version of the Silver Spur to did not commence production until early the fuel tank. This resulted in the rear order to achieve a lower selling price than simulate an executive’s mobile office and was destined to stay in production for 19 years 1981 and had fuel injected engines fitted seat passenger legroom being greatly other models in the range. was equipped accordingly.

16 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 17 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

Far left: The 1985 Silver Spur Centenary motors were specified (in foreground) with most of the 25 • An anti locking brake system (ABS) Replicas (press picture) was introduced for all markets other than Left: Robert Jankel stretched Silver North America, Australia and Japan Spurs by 36 or 42 inches (and one with • Body modifications such as a new a 14 inch stretch). This example has the front apron enhanced air flow around the headlamps for the important American engine to aid cooling and also improved market (press picture) the aerodynamics Below left: 1986 Silver Spirit chassis • Revised hydraulic fluid reservoirs number SCAZS0004GCH14850 (pictures • New improved air conditioning Hans Porrio) compressor • Revised suspension settings Spur limousine was also launched during • Revised front seats with position this year and was aimed at the US market memory function in particular; this, again was built in • Improved wiring and terminals conjunction with Robert Jankel Design. • New steering wheel Engine and body modifications were • Improved cruise control system introduced for all 1986 model year cars The following year the Bentley to enhance engine cooling by improving Mulsanne S replaced the Mulsanne. This, air flow through the engine compartment and, at the same time, an engine oil The 1987 model year turned cooler was installed (previously only having been fitted to the Bentley Turbo out to be a watershed for R and Rolls-Royce Silver Spur limousine) to complement the engine cooling the range because the characteristics of the body revisions. changes introduced at that A smaller RR grille badge was fitted to the Silver Spirit and Silver Spur and, for time provided the greatest the Silver Spur only, a cellular telephone became a standard fitting; it also featured enhancements to the new wheel trims to distinguish it from the Silver Spirit line-up so far Silver Spirit. Also in 1986, the Australian specification cars had fuel injection again, provided a noticeable difference engines fitted to meet exhaust emission between the Rolls-Royce and Bentley legislation, these being similar to the ranges. The Mulsanne S acquired the North American and Japanese cars Turbo R alloy wheels and also its interior that had been so fitted since the model console to differentiate it from both its was introduced. predecessor and the Silver Spirit; The 1987 model year turned out to be a tachometer was also included in Also during this year, a special Silver 1985 became the first year whereby the • Facia vent flaps that could be opened or During this particular year the company a watershed for the range because the the instrument panel to give a more Spur was introduced for the Middle East term Model Year entered the Rolls-Royce closed by manual controls produced its 100,000th car and named it changes introduced at that time provided sporty character. only. The marketing strategy behind terminology, as previously modifications • New air vent mouldings fitted to the the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Centenary and the greatest enhancements so far, the During this year, further occupant this was that prospective Middle East to the specification were simply referred lower facia actually produced a further 25 replicas for main changes being as follows: safety legislation was introduced in the owners would feel that they were getting to as running changes or package deals, • Headlight dip switch was now selected owners. They were all painted • All cars were now equipped with fuel USA, which meant 10% of certain models a unique motor car, the main features as an updating process. A number of incorporated into the direction indicator royal blue, and festooned with many injection, be they Rolls-Royce or Bentley built had to be fitted with a seat belt differentiating this model were as follows: enhancements were made for the 1985 switch, replacing the foot operated one extras, and featured in a procession of models (including Turbo), to meet system known as ‘passive restraint’. This • Kneeling Flying Lady mascot model year, the main visible ones being: that had been a feature of Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars organised to stringent exhaust emissions regulations in was a motorised system whereby, when a • Bottle cooler located in rear arm rest • High pressure power cleaning for and Bentley motor cars for many years celebrate this historic event outside the all markets and to for better fuel economy driver or passenger sat in the vehicle and • Video and TV to rear compartment the headlamps replacing the former • Revised door capping rails factory on 2nd August 1985. • New radiator switched on the ignition, both belt and • Special wooden door capping rails wiperblade system • Improved digital display units A 42-inch (1066 mm) stretched Silver • New smaller and more efficient starter buckle ‘offered’ themselves for fastening

18 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 19 Save 25ththe dates May now!2015 23rd to

THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

(only the Mulsanne S had this feature). At the same time, ABS was introduced for this market and for Japan and Australia. The decade ended with the final changes to the range taking place, and this Picnic time time a very marked visual difference took Picture: courtesy of place between Rolls-Royce and Bentley The SZ Register Gadsby, suppliers of models. While the Silver Spirit and Silver quality basketware Spur retained their rectangular headlamp and picnic hampers units, the Bentley Mulsanne S, Turbo R inaugural meeting www.gadsby.co.uk and Eight were now equipped with 7-inch diameter twin headlamps and a set of Over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend in May 2015, the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ distinguished headlamp washer jets that Club South of England Sections are organising one of the largest international protruded above the front bumper. In meetings ever held by the RREC. It will be taking place at Westenhanger, Folkestone Racecourse, near Hythe in Kent. The SZ Register will be The decade ended with all there too with our own dedicated parking area, so polish your car and pack a picnic. This will be the first opportunity for SZ Register Bentley models being fitted members to meet up and it promises to be a great weekend! with 7-inch diameter twin Visit www.rrec-international.co.uk/index.htm headlamps and protruding for further details of this fantastic event ‘frogs’ eye’ washer jets

Crewe factory parlance these jets were referred to as ‘frogs’ eyes’. At the same time, the Bentley Eight now had alloy wheels added to its specification, bringing it in line with the rest of the Bentley range. Also, below the front bumper and to further enhance the differences in appearance between the two marques, new airdam mouldings were introduced. 1987 model year Silver Spur had a new front apron to improve the air flow around the A revised and stiffened engine crankcase engine to aid cooling and also enhance the car’s aerodynamics (press picture) was introduced for the model year change to enhance the smooth running of the V8. At the end of 1989 the Silver Spirit range was replaced by the 1990 model year Spirit II and Spur II which were discussed in the RREC 2014 Year Book. These revised models and their successors would continue in production until the final months of the 20th century, thereby becoming the joint third-longest running model range in Rolls-Royce history at 19 years. This matches the production run of the famous 40/50hp Silver Ghost (1907-1926) – quite an achievement for an interim model that was initially intended to remain in production for only seven years! 1987 Bentley Eight chassis number SCBZE02A8HCX20920 (Rijkers archives)

20 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 21 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

CLASS 17 WINNERS AT ROCKINGHAM CASTLE 2014 CONCOURS FIRST PRIZE Stephen Oyston’s peacock blue 1998 a good, Bentley Brooklands Mulliner R is number 51 of 100 and was reputedly owned by the Iranian Ambassador to London who kept it in an underground garage. “When I bought clean fight the Bentley in 2004 it had done about 6,900 miles,” he says. “The car is only used for shows and now, with three RREC first prizes and a second place under its belt since then, the mileage is up to 7,600. But just because it gets so little use doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a lot of cleaning to maintain it!”

CONCOURS SECOND PRIZE Alan Thompson bought his Continental R in 2001 when it was eight years old but had completed just 3000 miles – and even now it is registering only 7,700 on the clock. Its first owner was Ion Tiriac the Romanian tennis player of the 1970s and manager of Boris Becker in the 1980s and 90s. The car came second in 2001 and first in the 2004 class concours at the RREC Annual Rally and was entered again in 2013 and 2014 coming second both years. Alan says it may now be time “to retire the car and put it out to stud.”

TOURING CLASS WINNER Markus Gottschall bought his 1994 Silver Spirit III in 2011 and drove it to the Rally from his home in Germany. The car has covered 125,000 miles and still does about 4,000 miles every year. Markus spends about six hours a month keeping it clean, paying particular attention to the chrome and stainless steel. He has won several prizes over the years (he also owns a Silver Shadow II and an Arnage Black Label) and says: With 25 examples listed under Class 16 “This was our first time at the Annual Rally but from now on we will come every year!” (cars from 1979 to 1989) and 63 entries ELEGANCE PRIZE in Class 17 (1990 to 1999), SZs were out Graeme Calvert-Thomson joined the RREC in force at the 2014 RREC Annual Rally. in 1985 and has attended every Annual Rally since. Graeme was over the moon with Fritz Feller’s angular design was better the elegance award: “I have won a number of concours classes over the years but never represented than any other model at the prize for elegance – one which I have always wanted because it reflects on the car Rockingham Castle – and the judged entries itself rather than just its presentation,” he says. Graeme believes in using his car, doing about 10,000 miles a year; his 1996 Silver Spirit were among the finest cars on display was bought last year at 65,000 miles and has already passed the 72,000 mile mark.

22 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 23 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

analogue gauges instead of the square collectors’ had tried to pry off the Flying B digital ones and the simple, straight and the Bentley badge with a screwdriver. grained walnut dashboard (a ‘board’ in its More encouraging was the fact that the true sense) that I like. engine ran smoothly and every electrical Shortly before buying my project car, feature such as the window lifts, the seat I had the opportunity to keep a friend’s motors and the central locking system ’91 Bentley Continental for a few months worked. Even the air-con system worked while he was abroad and I was able to do perfectly; to my surprise the compressor some minor work on this car. It was then kicked in which meant that the system when I realised that I should not delay still held its charge of refrigerant. buying my first Bentley any longer. The hydraulic system made no bad The car I found on a large used car noises and the rear rams showed no signs internet site was advertised as a “very of leaking. The steering rack also seemed rare” LHD Bentley Mulsanne S, but due dry and had already been exchanged for to the build year, the mesh grille and the the improved later model version. missing sport centre console I knew it had A check of the front longerons (the part to be a Bentley Eight. The ad mentioned of the body structure that runs parallel that the car had not been on the road for to the exhaust manifolds) showed no several years but that it was in good shape kinks or dents, suggesting that the car had and for “a few hundred Euros” could be never suffered a heavy front impact. transformed into the “ideal wedding car”. So I contacted the seller and he agreed Pictures 3 and 4 to meet me in his showroom on a Sunday. The windscreen had an enormous crack Arriving in Düsseldorf, Germany, after a right across the driver’s field of vision. three-hour drive, he admitted that the The seats had been repainted with a Pieces of Eight had a problem and the car thick and glossy coat of leather paint, would only move in reverse, thus making this coating was already hardened and any test drive or even an inspection of the cracked. The woodwork needed attention The vendor said a few rom my earliest childhood, I have nonexistent on the streets during my SZ series that makes me favour this model under floor on a hoist impossible. too; the clearcoat was cracked in many been in love with Rolls-Royce cars. I adolescence. The official agent sold one or as a daily driver. places with the waist rails showing water hundred Euros would Frecall seeing one for the first time in two cars per year but most were probably I specifically looked for an early, pre- Pictures 1 and 2 stains on the exposed wood. the late 1970s as though it was yesterday; kept in the holiday homes of their owners. 1985, SZ model because these cars ride On the outside of the car there were the The carpets were generally good but turn this Bentley Eight I must have been seven or eight years old. Luckily, I spent most of my holidays with a bit softer than the later models. I also usual and expected rust spots in the lower the driver’s carpet was partly burned from It was a dark red Silver Shadow parked on my family in St Jean Cap Ferrat on the prefer the earlier facia with the classic rear quarters and some less usual rust exhaust heat through the rust holes in the into an “ideal wedding the Grand Rue in the city of Luxembourg French Riviera and it was there where I switchbox design. That the earlier cars bubbles on the rear apron. A look under floor and was partly rotten, in other words and I spent an eternity admiring it from could see many of these wonderful cars in have a much simpler electronic layout the driver’s carpet revealed a clear view a clear case for the waste bin. car.” Well, it took a bit every angle. From that moment I knew reality. I even had the opportunity to ride (i.e. no fuel injection, ABS or dreaded onto the silencer heat shield and part of The car wore four different tyres; one that only one company could rightfully as a passenger in a few Spurs, Turbo Rs headlight control module) was an added the rat trap. Both bumpers had damaged of them was a gnarly off-road tyre, but all more money than that claim to build ‘the best car in the world’. and Corniches. plus for me. Of all the SZ cars, I always rubber sections, the fuel filler lid was four wheel discs were at least present. for the tired old car to In Luxembourg, where I was born Even though I like almost every Rolls- liked the Bentley Eight a lot. Once more, kinked and the boot lid as well as the grille The seller was a very nice and honest and grew up, these cars were almost Royce, it is the unobtrusive styling of the it is the facia layout with the classic round were badly damaged where some ‘badge chap with a lot of R-R and Bentley be rebuilt into a prize winner, as owner and SZ Register technical consultant Daniel 1 2 3 4 5 Diewerge explains Rust bubbles were evident on the lower rear The driver’s floor was rusted through to give The wood trim needed attention due to a The seats had been repainted and the new Once home, the car was driven over the quarters and also on the rear apron a view of the silencer heat shield cracked clearcoat and water damage coating was hardened and cracked inspection pit to assess its true condition

24 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 25 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

experience and I spent the rest of the day Pictures 5 and 6 standing still, the brake pumps and the in this series of cars. I was more than the engine compartment is finished in and on the rubber grommets on the doors. chatting with him about the cars. A week later, the Eight arrived on a carburettor fuel inlets started to leak surprised to find out that Citroën spare black and the boot is lined with carpet. Underneath the carpeting in the boot, After returning from Düsseldorf, I Friday night. On Saturday I began the badly, so replacing the hardened O-rings part prices can be almost three times Moreover, the stainless steel finishing I could see that the car must have left was up almost all night planning the restoration. My original plan was to was the next job I tackled. I also had more than those ‘our’ preferred spare rails under the side windows can be slid the factory in Dark Oyster. Interestingly, restoration in my mind. After another overhaul the transmission, repair the floor the radiator re-cored since it seeped specialists demand for the same parts. up by about 10mm and don’t have to be the paint code for Old English white was sleepless night I agreed to buy the car if and then drive the car for a few months coolant from a few places on the cooler While I was working around the removed to renew the paint finish. After embossed on an original paint code plate the seller would deliver it to my garage. to get to know it better. I had to change matrix. I also renewed the hoses from drivetrain, I also replaced all the flexible the new paint is applied, they are simply fixed to the bonnet so the change to One might ask why I chose this car my plan as soon as I had driven the car the LHM reservoirs to the brake pumps brake lines, the brake and suspension pushed down again with a new rubber seal white might have been done by an official when so many better examples are for onto the pit in my garage and was able with some industrial grade hydraulic spheres, the brake calliper seals, inserted to give a clean appearance with Rolls-Royce garage. The painter who had sale at reasonable prices. Right from the to assess the extent of the rust damage. hose from Aeroquip that I obtained from the parking brake lines, the exhaust no joining line. executed the colour change had sprayed a beginning, I was looking for a project car. Rusted out spring pods and severe rust on a hydraulic shop. Unfortunately, the downpipes, the exhaust manifold gaskets, I started by removing the windscreen very heavy coat of filler and a thick layer I have been in love for so long with Rolls- some brake and hydraulic pipes strongly original style herringbone hose seems to the valve cover gaskets, the engine and the rear screen. Being aware of the of paint right over the original thermo Royce and Bentley cars that I wanted to advised against driving the car on a public be no longer available but, as I learned, mounting rubbers, all the drive belts, the price of a replacement, I was extremely plastic finish so the only answer was to experience first hand how these cars are road in its present condition. any hose suitable for hydraulic fluid can flexible joints of the propeller shaft, the careful when removing the rear screen. I take the whole car back to bare metal if I built beneath their glamorous surface. be used. The power steering cooler hoses sparking plugs and high tension leads... decided not to cut the rubber seal which was to avoid future problems. As tired as the car looked at first glance, Picture 7 were replaced with dedicated Goodyear and a few more things I have certainly undoubtedly would have been the safer there were no bodge jobs or curious I removed the grille, which would transmission cooler hoses specifically forgotten to mention. method. Instead, I first pried out the Picture 8 modifications apparent, it was simply decorate my home office for a long time, designed for hot ATF fluid like that which I now had a car that could reliably chrome strip to release some tension from I used several methods to strip the paint: a neglected and had been put aside for and the bumpers to gain a better access circulates in the steering system. move, steer and brake under it’s own the seal. Then I carefully went around the razor blade; chemical stripper; sandpaper; years by a desperate owner when the to the body. With a friend, I removed the A local hydraulic shop fabricated two power but still looked horrible. circumference of the seal from the inside and 3M fibre discs. The thermoplastic transmission let go, probably shortly after transmission which I rebuilt using a kit new braided high pressure hoses for a On a school trip to London in the mid to free the sticking seal from the window paint has a habit of instantly clogging an expensive ‘rip-off’ rebuild. from an American supplier. The forward very modest price and bent and flared 1980s, I visited the Rolls-Royce showroom channel and the glass. Finally I inserted even the roughest sandpaper, since it I knew I could handle the transmission clutch drum seal (a little rubber seal) that some brake lines to pattern to replace the in Conduit Street where, somewhat to my around 50 wooden spacers between the melts under the heat of the abrasive repair as I had rebuilt a few TH400 was apparently incorrectly installed during rusted out ones. Some of the hydraulic surprise, I was treated really well and was seal and the body from inside the car. The process, so the standard approach did transmissions before. These transmissions a previous rebuild was identified as the lines feature a different kind of flare and given a lot of catalogues, a price list and a rear glass could then be pushed out easily. not work in my case. The professional have a straightforward design with culprit for the missing forward gears. I was lucky that the hydraulic shop also colour fan where one could slide different The car was finished in Old English chemical stripper softened the paint very almost no technical flaws and can be With the transmission reinstalled and did jobs for the nearby Citroën garage colours behind a transparent SZ or white when I bought it, but the lacquer quickly and turned it into a gluey mess repaired by almost anybody. I also had the engine oil and coolant changed, I and could fabricate this flare without a Corniche model. I decided right then that had seen better days, showing a lot of fine before turning gummy almost as fast so I some bodywork experience from former could do some test drives in the courtyard problem. Only once did I visit this Citroën my Bentley would be Brewster green. crazing on all the horizontal surfaces. could only do small sections at a time. The car restorations and at the time, the in front of my garage. After being used garage to buy new seals as Rolls-Royce Fortunately, Rolls-Royce cars make There was also a lot of white overspray, fibre discs worked really well but were too necessary work seemed reasonable. for the first time, after many years of used many components from Citroën a colour change relatively simple since for example on the boot lid carpet binding harsh for the aluminium parts of the car

6 7 8 12 13 14 Severely rusted spring pods meant the car The first job was to rebuild the transmission Several methods were tried in order to Rust damage to the driver’s floor had With the new floor panel in place, it was Lead filling turned out to be less difficult was not safe to drive on public roads using a kit from an American supplier achieve the most effective paint stripping allowed exhaust heat to singe the carpet time to move on to other body repairs than I thought and I prefer this to 2K filler

9 10 11 15 16 17 Further exploration revealed much more The rusted driver’s side floor panel was All repair panels were made from scratch The Eight finally stripped of its paint and 2K epoxy primer was used to spray a first Using coats of two different colours (I used rust damage than had been expected carefully cut away out of 1mm sheet metal ready to receive its first coat of primer coat on the bare metal outer body black and green) helps when sanding

26 Issue 1• 2014-2015 2014-2015 • Issue 1 27 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

so I could not use these on the bonnet, I did not use any prefabricated repair strip the paint from parts of the inner door the boot lid, the doors or the fuel filler lid. panels since, at least in my experience, or the front apron. I used two different these always have to be extensively colours of epoxy primer, green and black. Picture 9 reworked anyway. I formed all the This approach was used by the factory, the To mentally recover from hours and hours necessary pieces from 1mm sheet metal. advantage being that, during sanding, you of paint stripping, I started to cut out and can see immediately when you are going repair rust damaged sections of the body. Picture 14 too far, before reaching metal. The rear apron was in very bad shape and For the final shaping of the body lines, I once I took the paint off, the rear corners tried my luck on lead filling for the first Picture 18 looked like Emmental cheese... time. It was much easier than I thought At this stage I took the doors and lids off and I now prefer this method over the the car. The rear doors were removed with Pictures 10 to 13 more common 2K plastic filler. their hinges at the B- and, for the Since the factory rust proofing on In the end, I had to replace the lower front doors, I left the hinges on the car. these cars is generally very good, I was rear quarter panels, both corners of the flabbergasted by the extent of the rust rear apron, sections of both rear wheel Pictures 19 and 20 I found. Other parts of the car were not wells, the lower rear corners of the front After correcting some minor nearly as corroded. Only recently, after wheel wells, the entire driver’s side floor imperfections on the primered body ordering and studying the factory build and some little patches here and there. with conventional plastic filler, I applied sheets for my car, I found a possible several coats of spray-on filler which was logical explanation: a one-liner in the test Picture 15 flattened with 800 grit and finally 1200 The crowning glory was being awarded the Tom Woods Trophy for the best personal restoration at the Annual Rally at Rockingham Castle drive section of the build sheet mentions Once these areas were welded and lead grit paper to achieve the desired result. an accident with damage done to the rear filled and the complete outer body experience to see a freshly painted car in a installed Turbo R rear hubs. I was lucky Bill Coburn’s Tee One Topics proved apron and the boot lid. The repair was stripped down to bare metal, I used a 2K Picture 21 paint booth. enough to find a complete interior in very really important during my Bentley done in Crewe’s own repair shop and as epoxy primer to spray the first coat. I was able to do all this work in my own good condition from a low mileage Silver resurrection. For those who have not they used lead as body filler, they must garage since minor imperfections and any Picture 22 Spur that was damaged beyond repair, to heard of this publication, Bill writes have burned off the epoxy coating on the Pictures 16 and 17 dust attracted during the primer or filler Reassembly was quite straightforward replace the mediocre seats I had in my car. newsletters that can be downloaded inner side of the panels which left these I found a brand of primer that was suitable stage would be sanded out. because I had used the time when I As a preliminary conclusion I can as .pdf documents from the internet. spots unprotected against humidity. The both for steel and aluminium and could After almost a year of work on the felt unenthusiastic about doing more merely repeat the old classic car wisdom Besides being an extremely good read, hydrochloric acid used in the lead loading be applied directly over thermoplastic Eight, I rented a paint booth and a friend bodywork to clean and prepare small that one should always buy the best car the articles approach almost every process might also have contributed to paints. That last point was important to put the Brewster green basecoat and parts and to restore the woodwork. one can find and afford instead of one technical aspect of our cars in a typical the damage... me since I did not bother to completely the clearcoat on the car. It is a stunning in need of a total restoration. My total Australian hands-on manner. Picture 23 expenses far exceeded the costs for a well Since I wanted to use the car on a maintained car of the same model even regular basis, I applied a thorough rust during the mandatory official technical without taking into account the hundreds preservation treatment with a product inspection was the weak performance of of working hours I spent on the car. To called Mike Sanders. Instead of wax, which the parking brake. I corrected this problem make matters worse, my Eight still does turns hard and splits after a few years and the brake now performs quite well. not have the exquisite factory finish that when all the solvents have evaporated, The secret to a well functioning parking a well preserved model displays. On the 18 19 20 a special grease mixture is sprayed into brake is to make sure that all pivots of the other hand, the restoration achieved just The doors, bonnet and boot lid were all Correcting the last minor imperfections on Spray-on filler was flatted with 800 grit and the cavities. The process is somewhat system can move freely. what I had hoped: to learn about a Rolls- removed for painting the primered body with plastic filler then 1200 grit paper for a smooth finish involved since the grease has to be heated After more than 40,000km throughout Royce built car from the inside out. to approximately 100º Celsius in order Europe, my Eight has only let me down The crowning glory of my efforts was to be usable but is the best long term once. In Berlin, the original fuel pump to be awarded the Tom Woods Trophy for protection I have come across so far. In stuck and I blew a handful of fuses before the best personal restoration at this year’s warm weather, the grease will soften disassembling it on the side of the street RREC Annual Rally at Rockingham Castle. and continue to creep into unprotected and being able to get it to work again. It crevices or over newly formed rust. Of was swiftly exchanged for a Faucet pump. • I would like to thank Conny, Sebastian, course, this product was also liberally It goes without saying that the work on David and Carsten for their hands-on and 21 22 23 applied into the vulnerable spring pods. such a car is never really completed. In the moral support . For Silver Spirit parts and A spraybooth was rented and a friend Reassembly was easy as most parts had Mike Sanders rust prevention grease was Finally the car received its Luxembourg meantime, I rebuilt the front suspension, technical advice please visit my website: applied the Brewster green finish already been cleaned and prepared applied to all the cavities registration. The only observation changed the rear subframe mounts and www.spiritspares.com

28 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 29 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT The boy’s Bentley It took 48 years before Richard Charnley’s schoolboy dream came true

ME AND MY CAR

Clockwise from far left: occasional wedding hire helps to subsidise the fuel bill; parked in a Ferrari sandwich at Torquay Super- Weekend; paintwork gleaming after a machine polish; in the supercar enclosure at Sherborne Castle; collecting the car – Jaguar taken in part exchange “wasn’t costing enough to run!”; the Bentley shares garage space with a primrose Midget

t was a spring afternoon in 1965 and save up for a bit longer and get a Bentley ergonomics and the position of the fuel the Bentley was ushered through to a I was six years old; lessons were over fell on deaf ears. Instead, he came home gauge means the driver can only estimate reserved space in the supercar enclosure Iand I was hurrying out of class when I with a two-tone green Vauxhall Victor 101 what is left to within two or three gallons; outside the castle door. In the company ran right into her. She was nearly twice Super estate. It wasn’t even the blue Ford and anyone with a Silver Shadow will find of the Earl of Pembroke’s Bugatti Veyron, my age and had the most beautiful body Cortina Mk 1 estate with faux wood side the suspension tooth-shakingly firm. And a new McLaren, a gleaming De Tomaso I had ever seen. The memory of that panels that he had recently taken me to don’t even try to park it unless there are Pantera and a brace of Ford GT40s it was Mason’s black Bentley S-type, parked see. I made a secret pledge that, one day, at least two empty spaces. like being an interloper at a royal ball. surreptitiously beside the kitchen garden somehow I would buy a Bentley. On the plus side, for such an affordable At the end of the day, there are two wall, has stayed with me ever since. Well, it took 48 years for that day to indulgence, the Bentley is a passport to things people want to know about the car: In hindsight, I suspect the car belonged arrive and a Turbo RT – one of just 138 another world. Our MG is often admired how much petrol does it drink and what’s to the war poet Siegfried Sassoon who recorded by DVLA in the UK – now shares but seldom singled out for special it really like to own? If you would like your was a patron of the school, lived nearby, a garage with my primrose MG Midget. treatment. But on its first show outing The first one is easy: about 20mpg if SZ to be featured on these pages in a and was reputed to have had an affair The Bentley is sublime, unfeasibly fast, the Bentley was directed to park in a you are careful and 10mpg if you are not. forthcoming issue with the headmistress. But such intrigue and as luxurious as anything on the Ferrari sandwich between a 456 and a The second question is harder but Holly of The Spirit please was wasted on a car-mad six-year-old. road… I love it. The MG is crude, noisy, 512 TR. Then, a few weeks later, it was off Golightly summed it up in Breakfast at email 700 words What was important was that my Dad slow and uncomfortable… I love it, too. to Classics at the Castle in Sherborne – a Tiffany’s: “It calms me down right away, and a selection of was about to swap his Morris Minor for That’s not to say the Bentley is without favourite event every year, where the MG the quietness and the proud look of it… pictures to richard@ a new car and I now knew exactly what its faults. That exquisite, dial-packed mingles unobtrusively with hundreds of nothing very bad could happen to you in charnleypublishing. co.uk he ought to buy. Sadly, my entreaties to dashboard dates from an era before other classics on the show field. This time there.” That, I reckon, says it all.

30 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 31 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT LA GRANDE CORNICHE Named after the spectacular coastal routes between Nice and Menton near the Italian border, Ralph Bünger explains how he tracked down this beautiful Corniche III in Switzerland and the trials and tribulations of bringing the originally French-supplied car up to concours standard

f all the cars in Rolls-Royce’s For the whole time it was in production, At this time there was a nicely restored history, the Corniche was in the Corniche DHC was considered to be lime green Corniche II for sale in P&A Oproduction for the longest. Soon the finest one could acquire. Wood’s showroom in Essex, England. This after the Silver Shadow was launched in All attempts to imitate or improve on is the garage where my other cars have 1965, a two-door saloon and then a drop the Corniche’s style since then have been serviced regularly for more than 20 head coupe (DHC) were introduced and not achieved the same success, with years. Unfortunately, this Corniche was these models were renamed Corniche in the possible exception of the Bentley a RHD car with a Stromberg carburettor 1971. Production of the saloon ended in Continental GTC. topped by the air filter in the form of a 1981 but the convertible continued to Before I began the search for a huge pan. This set-up can be difficult to be built until 1995. For this reason, the Corniche, I already had two Rolls-Royce adjust and, had I bought it, I would have Corniche can be considered a classic as saloons, a 1973 Silver Shadow and 1953 wanted to fit SU carburettors, similar to well as a modern car. Silver Dawn, seen in the picture below. those of the Silver Shadow. The design of the DHC and later Several friends owned Rolls-Royce or I then decided to look for a Corniche Corniche was so timeless, stylish and Bentley convertibles: Andrée had a Silver IV. This model was built from 1992 to beautiful, that hardly any exterior change Cloud II, Christian a Park Ward, 1995 and was equipped with technical was necessary over it’s life-span of Patrick a Corniche III and a Mulliner Park features such as the Zetec fuel injection nearly 30 years. But from a mechanical Ward ‘Chinese-Eye’ Silver Cloud and and ignition programming system, perspective, it was the technology carrier Jean-Yves owned a Bentley Continental, four-speed transmission, electronic ride for several other model lines including the which made it difficult to withstand the control, driver and passenger airbags, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit and Spur, and temptation of buying a Corniche of my and an electrically operated hood with the similar Bentley Mulsanne and Turbo own any longer. a glass rear window. However, an expert models. Most technical innovations were dissuaded me from choosing a Corniche first implemented in the Corniche before IV, mainly because the glass rear window being carried over to the other models. is prone to cracking and its replacement For example, the Corniche was the first is complicated and extremely costly. Crewe-built car to be equipped with rack Also, the other improvements were not and pinion steering, automatic climate considered as beneficial as those of the control, a mineral oil hydraulic system, Corniche III (although, as I discovered improved rear suspension, fuel injection later, the Zetec programming provides the and many other features. engine with a smoother idling).

32 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-205 • Issue 1 33 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

Work needed to get the car as near as possible to new condition

Mechanical l Eliminate howling noise from engine when starting from cold, renew defective secondary air pump l Replace leaking water pump with a reconditioned unit l Renew engine drive belts. These have been replaced three times since October 2012. After relatively short periods of not driving the car, i.e. six weeks, the belts cause squeaking l Remedy leaking by removing prop-shaft and gearbox output shaft and replacing flange end plug Differences between US Corniche IV (white) and a European Corniche III (blue) include more prominent bumpers, side marker lights and a Small stains needed to be removed from l Renew front brake discs to remedy vibration centrally mounted brake light on the boot lid of the US car (which has the number plate mountings modified to meet French regulations) the inside face of the speedometer glass l Renew both accumulator spheres l Remedy poor efficiency or failure of air conditioning cold airflow l Remedy faulty operation of heater temperature control l Install new sensor and fit to front bumper l Investigate speed control surging

Coachwork l Clean and touch in paint on scuttle vent filter cover l Flat and polish scratches from front face of radiator shell l Remove dents and ripples from both front bumper top valance panels l Refit rear bumper ends flush to wing panels l Remove scratches from right hand front wheel arch trim l Correctly reposition left hand wheel arch trim rubber seal l Touch in edges of all wheels and apply paint to visible balance weights as necessary Because the original left hand door flask and glasses were missing, they were Interior replaced with a Baccarat crystal ‘diamant l Adjust alignment of glovebox lid pierreries’ bottle from the Louvre des l Investigate label missing from left hand sun visor Antiquaires in Paris and two crystal l Arrange specialist repair and refinishing of both front door cappings tumblers by Thomas Goode of South Audley l Remove marks from inside speedometer glass Alpine audio unit fits in the slot used by the original CD player and the former radio/cassette’s space is now a small storage compartment Street, Mayfair, London l Extend both front seat runners to increase rearward travel

There is one other reason why I finally Nearly all Corniche IV models on the available with the specification I was booklet was maintained in good order such as vibrating front brakes, a climate opted for the Corniche III: most left hand The 1990 Corniche III that I European market have been imported looking for. The Internet is a great help (something, I think in general, few people control system that did not work correctly drive Corniche IVs were built for the US tracked down in Switzerland from Florida and California. The majority these days and so I was able to spot a do) supported by a number of invoices, and several smaller issues. The car also market and have a different specification have white coachwork and have suffered number of suitable cars for sale in France, confirming the service history and the needed a set of new tyres, which I chose compared with European cars. These was the one in the best damage from the sun and salty air due Germany and Switzerland. number of kilometres covered, some with white sidewalls, and I also fitted a differences include a modified engine to being parked outside for too long The Corniche III I tracked down near 58,000 in total. modern audio unit with iPod connection management system, due to different condition. With two with the hood down. I viewed a number Zurich in Switzerland proved to be the After buying it, I had to re-import the and Bluetooth. emission control regulations; more previous owners, it had of American cars with cracked veneers, one in the best condition. This car has had car to France, because Switzerland is not Having not been used much in more protruding bumpers; a third brake light especially on the rear seat armrests. two previous owners, the first one having a member of the EU, and this meant a than 20 years, the car needed a thorough mounted on the boot lid; side marker covered just 58,000km To be fair, most of these differences are acquired the car at Franco Britannic lot of paperwork and the need to pay maintenance service and general check- lights and a speedometer calibrated in simply observations and not necessarily Automobiles in Paris at the end of 1990 French VAT. Thus, the tax has been paid up. So, after completing the import and miles per hour. by the time I bought it problems but a purist will recognise it as and taken it to Geneva later on. three times for this car: in France in 1990 registration formalities, in a record time The speedometer is often replaced an American car and may consider it less He sold it in 2006 to a gentleman when it was new and again 2012, and in of less than one week, I took the car by one displaying kilometres when such prestigious than a European model. from Lucerne who confirms that he never Switzerland in the 1990s. to P&A Wood on September 24 for a cars are imported into Europe and this specification cars also lack a front spoiler For this reason, I forgot about the used the car in rainy weather – which, Although the car was in very good complete overhaul. It was delivered back makes it difficult for the genuine distance and the steering wheel is bulky because of Corniche IV and concentrated my search in Switzerland, means not very often. cosmetic and mechanical condition when to me, ready to enjoy, in almost as-new covered by the car to be verified. US the need to accommodate an airbag. on the III, which seemed more readily Another plus point was that the service I bought it, there were a number of faults, condition on October 31, 2012.

34 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 35 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

a few of the mechanical problems that needed to be put right in the pursuit of perfection Using and enjoying the Corniche

Engine surging Cruise control It took almost a year to put right the faults but the Corniche is now a dream to drive. When I bought the Corniche and drove The cruise control has three options: Compared with my previous Silver Shadow I, the car’s handling is much more precise it from Lake Zurich to Paris, I noticed Set, Cancel and Resume. When I set and predictable, due to rack and pinion steering, engine response, improved geometry an engine surge at about 120 km/h, the speed, there is a little jump, but it and better suspension. The latter is on the ‘very comfortable’ side, and slightly stiffer which was especially noticeable with stabilises quickly. I can then increase damping would be desirable at times. But overall it’s very satisfying. The Shadow had a the cruise control engaged. I was the speed by about 1kph at a time by handling kit and Bilstein dampers, which improved it’s handling greatly. The Corniche III’s convinced that after carrying out a repeatedly pressing the Set button. suspension cannot be modified, I believe, because of the gas struts. The Corniche IV has maintenance service, changing the Once set, the speed control holds electronically adaptable suspension, which might be an advantage. spark plugs and doing the usual checks, speed correctly as long as the car is With the roof closed, wind noise is perceptible only when exceeding 130km/h this problem would disappear. The work being driven on a level road (such as (80mph). With it down, the wind doesn’t bother anybody, there is just the pleasure of was completed in October 2012, but it a motorway) or uphill. The problem being under the sun or the stars in the open air. Anyway, 130km/h is fast enough and the didn’t solve the problem. occurs once the road goes downhill. fuel consumption at that speed is in the region of 16 to 17 litres/100 km (about 17mpg). In May 2013, while carrying out some Damaged pre-catalyst (left): difficulty of reaching pre-catalyst and lambda sensor (right) The steeper the hill, the more the cruise Since I am retired I have time to live part of the year in Portugal, on the Algarve Coast. additional work following the previous control starts surging, trying to reduce A convertible is well suited to the Algarve climate, and one can drop the roof nearly service, I had the engine surging/holding to the workshop on August 6th. As a system doesn’t work correctly because of the speed and then accelerate again. all year round. So I decided to take the Corniche over there and booked a ferry from back issue checked once more. consolation the Corniche was awarded a faulty sensor, then the engine surging The result is similar to the problem Portsmouth to Bilbao and drove the some 900km to Seville and from there to Vilamoura In the meantime, I had been able two trophies. Previously it had been would be a typical result. caused by a faulty Lambda sensor. in Portugal. The trip was made on excellent new motorways across Spain, with very little to work out more accurately the awarded Best in Class at the 2013 Annual However, a twofold sensor replacement As a result, one has to disengage the traffic – and no tolls to pay. conditions under which it happened: Concours and Rally at Rockingham. didn’t solve the problem either, although speed control and wait until the road Upon arrival I had the pleasant surprise of being invited to take part in the Algarve at a cruising speed of 110 to 120km/h, The first idea to check was that there in the meantime an engine diagnosis becomes level again. This may be due Classic Cars 2014 event (pictured below), a car rally which has taken place in July every corresponding to about 2,500rpm, and might be an insufficient fuel supply. All specialist who also assumed that the to the fact that the system is not linked year for the past 20 years. Among the other participants there were many English cars. when not under load. At lower speeds filters and strainers, even the one inside surging was caused by a faulty sensor had to the brakes in order to stabilise speed, These were mostly sports cars including MGs and Triumphs, plus some Jaguars, Daimlers or accelerating strongly the surging was the fuel tank, were checked or replaced. checked the car. Probably the sensor was as most of the modern cruise control and Austins. There were also several Mercedes SLs, BMW Coupés, Citroën 12 and 15 not present. Next step, all spark plug leads were working correctly but was not able to systems are (even some older ones…). Lights, 2CVs and Renaults, plus some Bentleys including a 4.5-litre, two Mk VIs and an Also, the ‘check engine’ light would renewed (the spark plugs themselves had influence a problem elsewhere. Trying to remedy the problem I was S-type. Not forgetting my Rolls-Royce Corniche, of course. illuminate under certain circumstances been renewed a short time earlier). New At a later stage the car’s pre-catalyst told that this is inherent in the system – normally indicating a Lambda sensor fuel injectors were fitted (as two of them was removed and a crack discovered fitted by Rolls-Royce and nothing can problem according to the handbook were considered not in perfect condition) inside. But even after replacing it with be done. and other literature. But no fault was and the engine earth and other electrical a secondhand unit, because no new registered by the Electronic Control connections secured. catalysts are available, the surging Engine Idling Unit (ECU). It became clear that the A similar fuel-metering device (the continued (the difficulty of accessing the The Corniche III is equipped with a engine surging and the surging caused fuel distributor on top of the engine pre-catalyst and lambda sensor is visible Bosch K-Motronic digital fuel injection by the cruise control were in fact two with several little pipes sending petrol on the right-hand picture). and ignition control system. Reading separate issues. One of them probably to the cylinders) from another Corniche Finally, the expert who had worked these imposing technical definitions one amplifying the other. III, as well as the ECU, was transferred on the problem and whom I have now should think: can’t do better! Yes you A long list of checks, tests and new for testing purposes – but this made no appointed ‘official engine surging expert’, can (© by an American President). parts followed, none of them solving difference either. discovered that the ignition sparks were Compared with the SU carburettor- the problem. In fact it became worse to This was, however, a good opportunity reducing or even disappearing at the equipped Silver Shadow, the Corniche’s such an extent that it was impossible to study how the Lambda sensor works. critical engine speed. engine idling is simply not nice. to exceed 100km/h (approximately Its role is to continuously measure He explored further and discovered the Although the engine turns very 65mph) because, at higher speeds, the the exhaust gas composition after it ignition distributors were not correctly smoothly, it shakes. Maybe this was an surging became intolerable. It felt as has passed through the pre-catalyst. synchronised, a fault not shown by the attempt to give the Corniche a more though the engine was about to jump Depending on the content of air and sophisticated engine analysing equipment. sporty character (rather like some older out of its compartment. fuel, in order to obtain the cleanest mix Following the necessary adjustment, the Ferraris)? As one can imagine, I asked After the first round of checks, at the possible, the sensor continuously sends surging problem was finally cured. my workshop to try to remedy this. end of July, I took the car to the RREC instructions to the engine management This was like a miracle. The car is fine But it seems there is no way. Only the North of England Rally under difficult to influence this mixture: too much air now and is a pleasure to drive. Thanks to Corniche IV Zetec ignition program driving conditions, and returned it results in more fuel and vice-versa. If this my engine surging expert! improves the problem, I was told.

36 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 37 THE SPIRIT Rule Britannia You can’t get any more British than a Bentley, especially one that celebrates Queen and country hen award winning artist Paul Karslake FRSA (Fellow of the WRoyal Society of Arts) was looking for a suitable canvas on which to celebrate great moments and people in British history, a 1990 Bentley Mulsanne S provided the ideal solution. Karslake is the brother of Jo Wood, former wife of Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, and his 1998 painting of Keith Richards, commissioned by Keith’s wife, famously provided Johnny Depp with the inspiration for his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the film Pirates of the Caribbean. Karslake’s other portrait subjects include Audrey Hepburn, the Kray twins and Sir Michael Caine. Karslake’s ‘Empire Car’ was painted in 2012. The bonnet depicts Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, alongside the Virgin Atlantic space project and the moon. The boot lid portrays Sir Winston Churchill, the Battle of Britain and the Falklands war. On the offside rear pillar is a portrait of The Duke of Wellington with scenes from the Battle of Waterloo along its flanks, and the nearside rear pillar shows a portrait of Admiral Horatio Nelson with images of the Battle of Trafalgar. Both front wings depict the First World War, with poppies adorning the wheel arches. “I thought if I let this car slip The work is signed by Paul on the front away I’ll regret it, so my door mirrors. The Bentley Mulsanne S was sold at arm shot up. My boyfriend auction in 2013 to art collector Eugenie Barron by Historics at Brooklands. “I was was gobsmacked. It was my shocked that the bidding wasn’t going first and only bid and I got higher,” says Barron who often visits the auction house to admire the cars but has it for £14,000.” never owned a classic before. “I thought if I let this car slip away, I’ll regret it, so my arm shot up. My boyfriend was gobsmacked. It was my first and only bid, and I got it for £14,000.”

38 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 39 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

Four years ago Malcolm Tucker bought a used Silver Spirit in preference to a new Mercedes E-class or Jaguar XF and set out to see how the Rolls-Royce stood up as an everyday car

grew old enough to relinquish their role of ‘front line transport’, that accepted wisdom continued with the view that they were not happy cars if left standing for even relatively short periods; they needed to be well used to keep their complex systems lubricated and free of corrosion. The SZ cars evolved from the SY range and naturally had the propensity to suffer the same problems. So, can a 16 to 35-year-old SZ car with a good service history still serve as everyday transport? I decided to acquire one and put it to the test. The choice boiled down to a Rolls- f the many charms that Rolls- Royce Silver Spirit or a Bentley Turbo R. Royce ownership confers, one in The Turbo R was rejected as, although it is Oparticular has been enjoyed by a supreme high speed touring car, the ride RREC members since the formation of the is too harsh below 70mph on England’s Club in 1957. That attraction has been to rapidly deteriorating roads. possess a Rolls-Royce or Bentley, the price Most vendors will tell you that the of which reflects outstanding value for best version of any model is the most money. Historically the models that fulfil recent year you can afford. However, this role have been two generations away with the price of these cars being less from current production cars. than £20,000, other considerations may For now, the SZ range of Silver Spirit be taken into account. Early cars did not and Mulsanne derivatives, produced appeal, because of their propensity to between 1980 and 1998 are the cars rust, and higher fuel consumption through in question. Years ago when the Mk VI carburettors. The later, often wrongly- Bentley, or latterly the Silver Cloud held named Mk IV – correctly called 1996 the baton, their relative simplicity and model year cars – I deemed to be too lack of hydraulic and electronic systems complicated although their higher gearing made them easily able to withstand and better economy were tempting. They high mileages and low maintenance. The also had some good colours. So a Silver arrival of the more complex Silver Shadow Spirit II or III was sought. range gave vent to the accepted wisdom After much searching, I found a that they were often unreliable and very 1993 Silver Spirit II, with a very good expensive to keep in good order. As they service history, and in superb condition, LIVING WITH A silver spiriT 40 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 41 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

I have owned a Turbo R, and one of the most irritating problems with it was the attitude of other drivers. It sometimes seemed that all and every BMW and Audi owner was hell bent on overtaking, no matter how dangerous or downright stupid the manoeuvre. The Silver Spirit did not suffer that reaction. Had I not bought this car, I might well have purchased a new Mercedes E-Class or Jaguar XF. So, let us suppose I had chosen a mid-range Jaguar with the 3-litre petrol engine. On a long run it should achieve about 40 miles per gallon, against the Silver Spirit’s 20 miles per gallon. At first look, a serious disadvantage for the Rolls-Royce. However, if one does 10,000 miles a year, and petrol retails at £1.32 a litre, Contasting inlays, plush carpets and stitched leather all enhance the Silver Spirit II’s appeal then it costs about £1,500 more to fuel Heavy fuel consumption of the 6.75-litre V8 is offset by more affordable insurance and lower depreciation compared with a new Jaguar XF the Rolls. Servicing costs would be much being offered for sale by Hillier Hill of all trips being in excess of 50 miles. A few higher for the Crewe-built car. Ray Hillier to pay around £1,400 over three years for account which alters the equation in like a third – say £400. Much of the extra Buckinghamshire. Finished in Dark Oyster minor faults appeared: a noisy drive- of Hillier Hill suggests that an owner the same attention. favour of the Rolls-Royce. Insurance for fuel cost has therefore been recouped in with mushroom hides and slate grey belt; a dashboard squeak; a headlight should allocate two to three thousand All in all, the running of an older Rolls- the Jaguar is quoted at £1033 per annum insurance savings. I’ve saved the best to carpet, it has the restrained elegance of malfunction in ‘daylight running’ mode; pounds per annum to keep an SZ car in Royce would seem to be a relatively for an average driver. Using the RREC last, in terms of financial factors in favour a car suited to both town and country a sticking aerial; and, worst of all, tip-top mechanical condition, whereas the expensive way to get from A to B, but insurance scheme the price is probably of our make of choice – depreciation. use. Series II cars have the benefit of petrol fumes in the boot and passenger owner of a new Jaguar XF might expect two more costs have to be taken into going to be less than half that figure, more The ‘retained value’ for the 3-litre Jaguar adaptive damping on the suspension, a compartment when the tank was full. XF is 47% after three years according to four-speed gearbox with overdrive fourth The car was a joy to drive, although What Car?, in this example £18,800 which giving 35mph per 1000rpm, and improved I initially found the acceleration to be demonstrates a loss of £21,200. The Silver climate control. All this without the lacking by modern standards. The ‘feel’ Spirit should retain a higher percentage possibility of failing to proceed that the of the brake pedal is different from other figure, which on a car purchased for added electronic sophistication of later makes of car and, until one is used to £20,000 would represent a loss of about cars may cause. it, a little apprehension can occur. The £7000. Of course, you must also consider L205 SHK was soon christened driver’s seat is especially comfortable for the fact that twice as much capital was Sherlock, although some unkind friends me at 6’2”, more so than the later design tied up in the Jaguar, in the first place. thought Shylock would be better suited. which, of course, was supposed to be an In pure financial terms, the Silver Spirit The car was driven an average of 125 miles improvement. But the seat base could do would cost a similar sum to own and per week during my ownership, virtually with being lower, as getting in and out use over a three year period, but with a requires a gentle contortion owing to the substantially lower initial outlay. In terms seat/roofline gap being tight for a driver of driving and ownership pleasure, it really The car was a joy to drive, with a long body. The ease of control and comes down to the individual owner’s efficiency of the climate control system preference. Only you can say how much although the ‘feel’ of the makes a journey in any traffic and weather you value the Rolls-Royce experience over brake pedal is different conditions an enjoyable event. that of a brand new luxury car, with its It must be admitted that the sheer three-year guarantee, up-to-the-minute from other makes of car… size of the car is problematic. Trying to safety features and 2014-friendly size (all negotiate ‘res-parked’ city side-streets, But the sheer size of the overgrown country lanes and parking at Its overall length and long overhang at Rolls-Royce is problematic supermarkets with their ‘average’ sized the back mean extra care is needed when spaces all need attentive driving. parking the Silver Spirit

42 Issue 1• 2014-2015 2014-2015 • Issue 1 43 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

The slant of the front wings and the driver’s splendid view along the bonnet is enough to sate the appetite of the most fastidious bon viveur It is good advice to buy the very best Silver Spirit you can afford but considerable work will still be needed to maintain it in top condition

things are relative). There is no denying her passengers to enjoy luxury that is users can leave the Silver Spirit vulnerable rip the sponge apart, lure the leather onto ownership OVER THREE YEARS The motivating question for this article that most Silver Spirit owners will have unequalled by other cars of the time. to scrapes, although the reality of damage the gravel and take tiny nips at knuckles. Approximate purchase price was “Is a Silver Spirit a suitable car to be opted to share their driving with a modern If all this is not enough sensory is probably less than the fear of it. In the first six months of ownership, a Rolls-Royce: £20,000 used every day?” The answer, I think, is ‘other’ car. overload, then the splendid view across This leads to the next consideration few problems needed attention, which Jaguar: £40,000 No! But only just. The driving experience My car was attended to by Hillier the bonnet must surely sate the most of ownership. Cars in the best condition the vendor, Hillier Hill rectified under on an everyday basis is perfectly viable, Petrol for 30,000 miles Hill and had the faults of the first six fastidious bon viveur. Even the slant of the in terms of coachwork and mechanical their warranty. The car settled down Rolls-Royce @ 20mpg: £8,910 without qualification. You must also take months of ownership rectified under front wings and the bonnet shape enhance systems should only be considered for to being reliable transport, seemingly Jaguar @ 40mpg: £4,455 into account the parking problems, the their warranty; this included fitting a new the beauty of the view to the road ahead. purchase. It’s a lot cheaper to pay more happier the more it was driven. There need for keeping the vehicle in tip-top Insurance fuel tank, due to a weeping seam thus Rolls-Royce worked their usual trick of for a good one than to raise a poor or were however two more mechanical condition and the careful scrutiny of Rolls-Royce: £1,200 avoiding some potentially heavy repair making the Silver Spirit seem smaller from average car to tip-top condition. But setbacks, which resulted in a failure to maintenance requirements as per the Jaguar: £3,100 costs compared with running a newer the driving seat than it really is. This brings you have to keep that car in first class proceed. Although separate failures, they handbook, to maximise the value of the luxury car. us to the first real problem using such condition. If used daily, grit and grime on combined to produce the same effect, a Servicing car and the satisfaction of driving it. These I shall now be more subjective about a car as everyday transport. It may feel the paintwork will need regular washing punitive failure of the automatic gearbox. Rolls-Royce: £6,000 tasks will probably be too much for all but Jaguar: £1,400 the ownership and use of such a car. small, but it is in fact very large. Progress and the interior will need care to minimise I mentioned earlier that the car seemed the most ardent owner, on a daily basis. At However good or bad a car appears on is unhindered by this size on the open deterioration. ‘Levels and pressures’ will to lack acceleration to keep up with some Depreciation the other end of the scale, a Silver Spirit paper, or indeed the television, there road, including B roads, but on narrow also need constant checking. This may be modern traffic conditions. This turned out Rolls-Royce: £7,000 used only for Club events is a sure route is one aspect that rarely seems to be lanes, city side roads and parking spaces too much effort for a daily driver. to be wrong, as the final two mechanical Jaguar: £21,200 to mechanical problems engendered by mentioned; is the car in question a the Spirit is big. Careless use by other road In the case of L 205 SHK, it was driven problems combined to reduce the Silver Overall cost to own infrequent use. good place in which to sit? In the case two or three times a week, and being Spirit’s designed performance. Rolls-Royce: £29,110 My recommendation for these cars is of the Silver Spirit, the answer is most an enthusiastic Rolls-Royce owner, the The car’s vendor rebuilt the gearbox, Jaguar: £27,755 to use them frequently, say at least three definitely yes! The cabin is finished in true However good or bad a car cleaning and maintenance checks have only to find that a fuel pump had also times a week, and the more you drive it, Rolls-Royce fashion in both style and been a pleasure rather than a nuisance. In failed. This was reducing the fuel flow service. Hillier Hill is by no means the only the better the car will perform. Let the quality. The leather surfaces and trim are appears to be on paper, fact, such is the design of the Silver Spirit under acceleration and made the dealer that can be trusted to stand by its nearly new hatchback take you to Tesco, beautifully stitched and the woodwork, there is one aspect that is body, it is considerably easier to wash and computer controlling the gearbox think warranty and carry out work satisfactorily, park in Parsons Green and wait for you with contrasting inlays on the Spirit II, is dry than a Morris 1000. The former has that the cogs for which it was responsible but the standard of service received does outside the White Swan. For long journeys traditional, but with enough modernity to rarely mentioned. Is the car sweeping lines with no protuberances to were unwell. Financial responsibility was highlight the benefits of purchasing a and ‘safe’ destinations, let the Silver Spirit give a sense of up-to-date luxury. catch the sponge or leather, which makes also accepted for these items. car from a reputable dealer rather than a keep a smile on your face for as many Plush carpets, and major and minor in question a good place in the whole operation a tactile pleasure. It is not the policy of our club to private owner. Many dealers will be happy miles as you can manage. controls designed to feel pleasant to which to sit? The latter has numerous sharp edges and endorse a dealer, supplier or manufacturer to give an appraisal of a privately-offered • This story originally appeared as a the touch allow the driver and his or corners with no end of bits and pieces to for good service, or to vilify one for poor car at their premises. two-part article in The Bulletin in 2011

44 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 45 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

Corniche chassis 1CH68619 with its current owner, SZ Register member John Lee, on Lombard Street, in San Francisco It’s still an SZ under the skin The Corniche, launched in 2000, was the last of the SZ models to be produced by Rolls-Royce. Words and pictures by Marinus Rijkers, with acknowledgements and thanks to John Lee and Ted Meachem

imply by looking at the Rolls-Royce During the 1980s the designers in and more than 1,100 examples had been Corniche that was launched in Crewe worked hard on a successor to produced by the end of its run in 2003, S2000, who would imagine that the iconic Corniche. Many renderings yet there was still a demand for a Rolls- this car has more in common with a were made and some of them reached Royce convertible as well. Silver Spirit than a Silver Seraph? Many the clay model stage. By the end of the In spring 1998, at the time the Silver people don’t realise this. The similarities decade the efforts to make a Corniche Seraph was being launched, the idea between the nose of this car and that of successor came to an end in favour of came up to use the Azure as the starting a Silver Seraph are clear: they suggest concentrating on a new two-door Bentley point for a new Rolls-Royce convertible strongly that it is derived from the BMW coupé, the Continental R. In the 1990s the and give it as much Silver Seraph styling V12 powered Seraph. Yet, the mechanics Continental R was added to the model as possible. The final pragmatic solution are from the Bentley Azure and the car range and it was decided to base the new involved combining the Azure platform is a clear member of the SZ family. This convertible on this coupé. In 1995 the with visual elements of the Silver Seraph. article gives some of the background convertible Bentley Azure was launched. In May 1998 VW took control of the and explanations of what is often called As with the Continental R, the Bentley Crewe factory and, since it was logical the fifth generation of the Rolls-Royce Azure had no Rolls-Royce equivalent. to use the more recent Seraph platform Corniche convertible. The Bentley Azure was very successful or even a VW platform, new attempts

46 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 47 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

Table 1: Rolls-Royce Corniche production (Final Series excluded) Left hand drive Right hand drive Model number Percentage of number Percentage of Total year built production built production 1999 0 0% 1 100% 1 2000 152 88% 20 12% 172 2001 107 88% 14 12% 121 2002 32 91% 3 9% 35 Total 291 88% 38 12% 329

Table 2: Rolls-Royce Corniche Final Series production Left hand drive Right hand drive The Corniche dashboard is pure Rolls-Royce Model number Percentage of number Percentage of Total and bears little or no similarity to that of the year built production built production Bentley Azure. As with the Silver Spirit and 2002 36 80% 9 20% 45 Silver Seraph, the gear selector is mounted Total 36 80% 9 20% 45 on the steering column All production figures provided by www.rrsilverspirit.com

were made to base the new Rolls-Royce Spur and Silver Seraph than the Bentley (Low Pressure Turbo), which made the and Rolls-Royce Corniche only. The last Final Series red RR badges on the grille and boot lid, convertible model on a more modern Azure. The gear change selector resumed drive powerful and extremely effortless five digits in the chassis number are the At the end of 2002 it was agreed that Spirit of Ecstasy emblems on the hub platform. In December 1998, after its traditional location on the right of the and flexible. sequential numbers. The Corniche has a Rolls-Royce would go forward under caps, re-styled chrome Azure alloy comparing two models – one on the Azure steering column. number range of its own, not mixed with the ownership of BMW, while Bentley wheels, chromed door mirrors, and a and the other on the Seraph platform – it The engine was not the BMW-sourced Chassis numbers other models, and separate series for each would remain in Crewe as part of the badge on the front wings reading: “Rolls- was finally decided to build the Corniche V12 used in the Silver Seraph but the Although the Corniche was shown to the model year. The tenth digit in the chassis VW company. Therefore, production of Royce Motor Cars, Crewe, England” on the Azure platform. old and trusted 6750cc V8, tuned to public in 2000, the first car carried chassis number indicates the location of the the Corniche in Crewe had to be ended together with a Union Jack. All the background and considerations produce 738 Nm torque at 2100rpm. number XCH68001 dating from model steering wheel. No less than 88% of the after only three years. It was decided to The Rolls-Royce production in Crewe are explained by Graham Hull in his What was special about the engine in year 1999. All subsequent cars were built Corniche examples and 80% of the Final commemorate the years at Crewe with ran from 1946 up to and including 2002 interesting and involving book Inside the this Rolls-Royce Corniche was that it with a 2000 model year number or newer. Series are left hand drive. a Final Series special edition Corniche. – 56 years in total. For that reason, 56 Rolls-Royce & Bentley Styling Department. was turbocharged. Just like the Silver The model indication on the fifth position Exact production numbers with LHD This version featured special wood trim examples of the Corniche Final Series Reading this book is highly recommended Spurs from model year 1997 onwards the of the chassis number was “K”, the letter and RHD specifications can be found in with an inlaid Spirit of Ecstasy motif, a were planned to be manufactured. In the to everybody with an interest in the SZ Corniche 2000 was provided with an LPT that was applied to the Bentley Azure tables 1 and 2, above. numbered plaque on the centre console, end, only 45 cars were built. generation of cars.

Styling As mentioned previously, the front and rear of the Corniche received the look of the Silver Seraph. In addition, the car was given pronounced ‘hips’, as a reference to the ‘coke-bottle’ styling of the old Silver Shadow-based Corniche. A new feature was the substantial 17 inch wheels – the largest size Rolls-Royce Crewe would specify as standard – provided with bright trim centres. Whitewall tyres were fitted because they further increased the apparent wheel size. The luxurious interior was endowed with the ambiance expected from a Rolls-Royce, and a dashboard that had more in common with that of the Silver Final Series Corniche features include special badges and a numbered plaque on the console The Corniche is a spacious four-seater designed for luxury and comfort; rear passengers have their own remote control for the audio system

48 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 49 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

Only seven careful owners When Emmanuel de Menten from Belgium recently bought this 1982 Silver Spirit it was 32 years old and had only 14,825 miles on the clock

irst owner John Harrington loved By the time third owner Malcolm Boyle showing its age, indicated by a £1,900 his cars. The CEO of insurance bought the car in 1997 the mileage had invoice for paint repairs at the time. Fcompany Harrington Austin Ltd, soared to 4,412 and he piled on another The Spirit was imported into Belgium specialising in aircraft and marine 2,840 miles during the next six years. by Etienne Mahieu in 2010 but he didn’t insurance, treated himself to a new The car passed into the ownership of drive the car and Emmanuel de Menten Rolls-Royce every year but he didn’t Mrs Caroline Deeprose in 2003 when the bought it at just 14,825 miles. Following always use them much; when his Silver odometer was showing 7,275 miles. She an engine and brake service (€3,500 for Spirit SCAZS0003CCH05356 was sold to kept it until 2008 when William Holborne parts alone) it has now passed the 15,000 another company, Ross Ltd, in 1989 it had bought the car with 12,186 miles on the mile mark and Emmanuel says he is When lowered, the hood stows beneath a flush deck; whitewall tyres were standard to enhance the apparent size of the 17-inch alloy wheels covered only 175 miles. clock. Despite minimal use, the car was “expecting to drive it as often as possible.”

The final Rolls-Royce Corniche rolled the anger of the Iraqi people. The maroon off the assembly line on August 12, 2002. Corniche 68092 and the royal blue This was the very last Rolls-Royce to be Corniche 68132 were part of his collection made at the Crewe plant before it was of more than 100 cars and had each turned over entirely to the production of covered about 1,000 miles during the six Bentley models. This car has remained the years of his ownership. It is so unlikely that property of the Crewe factory. The unique Rolls-Royce would have done business Silver Ghost coloured convertible with such a dictator, that it is believed he Rolls-Royce Corniche has a specially must have obtained them from a ‘third designed interior, based on that of the party’ without any Crewe involvement. famous 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, which is owned by the Crewe factory, too. Epilogue ‘Corniche 2000’ and ‘Corniche V’ are not Special editions official factory descriptions. The car was Almost every model in the rich history simply called Rolls-Royce Corniche. For of the factory has its special editions, owners, journalists and anyone else it sometimes manufactured in Crewe, and was difficult to differentiate this one from sometimes modified by an after-market Final Series uses special veneers. Although earlier versions and from the start the new specialist. The Corniche is no exception. the engraved plaque indicates 56 examples car was known as the Corniche 2000 or The fifth Corniche to be built , were planned, only 45 were ever made Corniche V, simply to distinguish it from YCX68005, is a good example. This left previous Corniche models. hand drive car is said to have been made Royce. It was transported to the US for By the time production came to an end, for the Millennium US Motor Show and the show, returned to Crewe, and then left 329 Corniches had been built, followed by Everything on the car is still as new, just registered to the factory at Crewe. The car at the factory for almost two years. It was 45 Final Series examples, ensuring the car as you would expect at 15,000 miles. The started life as an Azure but when a car had bought in 2002 and taken to Canada with will always be a rare sight. original telephone is installed between to be selected for the Motor Show, Crewe only 536 miles on the clock. Being the only SZ with Silver Seraph the front seats and there are hinged modified it to become a Corniche. Another pair of 2000 Corniches have styling cues, the last Rolls-Royce cocktail cabinets built into the seat backs. The gear shift is not on the steering achieved notoriety thanks to their first introduced by the Crewe factory, the first In addition to glasses and a decanter, column, as in most Corniches; it is the owner. Chassis numbers YCX68092 and Rolls-Royce to be based on a Bentley, one of the cabinets also features a tiny only Corniche with a Bentley-style gear YCX68132 were bought new by the Iraqi rather than the other way around, and colour television, with its electric aerial selector on the centre console. Similarly, dictator Saddam Hussein. After his death many other things are what make the positioned on the rear wing the dashboard is more Bentley than Rolls- in 2006 the cars had to be protected from Corniche such a stunning car.

50 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 51 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT HooperFest! From his base in Japan, Andy Hurfurt masterminded the biggest-ever gathering of these magnificent, bespoke SZs in 2013 – and there’s another meeting being planned

Contact was made with 20 Hooper owners and nine were able to attend the inaugural HooperFest at the 2013 RREC Annual Rally

International Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham in 1982, where a Hooper St James (a Silver Spur with signature reduced rear window and bespoke interior including glass partition and electric rear seats) and Hooper Corniche (with colour coded bumpers and door mirrors, a bespoke interior, chrome sills and chrome wire wheels) were on display. Nevertheless, it was not until the RREC Annual Rally in 2000, where Straight Eight International (a London based luxury car specialist) was offering a Hooper Bentley Turbo R 2-door for sale that I was able to examine a car close-up, and I was left highly impressed by the elegance and quality workmanship of the conversion. By then I had reached my 30s and I had been considering the purchase of my first Rolls-Royce or Bentley for some time. The he origins of HooperFest 2013 can Bentleys, and by my mid-teens I had limited number of bespoke Rolls-Royce coachbuilding operations, Hooper Motor for modern, highly personalised Rolls- notion of owning of a modern, coachbuilt be traced back to April 2008 with amassed a vast collection of brochures, and Bentley motorcars. Services Ltd was set up to provide ongoing Royce & Bentley cars that Rolls-Royce Hooper Bentley Turbo R two-door was Tmy acquisition of a 1989 Hooper magazines, newspaper clippings and I suspect most, if not all, members of support to existing customers, and that Motors was unable to accommodate, very appealing, but the asking price was Bentley Turbo R 2-door (KCH26285). models. It was at this time I joined the the SZ Register are familiar with Hooper this business continued to operate as he negotiated the acquisition of Hooper beyond my budget. Memories of the However, my interest in Rolls-Royce RREC as an enthusiast and aspiring owner, & Co (Coachbuilders) Ltd, founded in officially appointed Rolls-Royce and Motor Services and re-launched Hooper car remained with me, so when I found and Bentley began many years earlier and also when I first met a young(er!) 1805 and preferred coachbuilder to Bentley representatives through the & Co (Coachbuilders) Ltd to target this the same car for sale while browsing following a visit to the UK’s National Juergen Buech, the Registrar and driving many royal households, first for horse 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. clientele, delivering approximately classifieds on the web almost eight Motor Museum at Beaulieu as a toddler. force behind this register. It was also drawn carriages and later Rolls-Royce, One of Hooper Motor Services’ 140 modern-era coachbuilt cars over the years later, I immediately contacted the I don’t recollect specifics of the visit, around this time that I first became Bentley and Daimler cars. However, fewer clients was Colin Hyams, an Australian next 15 years. specialist dealer and agreed its purchase. but I’m told that from that day onwards aware that Hooper & Co, the illustrious members may be aware that in October businessman and entrepreneur. In I first had a chance to see the new With the acquisition of the car I also I was fascinated with Rolls-Royces and coachbuilder, continued to create a 1959, following the closure of the famous October 1981, having identified a demand Hooper & Co models at the British received an extensive history file including

52 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 53 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

Furthest traveled was JCH23366, a 1988 David Oxford, Chairman of the RREC Michael Abrahams found his 1986 Hooper David Sulzberger brought his 1990 Bentley For Martin Stanway and his 1984 Rolls- While HooperFest 2013 attracted nine cars, Bentley Turbo RL, driven by Rod McDowell Middlesex section, brought along his Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit (GCH16462) Turbo R two-door (LCH33427). One of Royce Silver Spur (FCH13104), HooperFest there was a tenth modern-era Hooper at from Northern Ireland to join the show. recently acquired Rolls-Royce Silver Spur offered for sale while browsing the approximately 18 Turbo R two-door 2013 was a grander follow-up to the less Rockingham Castle with H&H offering the Commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei, the (HCH21517) which features gold plated classifieds of the Costa del Sol’s English conversions completed by Hooper, David’s formal gathering of Hooper owners and Camargue Beau Rivage (CCX05498) at its exterior with trademark Hooper reduced mascot and badges, chrome sills and rear language newspaper during a holiday in car was originally commissioned by Sheikh cars four years earlier. Delivered new to the Saturday auction. While it wasn’t possible rear window, chrome in-fills to the rear light light clusters with chrome in-fills to the Spain. It is fitted with chrome sill plates and Mohammed Makhtoum of Dubai and Bullion Company of London, Martin’s Silver for the car to participate in the HooperFest clusters and special order blue paint is in exterior, and a bespoke custom centre bespoke interior with custom centre delivered in the UK in right hand drive for Spur features a Hooper centre console with line-up, it warrants a mention. Prepared for contrast with its outlandish blue and red console to the interior. console replete with graphic equalizer and his personal use during visits. In 1998, it was bespoke veneer, wood door panel inserts the 1983 Geneva Motor Show, the Beau leather interior. matched wooden door panel inserts. acquired Mr Royston Henry Shaw, better and custom wheel trims. Rivage has special paint, a sunroof, custom

HooperFest co-organiser, Dennis Robinson, Fresh from being featured in a Classic & Terry Thomas brought the one-off Emperor known as “Pretty Boy Shaw”. He was a Completing the line-up was KCH26285, my centre console, and a TV/video and fridge in brought his 1988 Bentley Mulsanne S Sports Car magazine article, Mark Griffiths Sports Saloon (CCH05821) based on a successful property developer, but was own 1989 Bentley Turbo R two-door, the back. It is reported to have been bought (JCH24184) which features a Hooper brought his 1982 Rolls-Royce Camargue 1982 Silver Spur, which Colin Hyams formerly an associate of the Kray Brothers originally commissioned by Mr Leslie Lucy, by a Middle Eastern buyer within two reduced rear window and opening (CCH05690) which sports a Hooper front identified as the first car delivered following and was famed for his prowess as a Chairman of the Mark One fashion chain. hours of the show opening and was kept in compartment to the rear arm-rest. air-dam with additional driving lights, and his purchase of the business. It was bare-knuckle boxer. Besides the two door conversion it features Geneva and the South of France for use by Commissioned through Jack Barclay, it was an interior featuring special order Parkertex delivered to the Manoukian Brothers, Most notable for the two-door NASCA vents to the bonnet, reduced rear the owner while on holiday. first delivered to Mr John Donner, the velour, a custom centre console, TV and London based tailors and close associates conversion, which involves extending the window, sun-roof, custom centre console, I did briefly consider that this might make Chairman of Donner Underwriting Agencies video entertainment package for rear seat of the Brunei Royal Family for whom they front doors by 20.7 cm to improve access ashtrays repositioned to the doors and a nice companion for my Turbo R two-door, of London, once known as the “Rotweiller of occupants, and an opening compartment often acted as intermediaries and has a to the rear seats, it also features a reduced chrome in-fills to the rear light clusters. but I resisted the temptation to bid and it Lime Street” after mounting a vocal and to the rear armrest. Hooper rear window, chrome sills, bespoke rear window, sun-roof, bespoke centre failed to meet its reserve. Who knows what vigorous campaign against alleged fraud in centre console, rear sun-roof, cocktail console and chrome in-fills to the rear may happen if I spot it for sale in a few the underwriting and insurance industries. cabinets and plush velour in the rear. light clusters. years’ time…

a Hooper & Co brochure with options list, of Hooper & Co brochures and photos. It I first raised the prospect of arranging a or HooperFest 2013 as the event soon Rockingham Castle on Sunday 16 June and (hopefully less frequent) workshop and this encouraged me to start scouring also brought me into contact with other more formal gathering of cars at the 2013 became known. for the RREC Annual Rally and inaugural mishaps. Following close examination of the web for more details about the owners, and this resulted in an informal Annual Rally. Dennis was very supportive Meanwhile, the aforementioned Bill HooperFest, gathering in the Concours the cars, many photographs and much modern-era cars. gathering of three modern-era Hooper of the idea and offered his assistance in Wolf kindly introduced me to Colin collecting ring for Colin Hyams to proudly laughter it was time to clear the ring, so My research soon brought me into cars at the 2009 RREC Annual Rally at obtaining necessary approvals from the Hyams, who enthusiastically accepted my inspect the line-up. after bidding farewell everyone dispersed contact with other enthusiasts including Rockingham Castle. RREC’s Annual Rally committee and with invitation to join the gathering and view Colin Hyams had brought with him to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Jordan Devine (of www.bentleyspotting. By 2012, I had established contact other arrangements. some of the cars he was responsible for original Hooper & Co business cards, • I intend to arrange a second HooperFest, com) and later Bill Wolf (author of a with more than 20 owners of modern-era With Dennis securing appropriate envisaging and creating more than two and he generously presented these to so please contact [email protected] series of features on Hooper & Co for the Hooper cars around the world, including permissions, I set about inviting owners to decades earlier. owners while reminiscing about the if you own, or know someone who owns, RROC’s Flying Lady publication) and Don Dennis Robinson, a prominent member of bring their cars to a Hooper Festival at the It was some six months later that nine cars and entertaining us with stories of a modern-era Hooper and you have an Stott, owner of an extensive collection the RREC’s Yorkshire section, with whom 2013 Annual Rally at Rockingham Castle, modern-era Hooper cars converged on the frequently characterful customers interest in joining the event.

54 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 55 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

How to spot, circle and asterisk the difference

The following tables, summarised from the company’s contemporary ROLLS-ROYCE BENTLEY Sales Directory, issued to salesmen as a source of product information, Silver Spirit II Silver Spur II Brooklands Turbo R Continental R EXTERNAL features describe the main specification differences between the 1993 model Front wing badges No badge * * * BENTLEY * year Rolls-Royce and Bentley four-door saloons and the Continental R TURBO R * TURBO RL * lwb Standard equipment or feature; l Optional equipment or feature available at no extra charge if requested when ordering Rear quarter panel Marque l l l * l Equipment or feature available at extra charge; a blank space in a column indicates that the equipment is not available for that badges * lwb lwb particular model * * Note: Specifications included in the original Sales Directory that apply to all models have been omitted to save space; the information here is intended to highlight the differences rather than the similarities Bumpers Black, polished top plate Black, painted top plate * * Body colour, plated top plate * * ROLLS-ROYCE BENTLEY * Silver Spirit II Silver Spur II Brooklands Turbo R Continental R Door mirrors Polished l l Technical features Painted in body colour * * Exhaust system Dual, 2 silencer, 1 outlet * * * Dual, 3 silencer, 2 outlets * * * Everflex roof l l l * * * Anti roll bar Normal Fine lines No fine lines l l l l stiffness Increased * * Single thin l l l l *l * * * Single thick l l l l Damper setting Softer – bias to comfort Double thin-thick Firmer – bias to handling * * Double thick-thin *l *l *l *l Auto selection of firm * * * Double thick-thick l l l l setting in Sport mode * Double thin-thin l l l l Panhard rod To rear suspension * * Tyres Black l l * * * Whitewall * * l Sub-frame mounts Front – soft * * Front – firm * * * Wheels 6½J x 15 alloy * * * Rear – soft forward firm rear * * 7½J x 15CH alloy * Rear – firm forward and rear * * * 7½J x 16CH alloy * Steering weight Normal * * Wheel trim Plain * l Increased * * * With painted ring l * Transmission 4-speed auto * * * * * Sport mode * * internal features Air horns l l * * * Final drive ratio 40mph (64kph) / 1000rpm * 35mph (56kph) / 1000rpm * * * * Cellular telephone Where system available l * l l * * lwb * lwb

56 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 57 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

ROLLS-ROYCE BENTLEY Silver Spirit II Silver Spur II Brooklands Turbo R Continental R internal features Opening armrest Rear l l l Above rubies * lwb lwb * * * That’s how T E Lawrence famously valued a Rolls-Royce in the desert Picnic tables Padded or veneered l * l l in his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom. But what about these poor SZs * lwb * lwb suffering from too much sun and sand in Riyadh, as featured on Ross Rugs Lambswool * * l * * HappyHearts’ Facebook page? Veneers Black lacquer l l l l l Elm, burr with crossband l l l l l Mahogany with crossband l l l l l Maple, birds eye l l l l l Walnut, burr with crossband and boxwood inlay Walnut, burr with crossband * * on doors l l * * * Gear selector On steering column * * On centre console * * *

The Bentley difference Brooklands Turbo R, Continental R Product summaries supplied to salesmen • Fluted door trim pads • Turbocharger with intercooler to help them explain the key differences • Wilton carpet overmats • Detail changes to engine to suit between models. • Rugs available at extra charge turbocharger and increased power output • Unique wheel design • Three silencer exhaust with two outlets All models • Sports style seating at extra charge • 50%+ increase in power • Tachometer standard • Sport mode for greater response at high • 170mph or 270kph speedometer Brooklands, Turbo R speeds • Sports style steering wheel except where • Flattened oval switch apertures on lower • Higher change points air bag specified facia • Burr walnut veneer without inlay • Air bag wheel available only in black with • Long wheelbase versions of the • Specially designed sports style seating no colour rim option Brooklands and Turbo R are offered in all front and rear • Bentley rocker covers markets • Even greater priority given to direct and • Black walled tyres positive feel • Handling to satisfy the sporting driver The Brooklands long wheelbase saloon • A Panhard rod controls the lateral through: has a painted roof as standard but, this movement of the read sub frame and so • Bias towards handling in automatic exception apart, both Brooklands lwb maintains handling precision at very high ride control system by more frequent and Turbo RL combine the distinctive speed. The rod is bolted to the rear axle use of firmer damper settings features of the Silver Spur II with those of cross-member at one end and the luggage • Increased anti-roll bar stiffness the Bentley saloons from which they are floor cross-member at the other • Firm sub-frame mounts derived. • 13mm (0.5in) wider track Continental R Turbo R • Oil temperature gauge All saloons • Higher overall gearing • Automatic selection of firm damper • Console mounted gear range selector • VR rated low profile tyres setting in Sport transmission mode • Black indicator stalk stem • Higher tyre pressures specified • ZR rated low profile tyres

58 Issue 1• October 2014 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 59 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT Time for T

The sparkling turned aluminium dashboard contains an array of 10 circular analogue gauges

Despite its bulk, the Bentley Continental T Additional dials are for oil temperature, provides only 2+2 coupé accommodation outside temperature and turbo boost

Although one of the rarest Bentley models of the modern era, the a satisfying opponent, let’s have a look pressurised by a football-sized turbo, is did not exist. Even now, the rev-counter Continental T’s potential is still largely undiscovered. Buy one now, at the car in peace. At 5.24 metres in not a Bentley engine but one from Rolls- needle lingers in the lower third of the length, the Continental T outdoes many Royce. Although it can be traced back scale. But the muffled rumble has given while only a few collectors are privy to its secret, says Martin Puthz long wheelbase versions of current luxury to 1959 and the valves are archaically way to an ominous roar. saloons, although it is only a 2+2 coupé. operated by a central camshaft via push You cannot truthfully say this car feels n 1997, for the price of a Bentley Veerman from The Netherlands kindly the London mist and race off to Nice, In the metal, it looks even mightier than rods and rocker arms, the forward thrust light. Although 800 Newton metres of Continental T in the UK (£220,312), you provided his similar Continental T for where chilled champagne was awaiting its dimensions suggest. The defiant front of the machine, which has a kerb weight torque do play with mass, they are not able Icould buy two 12-cylinder Mercedes photography). Meticulously looked after at the Negresco. At that time, Crewe grille braces itself against headwinds. of 2.5 tonnes and the drag of a British to nullify it. It would also be exaggerating CL 600s and still have nearly ten grand and with only 60,000km on the clock, it drew a veil of silence over the power of Apparently, the engineers were not manor house, cannot really be slowed. to call the Bentley agile, although its 11m left over. Today, a Continental T is worth seems practically new. Even after almost its engines, which were built in the same interested in a low drag coefficient. And Anyone peacefully cruising at 1500rpm, turning circle is impressively small – many £50,000 to £70,000 – about a quarter of two decades, the scent of money has not brick halls as those used for the Spitfire why should they have been? The phrase enjoying the grandeur of the coupé’s mid-size cars of today require more room its original price. The chances of getting vanished. The aroma of Connolly leather only a few years earlier. When customers “anyone who studies aerodynamics unusually high seating position, could to manoeuvre. Imagine being able to loop hold of a properly maintained low- permeates your nose like the bouquet or journalists insisted, the factory cannot build engines”, which is attributed be easily transformed from the mild- the loop in a 747. You now have an idea of mileage example are excellent because of a fine Bordeaux. As you bask in the curtly replied “sufficient”. Today, power to Enzo Ferrari, could easily have come mannered Dr Jekyll into the evil Mr Hyde how a Continental T drives. most of the 321 cars that were built opalescent glow of the engine-turned output is indiscreetly revealed in official from W O Bentley. once his welted brogue dives a little Compared with the Continental R, its between 1996 and 2003 have enjoyed a aluminium dashboard, the very name of documents. In this case, it’s 400bhp. The company’s founder categorically deeper into the lambswool rug. For the firmer suspension slightly jerks on lateral sheltered life. the car sets your imagination on fire. Sufficient, indeed. Even today you could rejected forced air induction (the ‘blower’ fraction of a second, the Bentley appears grooves, and the T doesn’t have the At a dealer in Germany, we are about to In the 1950s, streamlined Bentley challenge a train just as Woolf Barnato did materialised in the late 1920s at the to gather its forces. An invisible fist then flying carpet feel of an SZ saloon. Most test drive a 1997 car (please note, pictures coupés were called Continentals. Rich in the 1930s. But as the German Railway initiative of racing driver Sir Henry Birkin). pushes the massive car towards the of the time, its passengers revel in the of this car were not available but Gijs gentlemen would use them to escape with its notorious delays would hardly be Strictly speaking, the 6.75-litre V8, horizon as though the laws of physics abundance of unused reserves and inhale

60 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 61 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

rarest Continental T after the five Le Mans ONES YOU CAN BUY... edition cars from 2001 with body tweaks YEAR MILEAGE PRICE and special interior details. Production of 1996...... 17,500 miles...... £69,950 SZ coupés ceased in 2003. For sale at Hillier Hill From 1995 onwards, Bentley also 1997...... 96,380 kilometres...... €72,500 offered a convertible version called For sale at Brabo

the Azure. It was developed with the 1997...... 26,000 miles...... £69,995 Sports mode switch is on the gear selector, assistance of Italian coachbuilder For sale at Hilton Briggs red button next to it is the starter and replaced the long- 1998...... 61,000 miles...... £59,000 lived Continental based on the Rolls- For sale at The Chelsea Workshop Royce Corniche. The Azure remained 1998...... 26,500 miles...... £59,990 in production until 2003 and made a For sale at Nick Whale Sportscars reappearance in 2006 retaining its looks, but now based on Arnage underpinnings. 2002...... 23,000 miles...... £69,995 Private Sale Another open-air version was the rare Continental SC (79 cars in total), offered 2003...... 45,000 miles...... £64,960 For sale at Silver Lady Services between 2000 and 2002 with a lift-out Details from www.carandclassic.co.uk, September 2014 Sports seats with padded sides provide glass sunroof over the front seats and a The Continental T wheelbase is four inches shorter than that of the R, the suspension is stiffer and the kerb weight is reduced by 100kg extra support for driver and passengers fixed Perspex roof fitted to the rear. The … and oneS you YOU CAN’T next Bentley to carry the Continental 1999...... 22,000 miles...... £61,600 name was the coupé launched in 2003 by Sold by Silverstone Auctions with a twin-turbo version of 1998...... 59,000 miles...... £49,950 their 6.0 litre 12 cylinder engine. Sold by Royce Motor Services What to look for Bentley Coupés from the 1990s are no require frequent coolant changes, so this longer priced out of reach, but the risk of is also a point to be observed. Weight expensive repairs increases as they age. and grunt of the car lead to rapid wear of Full size spare is stowed in the wheel well Big bore tail pipe, skirts and flared wheel The red badge of the Continental T was The modified 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 is A potential trouble spot is replacing the brake components and tyres which are beneath the boot floor arches add to the T’s sense of purpose changed to a black background from 1998 tuned to give more than 400bhp hoses and seals of the complex brake expensive and must not be neglected. and suspension hydraulics, which is Remember: these cars were very expensive the luxury of a rolling mansion seasoned form of a prototype called Project 90 (based on the Turbo R) emerged in 1991, T, was introduced, now with 400bhp. The recommended every eight years (or every when new and, despite their depreciation, with a pinch of racing flair. (internally nicknamed Black Rat) which notably being the first Bentley for more wheelbase was reduced by four inches and 96,000km). This preventative measure, running costs are still huge. In front of the driver, ten round was unveiled at the 1985 Geneva Motor than four decades to diverge significantly it had wider wheelarches. Suspension was which some owners skip, could cost Although the high maintenance costs gauges glint from within shining bezels. Show to evaluate the acceptance of from a Rolls-Royce body style. The stiffer than on the R and the kerb weight buyers dearly. Uninterrupted maintenance deter many buyers, Bentley coupés from Despite the three-metre wheelbase, potential customers. 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 was estimated was reduced by about 100 kilograms. by a specialist is therefore of great value. the 1990s are worth being noticed by four passengers enjoy a rather intimate It gained an enthusiastic reception, so to deliver 360bhp while Crewe continued The interior featured an engine-turned It’s also good to look for a car that has collectors. The price appears to have sense of space. A herd of cattle might Crewe decided to develop it for series its policy of not supplying official figures, aluminium dashboard instead of wood been used regularly, otherwise you may bottomed out. Because of its rarity and been slaughtered to provide the leather production. Finally, the Continental R preferring to describe power output as veneer and the engine had a separate struggle with leaks in the steering rack importance to the history of the marque – even the headlining of our test vehicle “adequate” or “sufficient”. push-button starter, a feature last seen on and transmission (which is, despite the (the first formal independent Bentley is covered with hide. And the swathe of The exterior of the Continental R was a Bentley Continental in 1955. gargantuan torque, otherwise bullet- since the 1950s, the last pure-bred British aluminium that decorates the dashboard who is Martin Puthz? designed by independent consultants Ken For 1998, the coupés were updated. proof). For most vehicles, rust is not an one before VW), the Continental T is an looks enough for Audi to build an A8. Martin Puthz is a staff Greenley and John Heffernan, whereas The power of the Continental T’s engine issue. Nonetheless, there are some critical investment with excellent prospects. Although the 108-litre fuel tank runs author for Auto Bild, Crewe’s Graham Hull styled the interior. now exceeded 420bhp which made the areas to be inspected. Brightwork can dry after only 400km, and having this Germany’s leading car In 1994 and 1995 Bentley offered car capable of almost 170mph. Mulliner set up electrolysis between steel and How many left? Tyrannosaurus Rex of a luxury coupé magazine which is, with its a limited edition Continental S with versions of both the Continental R and aluminium parts, so look for corrosion serviced is a serious assault on the wallet, licensed editions, available in 36 countries. power being increased to 400bhp in T were introduced in 1999. The latter around badges and window frames. According to www.howmanyleft.co.uk there each journey is an enriching experience. The 43-year-old is an expert on British classic response to the demands of an even had modified shock absorbers and stiffer The V8 is a paramount example of were 55 Bentley Continental Ts on the road As descendants of the SZ saloon, the cars and has a long-term involvement with more performance-oriented clientele; torsion bars (front +40%, rear +20%) traditionally oversized, indestructible in the UK during the first quarter of 2014 Bentley Continental coupés of the 1990s Jaguars. He is planning to add an SZ Bentley only 39 were built. In October 1996, an which further sharpened the handling. Bentley/Rolls-Royce engineering but with a further 16 cars declared to be off the made their first public appearance in the to his small fleet of XJ saloons soon. even sportier version, called Continental With only 23 made, this is the second- it has alloy block/iron wet liners that road with a SORN.

62 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 63 One of the most beautiful creations by Hooper, the 1989 Rolls-Royce Emperor State Landaulet. It is THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT based on the Silver Spirit KCH26441. Picture: RM Auctions

Table 2: stretched SZ models delivered by the factory in Crewe © Marinus Rijkers Make Model Stretch Model Years LHD RHD Total Notes Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Limousine 36 inch 1982-1987 31 6 37 4, 5 or 6 doors Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Limousine 14 inch 1983 1 0 1 Delivered to Germany Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Limousine 42 inch 1985-1988 59 4 63 Bentley Mulsanne L Limousine 42 inch 1986-1987 2 0 2 Delivered to Morocco Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II Touring Limousine 24 inch 1992-1993 24 32 56 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur III Touring Limousine 24 inch 1994-1995 22 14 36 Bentley Touring Limousine 24 inch 1994 1 0 1 Delivered to USA Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Touring Limousine 24 inch 1996 & 1998 6 3 9 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Park Ward 24 inch 1996-1999 33 16 49 Rolls-Royce Touring Limousine 48 inch stretch 48 inch 1997-1998 2 1 3 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Division 14 inch 1997-1999 18 20 38 Bentley Brooklands LWB Division 14 inch 1997 1 1 2 Delivered to Saudi Arabia and UK Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Non Division 14 inch 1998 14 6 20 Bentley Brooklands R Division 14 inch 1998 1 0 1 Delivered to Dubai Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Armoured 14 inch 1999 1 0 1 Delivered to Arabia Bentley Mulliner Limousine 24 inch 1999 1 0 1 Delivered to USA Total 217 103 320

Table 3: production of Limousines by Robert Jankel Design in the 1980s © Marinus Rijkers Stretching out 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 Totals LHD RHD LHD RHD LHD RHD LHD RHD LHD RHD LHD RHD LHD RHD LHD RHD Total Rolls-Royce 14 inch 1 0 1 0 1 In June 2014, Marinus Rijkers immersed himself for days in The Hunt Rolls-Royce 36 inch 3 1 6 2 14 0 7 1 1 1 0 1 31 6 37 Rolls-Royce 42 inch 9 0 16 2 30 1 4 1 59 4 63 House archive, scrutinising the factory build records to produce this Bentley 42 inch 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 definitive guide to stretched limousines with exclusive production data Totals 3 1 7 2 14 0 16 1 18 3 31 2 4 1 93 10 103 4 9 14 17 21 33 5 103

n the 1980s and 90s Rolls-Royce had Spur and sent it to a coachbuilder who Many more LHD cars were built than a Bentley on seven occasions and these and a bar. Some had cloth upholstery in Japanese customer was advised to buy a a good deal of customers who didn’t stretched the car to the desired length. RHD examples, with about two-third of models are listed separately. the rear and leather in the front. 36 inch stretch because Japanese garages Ibuy a car to drive, but in which to be The ‘factory’ stretched limousines in the the stretched cars being built in a LHD During model years 1982-1988 it was In model year 1985 RJD was asked were not suitable for a longer stretch. But driven. These customers wanted a car eighties were manufactured by Robert configuration (212 out of 320). possible to order an extended version of to build a limousine with a 42 inch in later years, Japanese customers opted that was designed and manufactured for Jankel Design (often referred to as RJD, or the Silver Spur. The car would be delivered stretch. Following the 42 inch prototype for cars with a 42 inch stretch as well. them to live in the rear compartment. just ‘Jankel’). The models in the nineties Table 1: lengths of stretch with a 36 inch stretch and could be FCX12813, two examples were finished Most 42 inch limousines were provided This accommodation needed to have were lengthened by Mulliner Park Ward Stretch LHD RHD Total ordered with four, five or six doors. The with a 36 inch stretch before the 42 inch with a moonroof, an option that was not every feature and accessory that the (MPW). There were also a number of 14 inch 36 27 63 extra length was added as an additional stretch became standard. A stretch of 36 available for the 36 inch stretch. factory could deliver as standard, aftermarket stretched limousines by 24 inch 87 65 152 segment between the front and rear doors inches could still be ordered, which some In 1983 a German customer ordered usually enhanced with scores of bespoke other coachbuilders. 36 inch 31 6 37 which were not modified. Although the customers did. For example, in 1985 a a 14 inch stretch with many bespoke features. Often, the rear compartment During the model years 1980 to 1990 42 inch 61 4 65 demonstration car had six doors, few features. RJD fulfilled all his requirements, was provided with an additional bench the Phantom VI was still available as an 48 inch 2 1 3 customers ordered more than four doors The demonstration car but the car remained a one-off. or individual seats, or one or two alternative to the stretched SZ limousine. Total 217 103 320 and the six-door option was soon deleted had six doors, but few At first, Jankel needed an average of occasional seats to make it possible for However, the Phantom VI does not qualify from the marketing literature. three months to stretch a Silver Spur. the owner to share the comfort and as an SZ so it is not included in this article. Table 2 (above right) gives an overview Crewe would deliver a Silver Spur to customers ordered more Production increased from one example luxury with others. Table 1 (right) gives an overview of all of all the stretched SZ models that were Robert Jankel Design (RJD). This company a month in 1984, to two cars a month Until the introduction of the Silver the lengths of stretched SZ the factory ordered from the factory in Crewe, sorted split the Silver Spur, stretched the car than four doors and the in 1985 and 1986, and three a month Spur II Touring Limousine in 1991 sold. It can be seen that over the years five by their model year. and fitted it with extra features. All cars in 1987. Orders collapsed in 1988 and Crewe didn’t actually build a limousine stretches have been sold and that the 24 According to the price lists, stretched received an electric division with intercom six-door option was soon production came to an end after five themselves. When the factory received inch stretch accounts for almost half the cars were only offered as Rolls-Royce and most had an extra air conditioning deleted from the literature examples were built in 1988. Further an order, it manufactured a Silver examples (152 out of 320). models. However, a car was specified as unit, a television, video player, refrigerator details can be found in table 3 (above).

64 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 65 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

The one-off 1999 Silver Spur Armoured XCX80801 (pictured left and below), is a bomb and bullit proof Silver Spur Non-Division, originally for an Arabic customer. It is provided with a raised roof, Alcatara This 1985 Silver Spur Limousine FCX12910, interior, oxygen masks, run The original prototype stretched limousine version of the Silver Spirit, constructed by completed by RJD in June 1985, is the very flat tyres, a kneeling lady Robert Jankel Design. This was 36 inches longer than standard, with six passenger doors. It is last 36 inch stretched limo before the 42 mascot, and scores of other the 1982 model year car CCH06597 and was stretched in 1983 inch stretch became the standard version special features

The one-off 1983 Silver Spur limousine by Robert Jankel Design with a 14 inch The Touring Limousine, built by Mulliner, stretch, DCX08101. The car was ordered by Park Ward, has a raised roof, a small rear This is not a Silver Spur but a 1989 Silver Spirit limousine with a 47 inch aftermarket stretch. a German customer who asked for many window and a central divsion The rear door is not positioned at the back but at the middle of the compartment bespoke features to be incorporated

In model years 1989 to 1991, Crewe In 1996 the factory returned to a model In 1997 another model with a stretch were built as a special project. In 1998 the Silver Spurs fitted with a glass division; proposed to use E for stretched cars and offered no SZ limousines and those who with a central segment added between between the doors was offered. This Silver last 48 inch example was made. This car, these were not stretched and therefore did so for these two examples. However were interested in extra space in the rear the doors of the donor Silver Spur. This Spur Division had a 14 inch stretch and with four inches of extra headroom was have not been included in this article. after discussions with the various compartment were ‘condemned’ to a new Park Ward model was stretched by was a limited edition for the Middle East ordered by a customer from Morocco. The homologation authorities after the Phantom VI or an aftermarket stretch by a 24 inches and was named the Rolls-Royce and Far East markets. Customers in Hong letter V in the fifth position of its chassis Chassis numbers initial two cars the letter N could be coachbuilder of their own preference. Park Ward Limousine. It was offered as Kong and Japan accounted for 60 per cent number indicates that it is a Silver Spur In the 1980s the stretched limousines continued and was used until the end of In 1991 the factory launched a new a limited edition of around 50 cars to of the production. Park Ward Limousine. (14, 36 and 42 inch) were initially built as the 1987 model year. stretched model for model year 1992. selected customers. Almost 80 per cent In 1998 the Silver Spur Division was In the 1990s the Royal Family of Brunei a standard Silver Spur. These cars received The second exception was in model This Silver Spur II Touring Limousine was of these cars were delivered to Japan, also offered in a limited series of 20 ordered several unique models and special the same identifications in the chassis year 1988 when all Silver Spur Limousines entirely built at Crewe and was provided Kuwait, Hong Kong, the UK and the USA. examples as a Non-Division edition. editions. Some of these were stretched number as regular Silver Spurs. The letter were provided with an X in the fifth with a 24 inch stretch and the roofline The Silver Spur Non-Division was also limousines based on the SZ undercarriage that indicated the LWB edition (Silver position. In that model year it was decided was extended by two inches. The The ultimate limousine intended for customers in the Middle and with a special exterior design. Information Spur, Mulsanne LWB) was the N in the that the company had to differentiate stretch was added behind the rear doors Far East, but 50 per cent of the cars were about these cars is not generally available. fifth position of the chassis number. between all models and X was only used which forced coachbuilder MPW to offered by Crewe was delivered to the USA and the UK. Specifications of some models can be During the seven years of production, to signify that the vehicle was a 1988 modify the rear doors of the donor the Park Ward 48 inch The ultimate limousine offered by found on the internet and the most on two occasions exceptions were made model year 42 inch stretched model. Silver Spur II. Crewe was the Park Ward 48 inch accurate information can be found at in the application of chassis numbers to The Touring Limousine, the Park Ward For the 1994 model year the car was Extended Limousine. In Extended Limousine. In 1997 two examples www.rrsilverspirit.com. The Brunei special the stretched limousines. The first time and the Spur (Non) Division had separate upgraded to the Silver Spur III Touring with two inches of extra headroom were editions are not included in the tables of was in model year 1984 when the letter E number ranges and identifications. Limousine and a further nine examples 1997 two examples were built for Thailand. Both cars had the this article. was suddenly applied to the fifth position The Bentleys were numbered like the were built with the specifications of the built for Thailand letter H in the fifth position of the chassis Similarly, in the 1980s the factory also of two stretched limousines. The reason Rolls-Royces and were not considered to 1996 “New” Silver Spur. number, which indicated that these cars sold a number of standard wheelbase was the Crewe Certification Department be separate model lines. A Bentley had

66 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 67 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

1994 Silver Spur III Touring Limousine RCH80121

This 1985 Bentley was originally a Silver Spur 36 inch limousine in royal blue with magnolia hide. It was converted into a black Bentley Mulsanne LWB limo with grey interior

One-off 1999 Bentley Mulliner Limousine XCX80259 with the same specifications as In 1998 only 20 Silver Spur Non Division cars were built. WCH80720 is one of six RHD a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Park Ward models. In addition to its central stretch, the Non Division features a wonderful interior

a B in the third position of the chassis Spirit KCH26441 into a wonderful State The American coachbuilder O’Gara . Similarly, there will always number, whereas a Rolls-Royce had an A. Landaulet, extending it by 1016mm. Coach Works of Simi Valley, California be aftermarket conversions. Other properties were similar to those of These and several other stretched stretched a 1982 Silver Spur by 32 inches. Some sources have published a Rolls-Royce from the same series. Hoopers were based on Silver Spirits, A 1983 Silver Spirit was stretched in production numbers that are different not on Silver Spurs. Sydney, Australia and another 1983 from those in this article. In order to Aftermarket stretch The oldest SZ stretched limousine Silver Spirit by Royal Coach By Victor in investigate the exact years of production Many Silver Spurs and even Silver Spirits that is known to me is the 1981 Silver Anaheim, California. and the lengths of stretched limousines I were stretched by aftermarket firms Spur BCH03280 that resides in Belgium. L J Crawley (UK), Coleman Milne (UK), visited The Hunt House in June 2014 and and it’s impossible to give a complete The car is 6.6 metres long and the Coway (UK), Mulliner Park Ward (UK), researched every file relating to stretched overview of these conversions. Hearses coachbuilder is unknown. Classic International, Trasco International limos. The figures in this article are derived Page from the Park are stretched cars, so they could be (Germany), Carat Duchatelet (Belgium), from the original production files. Ward Limousine handbook considered, but this article deals with The oldest stretched SZ Robert Jankel Design (UK), DaBryan For an overview of all the factory limousines only and no other coachwork. known to me is the 1981 Coachbuilders (USA) and several more ordered stretched SZ limousines and the Many modifications to SZ cars were have stretched Silver Spirits and Spurs. generations of Rolls-Royces that followed carried out by Hooper (dealt with in Silver Spur BCH03280 For many owners, a stretched limousine please visit www.rrsilverspirit.com. the article by Andy Hurfurt, see page is the epitome of a Rolls-Royce. The Finally, if you know of a type of 52). For example, Hooper stretched the that resides in Belgium. The factory (now in Goodwood) will probably stretched limousine that has not been 1989 Silver Spirit KCX25393 to form always manufacture extended Rolls- mentioned in this summary, please an Emperor State Limousine and added car is 6.6 metres long but Royces, no matter whether they are contact me on [email protected]. 1000mm to its length. In the same the coachbuilder is unknown called Touring Limousines, stretched • With thanks to Tony Flood for his help with model year Hooper stretched the Silver limousines, Park Wards or Extended checking this data. Pictures from a Crewe brochure for the 1997 Silver Spur Touring Limousine 48 inch stretch

68 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 69 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT After Eight, it was time for a mint… Turbo RT SWB

s a child, I am told that my first who is Richard Alexander? ‘younger executive’ and had fewer, or less word was “car”, followed by The author, Sir Richard Alexander, Bt spent expensive, fittings to reduce the price – A“Bentley”, and while that is a good 17 years on the main board of the Bentley mesh grille with chrome shell, no picnic story, it may well be apocryphal. Drivers Club and was editor of the BDC tables on the back of the front seats and My father had, in the early 1950s, the magazine Review. no sheepskin overlay carpets, for example. first car I can remember, a Derby Bentley The mesh grille was a nod to the and he followed that with a MkVI, then a crash box adds to the fun. It is used vintage Bentleys, making the Eight more an S1 and finally a T2. In the meantime whenever I can, come rain or shine and appealing to those looking for a sporty he had purchased a 1929 4½ litre which, does many miles each year including, feeling, and was to become standard on in 1984, he passed to me because “I am some years ago, a few trips to Le Mans. a number of future cars. Initially I was not playing with it enough.” Maybe this On one occasion, it was interesting to looking for an S3 but at the time, they explains one of the reasons why I have overhear some American tourists who were either very expensive or would cost a had so many Bentleys. were amazed that we had driven all that great deal to bring up to standard. Like my father, I have always way rather than trailer the car. I also know I was convinced by friends that the appreciated good solid and sound that it gives pleasure to others to see Eight would be very suitable and after a engineering and found Bentleys fitted this the car out and about and, on fast roads, friend had tasted* the sump oil and found very well. Being almost over-engineered something of a surprise when I go past it to be satisfactory the car then, with and solidly built, they conveyed a sporting modern cars. Although it has spent some a few items sorted, entered my garage. image based on their racing successes time in hospital in the care of experts, the Over the years it needed very little serious of the 1920s and ‘30s. The 4½ litre has 1929 car is once again great fun to drive, work, other than replacing the head what I would call a proper engine room, even on motorways thanks to being fitted gaskets. There were some minor things in that all the workings are there to be with an overdrive. We believe the mileage which needed attention but as the car seen. They are easy to work on and can counter has gone round the clock and so was already 13 years old when I bought it, be understood, having carburettors and it now has nearly 200,000 miles under its this was hardly surprising. We did some magneto ignition, and all the drivetrain wheels. Thus I have ‘outdoor motoring’. 95,000 miles together and I became very is clear and accessible. While I am no attached to the Eight. Following 15 years and 95,000 miles together, Sir Richard Alexander mechanic, I love working on the car, Indoor motoring The car performed very well although fettling whatever needs to be done and As for ‘indoor motoring’, in 1998 I was the specified Avon tyres soon showed and his much loved Bentley Eight parted company in 2013. A new this satisfies my latent mechanical side able to purchase my first ‘modern’ Bentley up weaknesses, mainly that they did and gives great pleasure when it all works. and found a very good 1985 Eight at not last very long and I also found the companion soon followed and this Turbo RT SWB, one of only two in The vintage is a joy to drive and changing P&A Wood in Essex. The Eight was first suggested pressures too low which, I was gear, either up or down silently with produced in 1984 (1,734 made) for the told, was for comfort, not ‘driving’. I was the world, has joined his 1929 vintage Bentley 4½-litre in the garage

70 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 71 THE SPIRIT THE SPIRIT

recommended to fit Goodyear Eagles and RT BY NUMBERS to increase the tyre pressures; an extra 1998 model year of introduction 6lbs in the front and 4lbs in the rear much 148,990 list price in £ in 1997 (LWB) improved the roadholding and cornering. 250 LWB examples built When I sold the car, these tyres had done 2 SWB examples built more than 20,000 miles with plenty of 400 brake horse power remaining tread (pity they don’t make 590 lb/ft torque at 2,100rpm them anymore). 150 Maximum speed in mph* I found the acceleration more than 5.8 seconds 0-60mph* adequate for a car of this weight even 4500 red line on rev counter though it had a three-speed box. The 11 mpg urban cycle* cabin was very good, too, although two 21.2 mpg extra urban cycle* things struck me – there was no Bentley 15.9 mpg combined cycle* motif anywhere to be seen and no 3.5 gallons – low fuel warning tachometer. Maybe they were omitted in 120 watts RMS audio output* order to keep the price down; I did change 6 CD autochanger the steering wheel for a leather one, which 10 speakers in the cabin had a ‘B’ motif, as I found the original with 7 dials on the dashboard its hard plastic rim somewhat slippery – Time to go: a Turbo RT SWB replaces the old Bentley Eight in Richard Alexander’s garage Engine is closely related to Jack Phillips’ 1959 design but most of the components are covered * manufacturer’s figures another price reducer? While the powered seats could be set I saw a Turbo RT SWB with reasonable body which make it different from that fell in love with it there and then, but it speeds and changes are imperceptible. car and I know I will still be enjoying it to any position, memory had not yet mileage and went to have a look. of the Eight. certainly grabbed my attention such that, It adapts very well to the style of driving many years hence. arrived but the climate control was very Built in 1997, this is one of only two The car is based on the Turbo R and after a few days of thinking and talking – I have never yet had to engage Sport The car recently spent a couple of good and comfortable. SWBs and the only one with RHD. There uses the Continental T powertrain which about it, I decided it was to be mine. because the power delivery is instant. In weeks at P&A Wood for a full service and Most of us like to look in the engine were 250 long wheelbase Turbo RTs gives 400bhp and 590lb ft at 2100rpm. fact, the whole car gives you a feeling of examination during which a number of room from time to time and the Eight built, although they were never officially The SWB version does have a couple of Living with the RT well-being because you know it will deal major and minor faults and problems were did not disappoint. Because it had called ‘LWB’ because it was the standard advantages over the LWB, one being that I have now had the Turbo RT SWB for with any situation – the traction control found. The main issue was that the front conventional aspiration and ignition it production car. The two SWB examples it is about 4 inches shorter and therefore 16 months and I am enjoying it very has activated a couple of times, but springs had gone soft lowering the car could be understood. On good clear runs were, apparently, special orders. has less weight. There are many other much indeed. If you want a comfortable that was because the car was on a loose by some 1.5 inches (not that uncommon, along the motorway with cruise control At first glance, I saw no significant benefits over the Eight brought about by cruising car, you have it; if you want to surface – honest! The active ride allows apparently). Although the car was running set, 22mpg was about the average return. differences between the RT and the Eight; having an extra 12 to 14 years of further ‘drive’ the car (which I do) you can, so you corners to be taken without drama and well, I never realised that many of the I always felt on arrival at my destination, it is, I believe, the same chassis and body. development, never mind the turbo. have the best of both worlds. The cabin inspires confidence. And, while the car has items they listed needed attention. It whether the journey had been 20 miles or On closer inspection, there are a So, a test drive. I first noticed that is everything you would expect from a all that extra power, I have found no real says something that only the true experts more than 100, as though I had not really number of noticeable changes. At the steering was slightly heavier but it Bentley and considerably up-graded from difference in fuel consumption – as long as would find these but thank goodness they driven at all, but been wafted. the front, these include two separate suited the car. Driving in traffic was very the Eight, including memory seats and a you behave yourself; a good 20+mpg can did. It pays to get a specialist to give your headlights as opposed to two units comfortable and it was easy to place the tachometer. One gauge which is missing, be expected on a clear run. car an in-depth health check every-so- Time for change under a single cover and larger air dams; car, but then it has the same dimensions and I can’t work out why, is for the outside One slight downside is that there are often. I do like my cars to be ‘right’. The In 2013, after 15 years of ownership, and the radiator has the same mesh grille as the Eight. Out on the open road I put temperature – although a warning light covers everywhere under the bonnet so Turbo RT should now see out my driving although the Eight was still in very good as the Eight and also the shell on mine my foot down and it was backs pushed comes on at below 3° centigrade; I found you can’t see much of the engine. While I career and hopefully be able to be passed condition, it became obvious that I was is chromed (which I prefer) rather than into the seat and watch the speedometer the outside temperature reading very enjoyed driving the Eight very much, the on, like the vintage, to my sons. spending a lot of money, mainly on the painted. There are further ‘tweeks’ to the very carefully as you quickly hit the useful in the Eight. The gearbox has four Turbo RT is better. It is more of a driver’s What impresses me most is when bodywork and mechanical parts were legal limit (0-30mph takes two seconds; you consider that, although the V8 is beginning to need replacement. For a, I can’t say I fell in love with 0-60mph comes up in just over six BENTLEY DRIVERS CLUB basically the same as in my 1985 Eight, it by-then, 188,000-mile car, this was to seconds under most conditions). I have is based on the engine designed by Jack be expected – although I am told that it there and then but the car driven a number of modern Bentleys, I have been a member of the Bentley Drivers Club for 30 years and have appreciated all that Phillips in 1959. It has been progressively some Eights have nearly 300,000 miles including GTs and a Mulsanne, but this it offers. It has been called a club for friends with a common interest and this it is, and more. up-graded over the years and is the oldest on the clock and have never needed any grabbed my attention and was impressive, very impressive. Wow, The activities and services offer a full range to suit all tastes, ranging from racing, vintage, engine design in the world still being serious work. But my heart ruled my head this car can Move! Whilst the power it Derby and all post-war cars, through to social events such as Noggin & Natters, to visits manufactured. and I found it difficult to contemplate a after a few days I decided develops is spectacular, the torque is to many interesting places, to concours and some exceptional rallies around the world, * I do mean “tasted” and not “tested”. If replacement. However, while browsing the Turbo RT was to be mine amazing. This is definitely a ‘driver’s’ car together with excellent spares schemes for all eras. If you own a Bentley and are not already the oil is sweet, keep looking but if it is sour, through some reputable dealer websites, far more so than the Eight. I can’t say I a member, please have a look at www.bdcl.org walk away.

72 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 73 THE SPIRIT

Proud to be 1 These SZ Register members’ cars cars belong to: 1 Jan Logjes 2 Edward Jolley 3 John Lee 4 John Snook a sponsor of 5 Edwin Carver 6 Ignacio Najarro 7 Andrew Payne 2 8 Philip Groves 9 John Dunn The Spirit 10 Charles Vyse 11 Doug Ryder Please continue to send us your pictures for possible inclusion in the next issue of The Spirit

5

4

3

6

7

8

An exclusive, influential club for the remainder of your CHARNLEY child’s life PUBLISHINGAdvertisements • leaflets • Brochures • great copy writing, the Grown in Issue 1 • 2014-2015 2014 Summer 33 Issue

OM professional groups deliver Magazines • Newsletters • Business invaluable britain networking 9 Our Society opportunities 10 creative design and faultless service at an amazing price. just ask any of our clients!looks forward

to welcoming

cc N he T every model of voice official The your child into

OMS CHRONICLE 2015 THE SpiriT Official magazine of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’covered Club SZ Register its ranks Production data and More than specifications 13,000 members in the UK and in over 130 cars, owners, countries CHRONICLE 2015 events and experiences If it’s SZ, then it’s in here Visit www.omsociety.com 11 to read in more detail about the various opportunities that A big thank you the Society offers DUcE 23 britiSH FrESH pro 20 Top dealers 14 Whale HQ UK and YoUr GUiDE to Working on the move beyond News from In Europe Special the Forum to everybody who Collectors’ Edition Page 10 onwards

£7.50 where sold for all owners and enthusiasts of 1980s SPRING 2014 rolls-royce and bentley cars The ill 80th and 1990s IEw has already joined INtERv Senior School Magazine kER windM • tuC Anniversary S CLubS SpORt IStS’ CORNER • s 206w September 2014 ORy • aRCHIv e EditionS dIRECt N NEw C INSIDE: HD

The technical journal for horticulture No. The SpecialiST

agenT for ing the SZ Register and sent us pictures of their Studentshipudentship 30 The Windmill - Spring 2013 inTereST Sspecialt TieS special issue proper issue in SomerSeT Experts in the We have the best selection of properties within a wide area surrounding Millfield in the price ranges from £500,000 to several million. making p13 We also sell a good many properties which do not reach the open market. Likewise our We Sell and renTieTS lettings department covers the same area and deals with cottages to country houses. many proper

As a past parent (pre-prep to 6th form) I fully understand the importance of finding the diScreeTly Which T reach The right property to suit all your needs. For example, proximity for pick-ups and drop-offs, do no convenience for travel needs, social life, re-sale/letting prospects, etc. YEOVIL YOUTH THEATRE open markeT We are also happy to value or survey any property we are not dealing with and indeed to assist in a search for a suitable property. W your beautiful cars. Here is just a small selection Integrated answers leT uS kno presents a youth group production PhD research For further information contact me personally on [email protected] or any of requiremenTS by arrangement with our offices below. that delivers to vine weevil BTEC for growers p14 iCAl Roderick Thomas

Cheddar Gorge LTD RUG 1981 © A prACT

the really useful group ltd Research shows how effective Chartered Surveyor TM ivE biological controls can be against the larvae p26 AlTErnAT 1. Priory Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 1SR  01749 670079 www.roderickthomas.co.uk Cut Flower Centre 2. King Alfred Mews, Church Street, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4AB  01934 710220 Cheddar AT 3. Pithers Yard, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7AN  01963 351958 takes fresh look ninE [email protected] Studentship at alstroemeria p28 MillfiEld To lAunCh changed CounTdown Fit my career p21 The Only Cheddar 14 The Windmill - Spring 2013 for TEnT iAAndl wEllBEing made in Cheddar dEvEloping sporT Ting poiTuTE of the MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER spor ld insT BASED ON ‘OLD POSSUM’S BOOK OF PRACTICAL CATS’ BY T.S. ELIOT HDC panel w MillfiE future Crop pathology ThE nE elections: your fellowship p22 chance to A research strategy strategy to to drive technical innovation If tomato drive technical innovation representsector your p5 in horticulturehorticulture 2013-2018 wilt comes calling p24 Proud to be the octagon theatre, yeovil 14-17 november 2012 Members’ Gallery www.yeovilyouththeatre.org.uk a sponsor of 01749 831416 award Winning Cheddarruly authentic cheddar;– Keeping hand made the in the Tradition alive ☎ T village of Cheddar using unpasteurised milk and besT Cheddar in shOW matured slowly in traditionalHDC, Thecheesecloth. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board World Cheese Awards 2008 Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL Three regal looking number plates for sale – all on retention and available immediately Tel: 024 7669 2051 | Email: [email protected] Matured in our own stores and the Cheddar Caves. GOld www.hdc.org.uk The Spirit Cheddar made in Cheddar World Cheese Awards 2008 The Only GOld www.cheddargorgecheeseco.co.uk EII HRH £5000 EIIR HM £3000 EI0 HRH £750 or £7000 for all three. Please call Paul on 07557 850 977 British Cheese Awards 2009 www.charnleypublishing.co.uk The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3QA Tel: 01934 742810

74 Issue 1• 2014-2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROLLS-ROYCE ENTHUSIASTS’ CLUB SZ REGISTER 2014-2015 • Issue 1 75