13th Mar, 2024 13:00

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

 
Lot 50
 

2002 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Last of Line
1 of just 42 to RHD specification

Sold for £51,750

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

Registration No: PG51 FSV
Chassis No: SCALA62E21CH06578
MOT: February 2025

  • One of the last of the Crewe-built Rolls-Royces
  • The first right-hand drive Silver Seraph Last of Line ever built
  • One of only 42 right-hand drive examples out of a total production of 170
  • Just c.14,500 miles from new
  • Complete with full book pack and photo album of the build process

An undisputedly fine motorcar, the Graham Hull-penned Silver Seraph marked Rolls-Royce's intention to reclaim its reputation as producer of `the best car in the world'. Following a long gestation period that dated back to the late '80s, the model was actually only made for four years - 1998 to 2002 - as a result of which just 1,570 examples ultimately vacated the factory in Crewe, making it a relatively rare breed. The company claimed the monocoque chassis to be 65 percent stiffer than that of the Silver Spirit it replaced. Power came from a BMW-derived all-alloy V12 engine of 5.4-litres, making it the first 12-cylinder car to transport the Silver Lady since the mighty Phantom III of 1939. The Seraph shared its platform, bodyshell and much else with the Bentley Arnage of the period. But while the twin-turbo V8-powered and more stiffly-suspended Arnage was aimed at the enthusiast driver, the Seraph was all about comfort and luxury. With Rolls-Royce production at Crewe drawing to a close following the take-over of the factory and the Bentley brand by Volkswagen and the Rolls-Royce brand by BMW, a final series of ‘Last of Line’ Rolls-Royces was introduced. Usually finished in two-tone paintwork and fitted with red Rolls-Royce badges on the grille, boot lid and rear quarter panels together with unique badges on the lower front wings and a special commemorative plaque on the centre console, these cars truly mark the end of an era in Rolls-Royce history.

One of only 46 right-hand drive cars out of a total production of just 170 Last of Line Silver Seraphs, #06578 was built to special order for a Mr J. Watkins. Finished in the strikingly stylish combination of Silver Storm over Silver Tempest with twin fine coachlines in Signal Red to match the Red Rolls-Royce badges. The interior is trimmed in the finest Portland and Stratos Connolly hides (just before Connolly’s went out of business in 2002) with contrasting Granite Wilton carpets. As a final flourish to Rolls-Royce’s finest woodworking skills, the interior is tastefully appointed in Rosewood Burr and Cabinet Cherry veneers with Spirit of Ecstasy motifs. To further emphasize the luxurious character of the Silver Seraph, a pair of embroidered Connolly leather cushions are provided, as is an electric sunroof, with a pair of RR-monogrammed umbrellas fitted in the boot. Having covered less than 15,500 miles since new with a comprehensive service history, this exceptional and historically significant Silver Seraph comes with a fresh service and MOT, a full owner’s book pack and a magnificent photo album detailing the build stages at the Crewe factory. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a low-mileage example of one of the last true Rolls-Royces in outstanding condition with all the original documentation still present.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904

 

Auction: Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 13th Mar, 2024

An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held at the iconic and visually stunning Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Venue Details 

To enquire about entering your classic or performance car into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click here: Enter Your Classic Motorcar 

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Wed 13th March from 9am

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