1998→2002 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

Built at Crewe alongside Bentley production, the Silver Seraph was unique since it used the 5.4-liter BMW V12 engine. Unfortunately, other than the radiator grille, badges and wheels it was outwardly identical to the Bentley Arnage. When Rolls-Royce was eventually sold to BMW in 2002 these models finally parted ways.

At the time these cars were one of the most expensive of their time. The Silver Seraph was completely hand-built in Crewe and intended primarily as a limousine. For example no tachometer was fitted and the gear selector was column-mounted. The rear passengers were treated to Connolly Leather and burl walnut veneers.

Powering the Silver Seraph was the aluminum alloy BMW V12 from the BMW 8-series line. This produced an ample 300 bhp for the very heavy 5181 lbs bulk. Due to the size of this car, it was slower than the Bentley Arnage with its twin turbo V8.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1998 – 2002
released at	1998 Geneva Motor Show
built at	Crewe, England
production	1570
price $	$ 219,900
price £/td>	£155,175
succeccesor	2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom
engine	V12
valvetrain	SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement	5379 cc / 328.2 in³
bore	85 mm / 3.35 in
stroke	79 mm / 3.11 in
compression	10:1
power	240.1 kw / 322.0 bhp @ 5000 rpm
specific output	59.86 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	137.02 bhp per tonne
torque	490 nm / 361.4 ft lbs @ 3900 rpm
driven wheels	Front Engine / RWD
front tires	235/65R16
rear tires	235/65R16
front brakes	Vented Discs w/Power Assist & ABS
front wheels	F 40.6 x 17.8 cm / 16.0 x 7.0 in
rear wheels	R 40.6 x 17.8 cm / 16.0 x 7.0 in
steering	Speed Sensitive Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
curb weight	2350 kg / 5181 lbs
wheelbase	3116 mm / 122.7 in
front track	1608 mm / 63.3 in
rear track	1608 mm / 63.3 in
length	5390 mm / 212.2 in
width	2125 mm / 83.7 in
height	1515 mm / 59.6 in
transmission	ZF 5HP30 5-Speed Auto
gear ratios	3.55:1, 2.24:1, 1.54:1, 1.00:1, 0.79:1
final drive	2.93:1
top speed	~225.3 kph / 140.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~7.1 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~17.8 seconds

Auction Sales History

Last of line only 180 built in Crewe factory in England. Black Sapphire exterior with Oatmeal hide interior. Finest Connoly leather upholstery piped in Dark Blue. Wilton carpeting, lamb wool rugs and foot rests. Mahogany interior with burlwood accents. Fully veneered picnic tables and telephones in armrest. Power reclining seats front and rear. Dual climate control and 6 disc CD player Alpine System. Aluminum 5.4L V12 engine 322 HP 5800 RPM 361 LB/FF @ 3900 automatic 5-speed transmission. Automatic ride and headlight leveling. RR embroidered cushions. Factory wheels with spirit of ecstasy symbol. Original White glove spare replacement kit that was never used. Power locks, power seats, power windows, mirrors, power sunroof, power brakes. Very rare automobile, a future collectible.

Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum