1984 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur I
A 1984 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur arriving at and leaving South OC Cars and Coffee at the Outlets at San Clemente. The Silver Spur was the long-wheelbase version of the Silver Spirit and both models were powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine. This example is one of 6,238 Mark I Silver Spurs built between 1980 and 1989.
Leave it to this crazy car spotter to stand in the midst of numerous loud, expensive, flashy supercars and choose to point my camera at a boring old sedan that's worth about as much as a new Civic. Having been to hundreds of car meets, I've learned to focus not on the cars that naturally scream for attention, but rather on the ones that are much harder to catch. Yes, there was a time when these boxy Rolls-Royces were a regular sight in affluent areas. But that was before I had a camera. Sure, you can still find plenty of Silver Spurs today... but only if you stop by a specialized mechanic's shop where they often sit lifelessly waiting for someone to fork up absurd amounts of money to get them back on the road. And that's exactly why I'm so naturally drawn to this well-running example.
In glaring contrast to their predecessors, the Silver Spirit and Silver Spur were about as boxy as sedans could get. Some now consider it dated while others think it's old-school classy. I wouldn't choose one of these over a Silver Cloud, but I think the huge upright grille and unmistakable Spirit of Ecstasy actually pair quite well with this design, especially with the Spur's longer rear doors. Unfortunately, high maintenance costs, high depreciation, and the lack of mainstream curb appeal can make owning one of these cars today seem rather unrewarding. But maybe someday these cars will be considered desirable classics, and maybe more collectors will then invest in restoring them to their former glory. Until then, they will remain a rare sight, an '80s old-money status symbol, and a pleasant surprise to crazy people like me.
On a side note, can that red behind it park any closer!?
Do you think Rolls-Royces of this era will become future classics? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!