With a new styling particularly appealing to the younger generation of owners more prevalent from the 1960s onward Rolls-Royce unveiled new models in 1980. These were designed to meet the increasingly strict safety, emissions and consumption legislation proliferating internationally. Austrian born Fritz Feller now heading the styling department had been responsible for the elegant coachwork with uncluttered lines and significantly enlarged window areas. Developed on the floorpan of the Silver Shadow the new cars showed a considerably improved ride and roadholding not at least due to the new Girling automatic height control in combination with gas shock absorbers. As expected the cars were luxuriously appointed with sumptuous leather seats and deep pile carpets giving the utmost comfort and a veneer covered fascia retaining a traditional appearance. In addition to long wheelbase versions limousines became available with extended passenger compartments

Rolls-Royce Silver Spur, 1988, #SCAZN00A8 JCH23283. Stainless steel wheeltrims to a new design distinguished the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur from model year 1986 onward.

Technical Data:
8 cylinder 90 degree V-configuration, aluminium-silicon alloy cylinder block with cast iron wet cylinder liners; bore x stroke 104.14 x 99.06 mm (4.1 x 3.9 in), capacity 6,750 cc, aluminium alloy cylinder heads; 2 SU-carburetors (Bosch fuel injection on export models for North America and Japan, from 1986 Bosch fuel injection standard on all cars); 3-speed automatic gearbox; hypoid bevel final drive; independent suspension with coil springs front and rear, hydraulic self-levelling height control rear; ventilated disc brakes front, plain discs rear (from 1986 anti-locking brakes for Europe and Middle East); wheelbase 3,061 mm (120.,5 in), Rolls-Royce Silver Spur 3,161 mm (124.5 in); tyres 235/70HR x 15

The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit appeared both wider and lower than its predecessor, although the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II's basic floorpan had been utilised for the new model.